Save Your Hair Hair extensions can help your hair

By Bernard Ory, Owner, On Stage Hair Hair Extensions and The Profitable Stylist, Slidell, Louisiana

Hair extensions have become increasingly popular in recent years, but many people still have concerns about the potential damage they can cause to natural hair. However, when done correctly, hair extensions can actually be a great way to add volume, length, and style to a person's hair without causing any harm.

In my opinion, there are three major categories to ensure a great head of hair extensions.

Use High-Quality Hair

One of the most important things to keep in mind when getting hair extensions is to use high-quality hair. Cheap, low-quality extensions can be rough, dry, and difficult to manage, which can lead to tangling, breakage, and damage to your natural hair. Using high-quality hair extensions is the first step towards having long, healthy hair over time.

Proper Maintenance

Another key factor in preventing damage from hair extensions is proper maintenance. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your stylist, such as not sleeping on wet hair, de-tangling daily, and being gentle when styling your hair. This can help to minimize the amount of stress and tension on your natural hair, reducing the risk of breakage or damage.

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Proper Application Techniques

The stylist's technique is also crucial. They should use enough hair to support the weight of the extensions and place them at the correct, natural fall angle. This way, there will be no unnecessary tension on the natural hair, which can cause damage or breakage.

In addition to these tips, it's also important to choose the right type of hair extension method for your hair. For example, tape-in extensions are a low-cost option, that go in quickly, but are rarely attached to enough hair to be healthy for most people. Then the sticky mess during removal is a recipe for tangles and knotting.

Fusion extensions, also known as K-Tips these days, like SHE Hair and Great Lengths, on the other hand, can be more permanent and less damaging if applied and removed correctly. The big challenge is keeping the stylist and the client patient during the removal process. That’s usually where most of the damage happens. The second biggest reason for damage with K-Tips is the client waiting too long for the redo.

A stylist's favorite these days is anything with beads. Beaded strands, beaded wefts, beads with I-Tips, and the hand-tied wefts sewn in with beads, needle and string. All are great options. It just depends on the skill and experience of the person using the technique.

It's also essential to have your extensions professionally installed and maintained by a trained stylist, who can ensure that the extensions are not too tight and that the hair is not being pulled or tugged. Regular maintenance appointments are also important to keep the extensions clean, remove tangles, and adjust the tension as needed. You should also make sure to use the appropriate hair care products. Avoid harsh shampoos and conditioners, as well as high-heat styling tools, which can dry out the extensions and cause damage. Instead, use sulfate-free, moisturizing products and let your hair air dry naturally, or use a diffuser as much as possible, but don’t sleep with wet hair. So cleanse early in the day if going natural.

Hair extensions can be a great way to enhance hair, but it's important to be mindful of the potential damage they can cause. By taking steps to use high-quality hair, maintain your client's extensions properly, choose the right technique, and use the appropriate hair care products, you can ensure that natural hair remains healthy and strong while enjoying the benefits of extensions. The added hair can actually be more beneficial by adding a buffer or shield from the sun, wind, and heated styling tools.

It’s also important to not leave the extensions in for too long. The general rule is to have them removed and reapplied every six-12 weeks, depending on the technique and recommendation of your stylist. This prevents the extensions from pulling on the natural hair for too long and causing damage after some of the support hairs have naturally shed, and they are supported by less hair in each section.

It's important to note that not all hair types and densities are suitable for extensions. People with fine, thin, or damaged hair should avoid longer wear times and sometimes should not have them at all. It is always best to consult with a professional stylist before deciding to get extensions. Encouraging clients to talk to each other about their experiences can be helpful and reassuring.

Hair extensions can be a great way to enhance your hair, but it's important to be mindful of the potential damage they can cause. By using high-quality hair, maintaining your extensions properly, choosing the right technique, and using the appropriate hair care products, you can ensure that a client's natural hair remains healthy and strong while they enjoy the benefits of extensions.

I am constantly answering questions about hair extensions and all things hair and hair business related on multiple platforms. Go there and ask me anything! I love this conversation!

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