HAIR LOSS & EXTENSIONS

ARE THEY FRIENDS OR FOES?

BY DANIELLE KEASLING

MILLIONS OF MEN AND WOMAN SUFFER FROM HAIR LOSS DUE TO MANY FACTORS INCLUDING GENETICS, STRESS, HORMONES, AND MOST RECENTLY POST-COVID SYMPTOMS. I AM HERE TO DEBUNK THE MYTH THAT HAIR EXTENSIONS ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO HAIR LOSS AND QUITE OPPOSITELY, CAN AID IN MAKING HAIR ACTUALLY GROW! WITH OVER 18 YEARS AS A CERTIFIED HAIR EXTENSION EXPERT, I AM HERE TO LET YOU KNOW THE IN’S-AND-OUT’S OF HAIR EXTENSIONS WHEN IT COMES TO HAIR LOSS AND HAIR HEALTH.

Let’s talk hair loss and hair extensions — are they friends or foes?

Friends! Hair extensions have the ability to transform your entire look, whether that’s with a long hair makeover, a volumizing and densifying service, or a chemical-free color application (think balayage without the bleach!) With so many benefits that hair extensions have, it’s hard to believe they can get a bad rapport. Unfortunately, due to improper education and non-certified hairstylists offering these high-end services, the reality can be true. Hair extensions can be a culprit to thinning hair mostly due to improper application. It’s really a shame when I hear people just assume it’s the extensions themselves wreaking havoc on hair when in fact, it has mostly to do with the

Is it a myth that hair extensions can cause hair loss?

Not exactly! They most definitely can cause hair loss when improperly installed! I see it all the time and so do many of us when we are looking at those beautiful long locks on Instagram but fail to notice the extremes redness of the scalp! Take a close look when swiping through social, if the scalp shows any signs of redness; RED FLAG! That is tension on the hair and improper application that can increase the risk of hair loss. The scalp should never be red or sore after an application. If it is, its most likely a sign that the tension is too tight and the hair is being pulled. Another issue that I see is poor hair quality. Poor hair quality can lead to tangling which can then lead to matting, therefore putting unnecessary stress and tension on the scalp. 

How can extensions help clients who are suffering from hair loss?

I would highly recommend a proper strand by strand application as it can be customized to be seamless and undetectable. I would also recommend not waiting too long in between applications. If your client has delicate hair and suffers from breakage, keep their applications at a three-month maximum. This way you don’t risk any unnecessary matting from hair that has shedded, but is trapped in the bond itself.

What advice can you give clients to ensure their extensions don’t cause damage?

Do what you’re supposed to do and trust the professionals. Hair extensions are a big investment and should be treated as such. You don’t put regular gas in a G Wagon! You need to properly care for your investment and follow the recommendations. Proper brushing is also a huge practice that helps prevent any matting that could potentially cause breakage over time. And lastly; as we always say, hair is the crown you never take off, wear it loud and proud. It’s yours, you bought it!

Are extensions just for length?

Hair extensions are not just for length! Over fifty percent of my extension cliental wears hair extensions to bulk up their existing length and to add more volume. Think about the majority of clients that want that slightly angled bob, you can use extensions to create more density in that perimeter and really enhance that corner with bulk and boldness. Also, I use hair extensions a great deal for color enhancements. Everyone has clients that would love to rock a bombshell balayage, but is afraid of bleach. Also, think of those clients with level two and three bases that bring in those platinum blonde balayage pics and want that look yesterday! Now you have an answer and it’s literally one of my FAVORITE color options from Great Lengths! The rooted 1B melted into 59. It’s platinum perfection for dark bases and you don’t have to worry that it’s going to get brassy after a few shampoos! It’s the best answer to one of the most challenging blonding services in the salon!

For clients who have experienced chemical damage and hair loss, how can extensions remedy this? Bleach free haircolor is a huge highlight (no pun intended) when it comes to using hair extensions! You can be as blonde as you want without the damage and also the added benefit of your blonde not oxidizing is cause enough to entertain this option with many clients. I also prefer using hair extensions when clients want fashion colors. You skip the lightening portion of the service as well as confident that their fashion tones are not going to wash out or fade to an undesirable tone.

Does the quality matter?

Yes, the quality of hair is important to avoid tangling and matting. Make sure when you’re choosing to work with an extension company that you know what their quality guarantees are as well where the hair is sourced (what kind of hair you’re purchasing) and what the chemical process is to depigmentize and re-color it. A lot of hair is unfortunately sourced unethically so if that matters to you, ask ALL of the questions Make sure the hair extensions have not been stripped of color and treated with loads of silicone, because after it’s washed a dozen times, it could turn into a nightmare of tangles! This all factors into how long the hair will last for your guest. Great Lengths is always a safe, ethical and high-quality choice. Factor in all of this: If you have to replace the hair often, you may be better off going with a higher quality. The cost upfront will be more, but you’ll pay less over time.

If hair extensions are not the right option for your client, what other options can you provide?

If your guest is severely thinning and open to a wig, it may be an option in extreme cases where it’s hard to camouflage the attachment site of a hair extension. Hair toppers are also great for thinning on the top and close to a part line and some can be integrated within the client’s hair (you pull your clients hair though them) creating a virtually impossible detection of the topper. I also love using toppers in conjunction with hair extensions when working with clients who need lots of hair on top but don’t feel comfortable wearing wigs or want to feel lighter and cooler. The topper allows coverage through the part and recession areas while the hair extensions bulk up the hair below the occipital bone. In conclusion, hair extensions can be a game changer for any and all clients. Whether it’s used as a protective method to the client’s thinning hair, a new and fun way to experiment with color or a drop-dead drool-worthy do, extensions can be a solution for many problems and your current cliental is a great place to start incorporating some of these ideas with. •