This is a term that seems to pop up occasionally and in the last 10 years has been used more frequently in the same sentence as hair extensions. Traction Alopecia is gradual hair loss which mainly occurs due to a pulling force on the hair. The end result can be very distressing for a sufferer of traction alopecia with either thinned hair or bald patches.
Do Hair Extensions Cause Traction Alopecia?
In the past, a common cause of traction alopecia was braids, pony tails and pigtails that were very tight. In recent times hair extensions have also been known to be a cause. In my experience, hair extensions very rarely cause severe hair loss, just very mild thinning.
Some clients I have dealt with have found that extension techniques that involve weaving extensions into the natural hair caused more serious traction alopecia. This is because the weaving techniques put a lot of strain on your hair. I have never used these techniques so can’t personally comment. I should point out, as with many techniques, if the extension technician is inexperienced then the alopecia can be much more severe.
As with any clients I deal with, my advice to women with weak hair is to avoid hair extensions unless they absolutely have to have them. If you can pull on your hair lightly and it come out or beaks then the constant weight of extensions could cause damage. One option for women with easily damaged hair is to purchase clip on hair extensions and try them out for a few weeks. Take the extensions out each night and have a good look at whether the weight of the additional hair is causing damage. If you see hair loss, then I recommend to stay away from extensions.
Hair extensions are a wonderful way to add length and volume and really improve a woman’s confidence. We have all heard of a horror story related to hair extensions and unfortunately the occasional one is true. However, from my experience with hair extensions, these horror stories are VERY uncommon. The majority of women are suited to extensions and have a wonderful experience with them. My belief is that if you are thinking about extensions but are worried by all the stories, go and speak to an experienced extension technician and see what they have to say. Alternatively, as I suggested above, try out some clip on hair extensions to see how your natural hair copes.
Tags: bad hair extensions
This gives me lot more confidence for how to prevent hair loss.
I went to a well known and reputable hairdresser ( who has won world champion awards) for hair extensions. Although my shoulder length hair is fine, there is a lot of it with a natural curl. It was often the first thing people commented upon – how lovely my hair was… I decided I wanted length as I couldn’t grow it past my shoulders. It cost me a small fortune.
I had a brief assessment and the hairdresser reinforced that hair extensions would suit my hair and scalp perfectly. Within 3 weeks they started to fall out and I also noticed, I actually had very little of my remaining hair underneath! I was devastated. I revisited the hairdresser, who was unconcerned and reapplied more extensions. Eventually after 12 weeks they all ell out despite me caring for them with ‘kid gloves’. To my horror, I was not only bald in a few places, but my lovely hair had thinned beyond recognition. The remaining hair was frizzy and thin and it looked awful. The hairdresser again was unperturbed despite my distress and denied that this was due to the extensions. He accused me of getting stressed and hence that is why my hair looked a mess.
It took me years for it to grow back properly and the curl has never really come back. I tried lots of things to nurture the re-growth; trichologists, Minoxidil, special diets etc. Eventually it was time that was the healing factor and regular hair cuts. Whenever I met someone I hadn’t seen for a while, people would ask if I had been ill/ had chemotherapy/ or ” what has happened to you”? My self esteem took a dive.
The moral of the story is that even the most reputable hairdressers are unscrupulous. I now know I should NEVER have had hair extensions due to the fragility of my hair. I would never want another woman to experience what I went through. Think very carefully before embarking on extensions and seek the advice of a proper trichologist.
Sorry to hear your bad experience Miranda. The thing with hair extensions is that they are a relatively new concept to hairdressers. Reputable hair dressers are great for styling hair, colouring hair and recommending hair care products (among other things). But many hairdressers simply don’t have the training and experience with hair extensions. They rely on their reputation as a quality hairdresser and as you found out, don’t like to be confronted by a disappointed/angry customer. A bit of ego comes into it I think.
I’d really be interested to know what method of hair extension you had added?
And how long ago since you had your extensions added. Although there are others like you that have had this nightmare, I think the number of these cases has reduced in recent years as hair extension methods are refined and improved. For example, cold fusion means hot glue isn’t needed which has been known to damage your natural hair. Also, new linings on the inside of micro rings aren’t as harsh on the natural hair and reduce breakage significantly.
I’ve haid hair extensions for about 7 years now. For the first 3 years I did the weft in type about 4 years ago my hair dresser started doing the micro ring I get them redone with new hair every two months because I like them to always feel sleek and if they clip falls to much i notice my hair tanlgles in the ring. Everytime we take them out I notice about two handfuls of my own hair and she tells me thats because my natural hair that I lose each day remains in the clip and not to worry. My natural hair is now very thin and it looks very fine and almost like pubic hair and it has not grown past my sholders in this whole time. I have naturally thin fine blonde hair but it seems to be disappearing and each time I need more hair to get the same fullness. When I first started with micro links I only needed about 100 peices now I need 150 pieces to get the same fullness. I’m too the point I can’t go without the extensions because I only have good hair on the top of my head I can see and feel the difference in the quality of my top hair and the hair that is underneath. It feel like baby hair just fine thin and frizzy. I need to know what I should do to help nourish my own hair while have sometype of extensions to get me through as I do not look good with short hair. I feel like I can’t go without but I feel if I don’t do something now I will have no hair left. Please help
Hi Nicole, that really sounds terrible and it is quite disturbing that your hairdresser continues to put the extensions in for you whan they are clearly damaging your hair. I strongly recommend you see a trichologist who specialise in hair issues like yours. I also strongly recommend you stop using hair extensions until your hair has recovered. If you can’t or don’t want to see a trichologist (or doctor) then consider using a premium quality shampoo and conditioner that helps rejuvinate hair. These can be found at good online hair supply stores. Not products like Pantene, I mean specialty shampoos which stimulate hair growth.
I also know of a lady who has very similar problems to you. She has bought a selection of wigs which actually look really good. She thins the wigs down so they don’t look buffy and fake. NOONE know theyre wigs. Is this a possibility for you? I know they aren’t very comfortable to wear but its better than eventually having no hair.
One other possibility is to bite the bullet, and cut your hair really short. It sounds terrible but for some girls, it looks awesome.
If you go searching on the internet, you’ll probably find a supplier who states they have a product that won’t damage your hair. But I wouldn’t get sucked in by them as your hair is at a fragile stage. Your hair needs a break from extensions.