The Dangers of Hair Extension Strands: What Happened When I Blended Extensions?

Recently, I experienced a concerning situation with my hair after getting extensions. My stylist threaded the extensions into my hair without cutting my natural hair. Over time, she removed the extensions, and I noticed that my hair had become significantly thinner, particularly at the ends. I wondered if the thinning had been caused by the blending process, even though my stylist claimed she hadn't cut my hair.

Possible Causes of Hair Thinning

There are several potential reasons for the thinning of your hair after the extension process. Here are a few explanations:

Weight of Extensions

If the extensions were heavier than your natural hair, they could have caused stress on your natural hair strands, leading to breakage, especially at the ends. This is a common issue, as the added weight can gradually take a toll on already delicate hair.

Tension

The application of extensions with too much tension can strain your natural hair, leading to thinning or breakage. When the extensions were removed, you might have experienced a more pronounced thinning effect.

Blending Technique

Depending on the blending technique used, your stylist may have thinned out your natural hair to create a more seamless look with the extensions. While this can be done without cutting the hair, it can still result in a loss of volume.

Hair Health

If your hair was already fragile or damaged before the extensions were applied, the process of having extensions put in and taken out could exacerbate existing issues, leading to further thinning. Dry, damaged hair is more susceptible to thinning and breakage.

Consulting a Professional

Given your concerns, it's recommended to consult with a professional stylist or a trichologist who can assess the condition of your hair and recommend treatments or care strategies to help restore its thickness and health. These experts can provide valuable insights and personalized advice to address your specific situation.

Experiences with Fine or Fragile Hair

Some hair that is naturally fine, thin, or fragile may shed or shred excessively with certain types of extension applications. This can be particularly problematic because the natural hair is already vulnerable to damage.

When hair is fine or naturally thin or is damaged in any way, only minimal amounts of strands should be added individually and not in weft or large sections. The scalp, roots, and follicles are already under significant stress, and adding additional weight can cause accelerated shedding from the roots or shredding along the length of the follicles.

Traction Alopecia Risk

Adding weight to fine, thin, or fragile hair can sometimes lead to a form of alopecia known as traction alopecia. This is a condition where hair loss is caused by the pulling or traction on hair fibers.

Interlocking and Tangles

Another factor to consider is that extension hair may become interlocked or tangled with natural hair. As the extension hair is removed, natural hair is pulled out with the add-ons, causing thinning and further damage.

If your extension expert cut or thinned your hair, it's a possibility, but it's also more likely that your natural hair did not respond well to the extensions. It started thinning, shedding, and shredding as a result of the added stress and tension.

Protecting Your Hair in the Future

At this point, the best thing to do is to give your scalp, roots, and hair as much rest as possible before considering any additional extension services. Look for a hair extension expert who specializes in fine, thin, or fragile hair and can apply individual strands in a manner that minimizes shedding, shredding, or tangling.

Conclusion

While hair extensions can enhance one's appearance, they can also cause significant damage if not applied correctly. It's crucial to choose a professional who can handle fine, thin, or fragile hair with care and expertise.

Disclaimer

Everyone's hair is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you're considering extensions in the future, it's essential to find a skilled specialist who can help maintain the health of your natural hair.