The Inconvenient Truth About Hair Extensions For Thinning Hair
Hair extensions can be a game-changer for confidence, especially if you're dealing with thinning hair. But before you commit, it's worth knowing how they might affect your scalp and long-term hair health.
If you’ve been following my hair journey over the past four years, you know that I am a big fan of my faux-pony and still have my amazing wig! While I haven’t worn my wig since I stopped doing daily television, I do occasionally go back to my faux-pony for a protective hairstyle (so I don’t have to style my hair and add to years of styling damage).
Though I would love hair extensions, they’re not without trade-offs, especially when it comes to your scalp health. Here’s the truth about committing to wearing hair that isn’t yours:
The Pros of Hair Extensions
Hair extensions are a fast pass to Rapunzel-worthy locks—but more importantly, for women dealing with thinning hair due to perimenopause or medical treatments, hair extensions provide some much-needed relief (and confidence boost).
They’re also one of the few non-surgical, non-pharmacologic, cosmetic adjustments that have options for every budget and comfort level, from clip-ins to tape-ins to bonded extensions.
It all sounds great, but if extensions were risk-free, everyone would be walking around with 22-inch waves. Like most things in beauty, there are tradeoffs.
The Not-So-Pretty Costs
The most significant concern? Traction alopecia, a form of hair loss caused by prolonged tension on the hair follicles. A review warned that tight, long-term use of extensions, weaves, or braids can lead to permanent hair loss, particularly around the temples and hairline (Billero et al., 2018).
“But Jen, what if the hair extensions are applied super gently?”
Unfortunately, no matter how “gently” you apply your hair extensions, the result is a heavier load on the hair follicle. It’s pure physics. The extension weighs more than your real hair, and that causes traction…which then leads to a pulling out of the hair follicle.
Over time, that repeated stress can weaken the follicle overall, slow down growth, and in some cases, cause irreversible damage.
Extensions can also make it harder to treat the root cause of the hair thinning, whether it’s related to hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, or autoimmune issues like alopecia areata. And some people may develop contact dermatitis from glues or adhesives used in bonded or tape-in systems.
Are Hair Extensions Worth It?
I’m not saying the risk isn’t worth it, but I am saying that you need to be aware that hair extensions can worsen the problem long-term and make it impossible to go without hair pieces as a result!
Bottom line: Hair extensions can be a great short-term solution, especially when applied and maintained by a trained professional. But if you’re experiencing active hair loss, consult a board-certified dermatologist first. Identifying the root cause (pun intended) could save you from years of dependency on hair extensions.
