Does Hair Extension Damage My Own Hair?
This is the question that all clients ask their stylists, and it is completely justified. After all, in the pursuit of beauty, no one wants to lose their own hair, even if it’s not perfect.
Many stylists, however, cannot give a definite answer. This is often due to inexperience or, of course, the fear of losing a client, as acquiring such experience requires time.
As a qualified hair extension specialist, I will attempt to provide a detailed answer to the main question posed by clients about the pros and cons of hair extensions.
Hair extensions as a beauty service have existed for nearly 50 years. In USA, this service became popular only about 15 years ago. Even then, it was primarily ordered by celebrities or women from the upper echelons of society, as it was an extremely expensive luxury. It was only a few years ago, when the first masters faced real competition, that the service became more accessible to regular clients and gained widespread popularity.
Of course, hair extensions are a great opportunity to get long, thick hair in just one day, and to take another step toward perfection. But it is crucial not to lose your own hair in the pursuit of beauty. Therefore, before deciding to get extensions, pay attention to the following important nuances:
Your hair should be healthy. At the time of the procedure, your natural hair should not be excessively shedding or breaking. If you’ve recently undergone a course of antibiotics or chemotherapy, or if you’ve experienced significant stress, hair extensions should be postponed, no matter how much you may desire them.
A qualified specialist should offer several techniques. Depending on the condition, quality, and structure of your own hair, as well as your preferences, a professional should suggest various methods. There are no universal standards in hair extensions – what works for one person may not work for another. If a stylist insists on offering only one specific technique, be cautious!
Choose the right hair type for your extensions. Make sure not only the color but also the texture matches your own hair as closely as possible in thickness and type. While selecting hair is the stylist’s responsibility, stay vigilant.
Examine the shine and “slipperiness” of the hair. Natural, untreated hair does not have a shimmering theatrical shine; it only reflects light naturally. Be careful – some sellers may offer gorgeous-looking hair that you fall in love with at first sight, but be prepared for disappointment after your first wash. This is because dishonest vendors often polish the hair and then coat it with silicone to give it a luxurious appearance. Once the silicone washes off, the hair becomes tangled and may start shedding within a week or two.
On the other hand, natural hair with a healthy shine behaves like your own hair and can last up to 4-5 months. With proper care, it will shine even brighter.
Timely maintenance is essential. Any capsule-based extension technique (Italian, micro-capsules, ultrasound) requires maintenance every 2-3 months. This period depends on the rate of your natural hair growth. After 3 cm or more of growth, if maintenance is not done, your hair extensions can become tangled and form knots. Delayed maintenance can lead to painful removal of the capsules or, in the worst case, you may have to cut your hair down to the roots.
It’s important to understand that the need for maintenance is not a stylist’s whim or a desire to make extra money, but an absolute necessity.
Finally, choose a qualified stylist with sufficient experience. The consequences of unprofessional work can be disastrous.
