Debunking Extensions Myths: Do Hair Extensions Cause Hair Loss?

Let’s get real: Losing your hair is a super stressful thing we wouldn’t wish on our sworn enemies. Unfortunately, hair loss happens. And there are a lot of questions around it. Like: What role do hair extensions play in hair loss? Or hair damage? Do they prevent natural hair growth? Is there even a relationship between the two?! 

There are so many myths about hair extensions causing hair damage and hair loss that you might be confused (rightfully so!) about what’s made up and what’s true. 

Good news: We’re going to answer all these questions today – and help you decide if you should get extensions for hair loss. Of course, we’ll share our favorite hair extensions just in case your hair is thin, too.

Do Hair Extensions Cause Hair Loss?

All right, the question of the day: Do hair extensions cause hair loss?

You’re holding your breath, aren’t you? You can let it go, friend because the answer is no! Hair extensions definitely do not cause hair loss – it’s a myth. Whew.

As with all products, hair extensions are as good as they are applied- applied correctly, they are a life saver, applied incorrectly, they can cause damage. Hair extensions can tug on your hair and cause tension, which can lead to hair damage, but only if they’re applied incorrectly or cared for incorrectly. This is why it’s so important to correctly apply (be gentle, please!) and carefully maintain your hair extensions. In fact, on the contrary, when extensions are applied correctly, they allow your hair to grow healthily while you get to rock an epic style.  

Let’s sum it up: There’s essentially no risk of hair loss simply because you’re wearing hair extensions, but there is a risk if you apply your hair extensions the wrong way or fail to care for them properly. 

So How Do You Properly Apply and Maintain Your Hair Extensions? 

We can’t say this enough: Properly applying your hair extensions is critical to your hair’s health. 

If you’re using clip-in hair extensions, here’s how to correctly apply them: 

1. Start off by brushing out your hair to prep it. 
2. Section off the top half of your hair and secure it in place. 
3. Gently pin your hair extensions onto your hair. Snap them shut when you’re happy with their placement. 
4. Release your natural hair that’s been secured up top.

Voila! You’ve successfully applied hair extensions! Yay!

Now your next step (equally important, by the way!) is to take care of your hair extensions with the right products. Here are a few tips: 

• Brush the tangles from your hair extensions frequently. We suggest using a brush designed specifically for hair extensions, such as a bristle brush. 
• Wash and condition your hair with sulfate-free products. Our favorite shampoo can be found here, and our favorite conditioner for hair extensions is right here. 
• Carefully store your hair extensions in the tote they came in. This will keep them in good condition and extend their life!

Can You Wear Extensions If You’re Struggling With Hair Loss?  

If you are actively struggling with hair loss, we really feel for you. Our best advice would be to abstain from hair extensions for the time being. The reason is that hair extensions do add extra weight to your hair. If you are actively losing hair, you would not want to add more weight to already delicate hair. A great option would be a great wig. Wigs have become very popular and can provide a really natural, beautiful, and empowering look. 

More Hair Care Tips to Keep Your Hair Insta-Worthy

To get even more wear out of your extensions and really extend their life, here are a few more of our favorite hair-care tips: 

• Don’t ever sleep in DIY hair extensions like Clip It or Band It. This will create tangles (and might even ruin them)!

• Avoid wearing super-tight scrunchies or hair ties. Tight scrunchies may contribute to hair breakage or weaken your hair. 

• Don’t go to sleep with soaking wet hair (especially with Tape It). Not only could it cause hair breakage, but there’s also a higher risk of bacteria or fungi growing on your scalp. Gross, right?!

Now that we’ve debunked the whole extensions cause hair loss myth, as long as your hair isn’t actively thinning, you’re ready to invest in some high-quality hair extensions!