Do Hair Extensions Damage Your Hair?

Quickly stated, hair extensions should not damage your own hair, but damage can happen if certain factors are not taken into consideration.  These considerations require a combination of the method used, the skill of the stylist, and the knowledge of the use of both the type of hair extensions, the application, and styling.  You can get amazing results with beautiful hair with hair extensions - here's how to avoid damage to your hair and get the results you are looking for below.

Ask The Experts

1). The Stylist:  Hair extensions are not "one-size-fits-all," therefore, your stylists should be well versed in all types of hair extensions.  During a consultation, your hair will be evaluated and your stylist will explain which method of extensions will work best for your hair type and lifestyle. If your stylist only specializes in one method, I strongly encourage seeking further consultations elsewhere.  During your consultation, ask to see the hair extensions in place or in a video.  Ask your stylist important questions specific to your own hair and preferred hair extension method.

  a) What is the up-keep?

  b) Are there certain products/brushes you recommend?

  c) Can I wear my hair up?

  d) How often should I wash my hair? (varies from person to person)

  e) Can I go swimming?

  f) Can I color my hair while wearing them?

Your hair density will help determine which method of attachment is best suited. An experienced stylist will understand that tension creates damage to hair. Some attachment methods create more tension than others.  See below:

1) Fine hair should avoid tension, and adding less hair is a good rule of thumb.

       a) Opt for individual strand hair extensions placed a bit away from the scalp to avoid tension as well as pulling.

        b)  Use hand-tied hair (lighter in weight) for the micro-link sew-in attachment. Veila Pull-Thru hair extensions are customizable, offered in a variety of sizes without tape, glue, or sewing.

         c) Use single-sided tape hair extensions or split in half for proper weight distribution.

2) Medium Density Hair

 Most hair extensions work well on medium-density hair.   Keep in mind, that the hair strands of medium density hair may still be fine, therefore,  the less is more thought process is best. Do not overwhelm your hair with too many hair extensions.

3) Thick Density Hair 

Thick textured hair can enjoy all types of hair extensions, but should always follow your professional stylist's advice.

What To Know

We will tell you how often your hair extensions need to be maintained, and this routine should be strictly followed to avoid damage.  Do not try to over-extend the maintenance and/or removal of your hair extensions. I see the most amount of damage due to extensions being left in the hair too long and this makes the removal process very challenging.  Natural hair sheds on a daily basis and while wearing hair extensions the shedding will accumulate around the attachment, and the extensions will be supported by less of your own hair which may lead to damage. Avoid high heat thermal irons, they will wreak havoc on your own hair and hair extensions.

Keep your regular appointments, especially your first two-week check-in.  The check-in is important for your stylist to determine how well you are working with your extensions, perform adjustments, or give different maintenance advice.

When removing hair extensions, some clients feel their hair is thinner because they are used to an abundance of hair.  I always take before and after pictures so we can track the hair growth progress.  It has been my experience that my client's hair will grow while wearing hair extensions.  That does not mean it gets thicker, but when properly applied and maintained, hair growth is expected.

Do not be offended if your stylist tells you that you are not a candidate for hair extensions.  They are simply being honest.  I have turned away customers that are not well suited for hair extensions.

At Home Care 

Your home care routine is essential to protect your investment and the health of your hair.  At our salon, we have both written care instructions and downloadable instructions on our website.  

Use the recommended products, brush your hair, wash and dry your hair as recommended by your stylist.  Never be afraid to touch base and ask questions or address concerns.  

If you follow the above advice, you will enjoy your longer, thicker, and fuller hair for many years without damage.  Address any concerns about hair changes, challenges, or concerns with your stylist immediately.

Hair Extensions Background

At Noelle Salon we focus on customer service, we evaluate your natural hair, listen to our client's wishes on styling, color match, and look. We use human hair extensions like 100% Remy human hair, or Virgin Hair extensions(unlike Bellami hair). Hair extensions can be used for short hair or 24 inches of a full head of hair, and have worked with different methods like tape-in extensions, clip-in hair extensions, Keratin and enjoy using our Pull-thru Veila Hair Extensions for ease of hair care - which also delivers excellent customer satisfaction.

Veila Hair Extensions requires hair extension tools, a crimper to squeeze the silicon-covered microbeads (not plastic microbeads), and a crochet hook to pull-thru strands of hair into the hair extension. Styling can vary from flat iron, natural curl, or curly hair. Whether you are looking for a change of style or look for a day such as a Clip-in ponytail, having a high-quality ponytail extension can mix it up for you. Your natural hair journey with your hair growth can be enhanced with Hair extensions when protective styling is applied, and regular maintenance is used. You can change your hair in one day - feel free to reach out to us and explore the possibilities.