Hair extensions are the new love, as of late, we have been hearing a lot about this beauty trend. But is it safe? The Pioneer’s Shikha Duggal speaks to experts to give you a detailed analysis of the same.
Many have complained of excruciating head pain — it’s not always the business of severe migraines, and how do we know that? Tightly pulled ponytails or braids with extensions can cause it too. New realisation! Are you reluctant to remove your extensions now? Well, let’s first compute the things going for and against. Raina Grover, who herself owns a hair extensions store in Hyderabad by the name of 1 Hair Stop, shared, “For ages, there has been a common misconception about hair extensions and their potential damage to natural hair. It is essential to remember that any potential issues that may arise from improper use may vary from person to person! However, with gentle handling and proper care,individuals can embrace the transformative beauty of extensions without harming their precious natural locks. Moreover, it is worth noting that not only do synthetic hair extensions pose a risk to natural hair, but they also have a negative impact on the environment. Unlike their synthetic counterparts, which may cause damage due to their chemical composition, our human hair extensions undergo meticulous sustainable sourcing, cleaning, and bleaching processes, preserving their inherent integrity.”
Today, many women desire long, lustrous, and silky hair, yet hair thinning or loss affects a significant number of women in India by the age of 40, particularly around the crown area. While many factors lead to hair loss, including medical conditions such as alopecia, cancer, and postpartum hair thinning, finding a permanent treatment remains difficult. Clip-on hair extensions have become a highly popular and convenient trend in the world of hair fashion.
Hence, she further suggested investing in high-quality, natural hair extensions like virgin remy hair, which are less damaging to the hair than synthetic alternatives and less likely to tangle. In order to avoid tangling and breakage, be gentle when brushing and styling. Avoid pushing or tugging too hard! By regularly washing and conditioning your hair, you can maintain its cleanliness and health. Avoid sleeping with your extensions on in order to preserve the health of your natural hair and avert potential rashes or hair loss that the clips may cause by tugging on the scalp.
The year 2023 has undoubtedly ushered in short hairstyles, including the fringe. Today, bangs can be styled in a variety of ways and can work with different facial shapes and hair textures. They are a popular option for people looking for a subtle yet noticeable alteration because they are a wonderful method to update your appearance without significantly
affecting the length of your hair. Embracing a new look with hair accessories is still a big fashion trend. From stylish hairpins and headbands to scarves and scrunchies, adding accessories can elevate any hairstyle effortlessly. But a weave or extensions often require that the natural hair be tightly pulled, which can be tough on the hair. Persistent straining on your hair can lead to detrimental effects on your hair follicles, resulting in hair breakage or loss. When the hair follicles are damaged beyond repair, the hair cannot regrow, leading to irreversible and permanent hair loss.
Dr. Ritika Shanmugam, dermatologist at Manipal Hospitals, clarified, “It’s essential to keep your hair clean, free from product buildup like hairspray, and in good condition. Regularly using conditioner will help keep your hair strong and well-hydrated. To preserve the health of your hair while wearing extensions or a weave and in the periods between applications, adhere to this diligent hair care routine. It’s crucial to seek the expertise of a professional hairstylist when getting your hair woven or extensions applied. During the process, it’s important to be attentive and communicate any discomfort. If you experience pain or headaches, it indicates that the hairstyle might be too tight. Don’t hesitate to ask your hairstylist to adjust or loosen the affected area if you feel any discomfort or tightness in the hairstyle. Prioritising your hair’s health and comfort is vital to achieving a beautiful and safe hairdo. The frequency of washing your hair should be based on your specific hair type. If you have clip-on extensions, make sure to remove them before washing your natural hair. To keep your scalp clean and well-hydrated, opt for a gentle, moisturising shampoo and conditioner. By considering your hair type and following these steps, you can maintain a healthy and nourished scalp.”
Hair extensions are definitely painless and a quick way to increase the length of your hair. People also get hair extensions to add fullness to their hair. They are also a great way to add colour to your hair without letting your natural hair go through any chemical treatment. On the other hand, Dr. Sunil Kumar Prabhu, a dermatologist from Aster RV Hospital, elucidated, “Artificial hair is available in different types. There is hair made from synthetic fibres like futura. Futura can withstand heat up to 400°F. You also have the option to choose from hair extensions made from real human hair. There are many different ways to install the hair extensions. Pinch braid extensions are individual locks of hair that are tied to the existing hair with a durable thread. Clip-on hair extensions can be sewn into your hair by a hair stylist. Fusion is a procedure wherein human hair extensions are glued to your existing hair using a machine similar to a hot glue gun. You must go for the extension that is closest in quality to your natural hair. Getting assistance from a trained hair stylist is recommended, as doing it on your own may harm your hair.”
In some cases, the doctor says, getting hair extensions may cause hair fall if your natural hair is not healthy enough. They may also damage your natural hair if the material used to attach them is of poor quality! “It is very important to look after your artificial hair extensions because, unlike your natural hair, they do not get the required nutrition from your scalp. Do not use a hair brush to untangle your extensions. Use your fingers to gently untangle them. Avoid drying your extensions with a hair dryer. Tie your hair in a low, loose ponytail before going to bed. This reduces the chances of knotting,” the doctor suggested.
We see celebrities changing up their looks so fast! The secret to a dynamic do is hair extensions alone. Lastly, we asked celebrity hairstylist Jaanke Soni, who has worked with Minisha Lamba and Ishita Dutta, and she shared, “Celebrities prefer real hair extensions according to their hair colour, and they should not be heavy in weight compared
to artificial ones. That’s the instruction we get. They like to experiment and change up their looks. They easily rock a short, blunt cut one day and long, voluminous waves the next! So hair extensions are regularly used to create their red carpet looks.”
