Hair loss can be a serious problem for many men, as it affects 85% of males by the age of 50 [1]. That is why the cosmetic industry provides a variety of solutions to help men achieve more volume and fullness in their hair and cover up thinning areas. Once reserved for women, hair extensions for men are increasingly popular, as they can offer fuller locks and a glamorous look.
However, choosing the right kind of hair extensions can be tricky, as there are many different options. And if worn for prolonged periods, hair extensions can cause hair loss by triggering traction alopecia [2]. This article will help you navigate these pitfalls, by telling you all you need to know about:
While hair loss is more common in men than in women, there are no significant hair anatomy differences between the sexes [3]. So both men and women can wear the same kinds of hair extensions, which can be styled for either feminine or masculine looks.
While some hair extension brands may market product lines specifically for men, there is no need to seek these out or pay extra for them. You can successfully use any good-quality product that matches your natural hair in colour and texture.
There are several reasons why some men choose to wear hair extensions. Here are some of the most common:
When searching for the perfect hair extensions, you need to keep in mind the following characteristics and choose the type of product that suits you best.
Some hair extensions are made from synthetic hair, while others use natural strands [2]. While synthetic extensions are normally cheaper, they are also more conspicuous and don’t always look very natural. Those made from natural hair can cost substantially more, but they are usually of better quality. They’ll blend in better with your hair and last longer.
You can opt for weft extensions, where the hair is distributed along a fabric strip, which is then attached in its entirety to your natural hair (several rows are usually applied). Or you may prefer some more natural-looking and easy-to-blend-in individual lengths that attach to your hair wherever you feel like you might benefit from additional volume.
There are several ways to attach the hair extensions to your scalp:
Remember that you don’t need to use your extensions at their full length; you can always trim them if necessary. However, here are the standard hair extension lengths:
Short (30-35 cm) – ideal for increasing volume in shorter haircuts and covering thinning spots.
Medium-length (40-45 cm) – great for creating styles that reach your shoulder blades.
Long (50-55) – these extensions will reach down to your mid-back, so you should have long and somewhat full hair to begin with.
Extra long (60-75) – very long extensions can be quite heavy and require extra long and thick natural hair to begin with. They will reach down to your waist.
Ideally, you should opt for a hair extension length that does not exceed your natural hair length by more than 10 cm, to make sure it blends in properly.
Hair extensions can be temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent. Temporary extensions are ideal for special occasions. Others allow you to wear them for days on end, without having to remove them. Here is what you can get:
Hair extensions come in various shades and textures, so you can select those that are closest to your natural hair. (Or, if you are feeling adventurous, you can opt for bright colours that will stand out.)
Some extensions (especially clip-ons) are pre-styled, so all you need to do is apply them. Others will require a trip to the salon to blend and cut into your favourite style.
Yes, wearing hair extensions can cause hair loss, especially if they are heavy and worn for prolonged periods (e.g. permanent or semi-permanent extensions). That is because they pull on your hair follicles, damaging them over time to the point where they cannot produce new strands.
This is a condition called traction alopecia and it occurs at the points where extensions are most often attached: around the fringe, or in a distinctive horseshoe pattern at the back of the head [2][4][5].
Fortunately, in most cases, traction alopecia is temporary and resolves itself a few months after you stop wearing hair extensions [6]. Hair loss medication, such as Minoxidil, can help promote hair growth if necessary [7].
However, in rare, severe cases, hair extension-induced alopecia can become permanent. If that happens, a hair transplant may be your best option to restore your hair [8].
Finally, synthetic hair extensions and glue used to attach these products can also cause common scalp problems, such as contact dermatitis [2][9][10]. This can lead to temporary, localised hair shedding. If you develop a rash, swelling, itching, pain or inflammation while wearing extensions, take them off as soon as possible and stop using the product.
If you would like to wear hair extensions without having to worry about developing traction alopecia, here are some things you should keep in mind:
Different kinds of hair extensions require a different application process. A few are easy to put on or take off by yourself at home, while others require a salon fitting, attaching and removal. Here is how you can apply the main types of hair extensions.
These extensions are very easy to use. All you need to do is use the clip connected to the hair wefts to secure them to your hair, close to the roots. Then, you can use a straight razor or scissors to trim them down to the desired length and shape. Here is a tutorial on how to apply them:
Halo extensions can also be applied at home. The weft is attached to a flexible loop of wire that resembles a fishing line. You need to place the halo on your crown and adjust the loop to the size of your head (the line will keep it comfortably in place). The weft will surround the back and sides of your head. Then cover the loop with some of your natural hair or another extension to mask it. Watch this video to learn more:
All the other types of hair extensions require professional assistance to apply. So the best thing you can do is to find a nearby salon with great customer reviews and let the stylists work their magic on your hair.
No, since extensions need to be attached to your natural hair, you can’t wear them with a buzz cut. You need to have at least 10-15 cm of hair length to accommodate them properly.
That means they’re not suitable for short male hairstyles, only on medium-short length ones at the least. If your hair is too short, the extensions won’t blend in naturally with your hair, making them very noticeable.
It is also best to wear extensions that are a similar length to your natural hair to ensure a good blend.
The price of hair extensions can vary widely, depending on the number of pieces you need, the type of hair you opt for, the desired length, fullness, attachment system and additional style features. Here are some examples:
Overall, on average, you can expect to pay between £100-500 for a set of hair extensions in the UK. However, you may encounter additional costs for extra styling services, maintenance, refitting and removal.
The amount of time your hair extensions will last largely depends on the materials they are made of and their attachment system.
Extensions made of synthetic hair are less resistant and will only look good for about a month of constant use. However, since you can easily take them off, you can wear them sparingly to increase their lifespan.
However, hair extensions made of natural hair can last between 3 months and a year. You can expect to wear your fusion (keratin-bonded) extensions for 3-6 months. Tape-in extensions can last for 5-7 months, while hand-tied weft extensions can look great for 7-12 months. But keep in mind they will likely need to be refitted or reattached during this time.
If you want to keep your hair extensions looking better for longer, remember to clean them regularly, brush them gently and avoid heat styling. This is very important since it’s almost impossible to fix heat-damaged hair, especially on extensions (synthetic hair can be destroyed by this styling practice).
Man wearing a hair system to mask hair loss from male pattern baldness
If you would like to try more hair-friendly ways to get volume in your hair or mask thinning spots on your scalp, here are some good options you can try [5]:
If you are tired of using cosmetic products to mask your hair thinning and boost hair volume, book a consultation with one of our experienced trichologists. They will perform all necessary diagnostic tests to determine the reason your hair is falling out. Then they will recommend a personalised treatment, tailored to your hair condition, needs and preferences.
If your hair loss is advanced, they will assess whether you would make a good candidate for a natural-looking hair transplant. This procedure can restore your locks to their former glory, making hair extensions expendable.
If you have questions still left unanswered, be sure to read through the following responses to common queries regarding hair extensions for men.
The only hair extension that has no chance of causing traction alopecia is the halo. That is because it is not attached to your hair and does not pull on your follicles. It simply rests on your crown, held in place by gravity.
No. While you can wear hairpieces on bald spots, hair extensions need to be attached to your natural hair roots. However, you can attach them to the hair above or around the bald spot (if you have enough hair) to mask it.
That depends on the type of extensions you choose. Clip-ons and halos are easy to remove by yourself at home. However, attempting to remove fusion, micro-link, sew-in or even tape-in extensions without professional assistance may damage your hair. It is best to leave this process up to a stylist to avoid unnecessary hair breakage.
Yes, in most cases, your stylist can reattach extensions that have come loose, provided that the hair is still in good condition and their attachment systems are intact. However, you will likely have to pay a reattachment fee.
Semi-permanent hair extensions for men need maintenance every 4-6 weeks, as they can sag over time and need to be lifted. However, permanent extensions usually only need one maintenance session around the midpoint of their expected duration.
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