Permanent hair extensions appeal to many people because they can be worn for months, unlike temporary ones that need to be put on and taken off with each use. They are comfortable to wear and easy to forget about as they blend seamlessly with your natural hair. However, permanent hair extensions cause hair loss to a greater extent than halo or clip-on hair extensions [1]. That is because they apply constant tension to your hair follicles for a prolonged period, increasing the risk of traction alopecia [2].
Choosing the right kind of permanent extensions and maintaining them properly can help you maximise their benefits while reducing your costs and minimising the risk of hair loss. This article will tell you all you need to know about:
People who want to keep their hair extensions on for as long as possible often opt for the permanent variety. While these don’t really last forever, they have the longest duration of all hair extension types, lasting 3-6 months or even more before requiring reattachment.
Some people also include semi-permanent hair extensions (which last 1-2 months) under this category, as opposed to temporary hair extensions which can be removed and reattached as needed. When discussing permanent hair extensions, we’ll also include semi-permanent options as they have a lot in common.
Here are some of the most common types of permanent hair extensions.
Yes, permanent hair extensions can make your hair fall out in several ways. From tugging on your hair follicles to causing an allergic reaction, here’s how permanent hair extensions lead to hair loss.
Permanent hair extensions are attached directly to your natural hair, weighing it down and pulling on your hair follicles. The applied tension can damage these delicate structures, causing a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. This condition manifests with hair shedding along the tension areas (often the fringe, the sides or the back of the head), as well as scalp bumps, tenderness or inflammation [3].
Some types of hair extensions are more likely to cause traction alopecia than others, especially longer, heavier varieties. For example, long sewn-in wefts that surround the back side of your head are known to cause a specific, horseshoe-shaped hair shedding pattern [4]. The least damaging permanent extensions are thin, hand-tied wefts that are very light with well-distributed weight along the fabric.
Fortunately, traction alopecia normally resolves itself a few weeks or months after you take off your extensions. However, in some severe cases, it can become permanent. If that happens, you will require hair growth treatment (e.g. Minoxidil) or even a hair transplant to fix the damage and regain your full hair [5]. That is why it is a good idea to see a trichologist if you don’t see any hair regrowth after 4-6 months after removing your extensions.
Components in tape-in extension adhesive or synthetic hair sometimes used for inexpensive semi-permanent hair extensions can irritate your scalp and trigger an allergic reaction [6][7]. This is a common scalp problem also known as contact dermatitis. It manifests with a rash, swelling, itching, tenderness and occasionally hair thinning on the affected area of your scalp [8]. If you experience these symptoms, have your extensions removed as soon as possible and clean your scalp thoroughly of any residual adhesive.
The symptoms usually subside in a few days, depending on their severity. However, rare, severe cases can result in facial swelling and difficulty breathing. If this happens to you, call emergency services immediately, as it is a sign of potentially deadly anaphylactic shock.
Improper hair extension maintenance can cause them to tangle and become matted, involving the surrounding natural hair. This can cause unnecessary hair breakage and split ends.
Some types of extensions are more predisposed to this than others, due to their attachment systems. For example, I-tips are attached with links or beads that can slide down over time and get caught in nearby natural strands. That is why regular brushing, detangling and extension lifting is very important.
There are several things you can do to lower the risks of developing hair loss while wearing permanent hair extensions:
This list of pros and cons will help you determine which kind of hair extensions may be most suitable for your needs and preferences:
Watch the following tutorial for more information about the different types of hair extensions and how they are installed:
Different types of permanent hair extensions have different prices, depending on their length, thickness, attachment system and durability, but also on the brand that sells them. Moreover, you also need to factor in additional costs for installation, maintenance (lifting, refitting) and removal. Here are some average costs for permanent human hair extensions in the UK (these may, however, vary widely with different brands and salons).
Permanent hair extensions can stay on your head for 1-6 months (depending on the type) without needing reattachment. However, some types of permanent extensions can be reused even after they’ve been removed, provided they are in good shape and their attachment system is renewed.
High-quality, natural hair extensions that are well maintained can be reused up to 3-4 times over the span of 1-2 years. However, synthetic hair will only look good for 1-3 months of continuous wear, so it should only normally be used for temporary or semi-permanent hair extensions.
Permanent hair extension fitting time depends on several factors, such as the type you have chosen, your hair properties, and the technician’s skill and experience level. On average, fusion extensions take the longest to install (4-8 hours), followed by I-tips and sew-in wefts (2-4 hours). Hand-tied extensions take around 2-5 hours to install, while tape-ins are applied the quickest, in only 1-2 hours.
If you want your permanent hair extensions to last as long as possible and remain natural-looking and safe for your hair, you need to care for them properly. Here’s how to keep your hair extensions looking great.
It is a good idea to visit the salon to get your permanent hair extensions lifted, repositioned or refitted every 6-8 weeks. That is because they can slip lower on your strands over time or become loose and require adjustment. Even the types that aren’t likely to move out of place, such as fusion extensions, need to be regularly checked on (though this can be done less frequently – once every 3 months). That is to be sure they are still secure, well cared for, and that they aren’t causing damage to your natural hair.
Caring for your permanent hair extensions needs to be a daily activity. Here is how you can keep yours in tip-top shape for as long as possible:
If you are considering hair extensions to get more volume in your hair, there are also other ways to achieve this. Book a consultation today with one of our experienced hair doctors. They will run trichology diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your hair loss or thinning and recommend personalised hair growth treatment.
If you’re affected by female pattern hair loss or male pattern baldness, you may be a good candidate for a hair transplant. This simple, outpatient procedure is increasingly popular as it is very safe and effective. The best hair transplant clinics in the UK have almost 100% success rates on both FUE and FUT procedures. And the best part is that, unlike permanent hair extensions that only last a few months, a hair transplant is truly permanent. That means you can still enjoy your hair transplant results after 10 years and even more.
If you would like to find out more about permanent hair extensions, don’t miss the answers to these frequently asked questions:
Yes, if you are going to wear your permanent hair extensions for more than 3 months, it is recommended to trim their ends just like you do with your natural hair. Getting rid of split ends prevents unsightly frizziness and hair breakage and keeps your extensions looking better for longer.
Yes, they will normally trim and style your extensions to blend in and match your desired haircut. However, there may be additional costs associated with the styling process, so it is a good idea to discuss your choices with your stylist and get a clear picture of what they entail.
No, it is not a good idea to try to remove permanent hair extensions at home. That is because your natural hair could get damaged or broken in the process. It is best to leave the removal up to the professionals, to make sure your hair is safe and not subjected to any additional stress.
It is not recommended to dye your extensions, so it is best to colour your hair before installing them and choose a matching shade. Harsh chemicals in bleach and hair dye can cause hair loss by drying out the strands and making them brittle, reducing the lifespan of your extensions. Furthermore, the colour may take differently on your natural hair, leaving you with noticeable and unnatural-looking colour variations.
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