Do Extensions Cause Hair Loss? The Truth About Traction Alopecia

Many people who are losing their hair turn to extensions for hair loss to make their hair look fuller, but they are afraid they might make the hair loss worse. Will extensions cause hair loss?

Yes they can, but you can almost always prevent it.

It's not the extensions themselves that cause the problem. Hair loss is typically due to how extensions are applied and cared for. This article explains the real cause and the safest way to wear extensions.

Understand the Real Cause: Traction Alopecia

When hair extensions cause hair loss, it's called Traction Alopecia. This term is easy to remember:

Traction means "pulling." Alopecia means "hair loss."

So, traction alopecia is hair loss that happens when something repeatedly pulls on your hair roots.

This is how it works:

The extension pulls on your natural hair all the time. The hair root (the shaft) is stressed by the pulling.

Early Stage:

The pull makes the scalp red, sore, or gives you small bumps. At this stage, the damage is temporary. If the pulling stops, the stress will go away, allowing your hair to grow back.

Late Stage:

If the pulling continues, it will damage the hair root permanently. The root becomes scarred, stops working, and the hair stops growing. This hair loss is permanent.

This type of hair loss is the direct result of the extensions, but the good news is, this issue can be completely avoided.

Three Main Causes of Traction Alopecia

Hair loss caused by extensions is not random. There are three common mistakes that almost always lead to it:

Reason 1: The Extensions Are Too Heavy

Your natural hair can only support so much weight. If your hair is fine or thin, the roots are more likely to break. This is the biggest risk when using extensions on thin hair.

Trouble starts when someone attaches a thick, heavy extension to a small, weak section of your hair. This heavy extension pulls on the few roots that support it 24/7. The pull is stronger when the hair is wet because the weight increases. Over time, this weakens the roots, causing hair to fall out.

Solution:

Make sure the weight of the extension is suitable for the thickness of your natural hair. It's better to use more lightweight extensions to spread out the weight rather than fewer heavy ones when adding hair extensions for volume. For those with delicate hair, options like our Sister Locs extensions are specifically designed to be ultra-lightweight.

Reason 2: The Installation Is Too Tight

This is all about how the stylist works. There are two ways poor placement can cause tension:

Issue A: The pieces are too small.

The "base" of each extension must be large enough to support it. If the pieces are too small, the weight will pull on only a few hairs.

Issue B: The pulling is too tight.

This happens when the stylist applies too much force to braid or connect the extension.

Pain signals that something is wrong. A properly fitted extension should feel secure, but it shouldn't hurt.

Reason 3: Maintenance Is Too Hard

Damage doesn’t always happen on the first day. It can also be caused by improper care at home or rough maintenance sessions.

To maintain a "neat" look, many people (or stylists) twist the new growth too tightly. The roots experience a lot of stress during this process. If done too often (every two to three weeks) or too tightly, this constant stress can prevent your scalp from healing.

How to Use Extensions Safely and Avoid Hair Loss

By following these rules, you can safely use extensions for thin hair on top.

Look for a Good Stylist

Don’t choose a stylist based on price. Find a loctician with plenty of experience who understands how to care for your hair and scalp type.

Pick the Right Extensions

Step one is crucial. If your hair is thin, choose lightweight extensions. The material matters. This is why real human hair is often the best choice. Our Daixidreadology locs are strong yet light. You can build a full look without overloading your roots.

Speak Up!

Only you can feel the stress. Tell your stylist immediately if they are pulling too hard or if anything hurts. A good stylist will listen and make adjustments.

Care for Your Extensions Gently

Don’T twist your hair too often. Give your scalp a break for four to six weeks. This allows your scalp to rest.

Avoid twisting too tightly. Your retwists should be secure but not "scalp-pulling" tight. A soft retwist is always better.

At night, wear a silk or satin cap to sleep. This helps prevent your locs from pulling or getting caught while you sleep.

Pay Attention to Your Scalp

Listen to what your body is telling you. If your scalp hurts, itches, or you notice bumps or swelling, don’t ignore it.

Conclusion: Locs Can Be a Protective Style

So, do hair extensions cause hair loss? No, hair loss is caused by poor installation and maintenance.

If your stylist applies extensions the right way, with the proper weight, they can be a great way to protect your hair. You don’t have to comb or heat-style your hair as often, which can damage it.

Long hair extensions can be great for you, but only if you prioritize the health of your scalp over a painfully tight, uncomfortable look.

Are you ready to start your journey with safe and light locs? Check out the Daixidreadology collection of hair extensions made from 100% real hair today.