Are you experiencing hair thinning after using extensions? You’re not alone, I’ve been there too, and as a result, spent countless hours researching the best practices to recover and grow my hair back.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the causes of thinning hair post-extensions, how to repair it effectively and some preventative measures for future. Let’s restore your crowning glory together!
Why my hair is so thin after extensions
Chemical glues used in hair extensions and the tight braiding of extensions are common reasons for thin hair after extensions.
1. Chemical intervention (glues, dyes, etc.)
The allure of hair extensions can sometimes mask the possible consequences. One such pitfall comes from chemical interventions like glues and dyes used in the attachment process, leading to thinning hair.
These substances are often harsh on your natural strands, causing them to weaken and break over time. This chemical stress contributes significantly to the appearance of thinner hair after extension removal.
While these products give you that long, luscious look you desire temporarily, they may be silently damaging your real locks underneath all that glamor!
2. Tight braiding of extensions
Tight braiding of extensions can seriously damage your hair. This popular method, often used with various extension styles such as cornrows and box braids, may seem like a great idea initially but it does have its not-so-pretty side effects.
Unnecessary tension from the overly tight braids pulls on your natural hair follicles causing traction alopecia, a form of hair loss that could potentially lead to permanent damage if not addressed immediately.
My scalp experienced this distress first hand when I began noticing my thinning hair after using tightly braided extensions. The patches were subtle at first and then became more noticeable over time.
You might think having thick voluminous locks is worth the risk – until you start losing chunks of your own hair in areas where the extensions were installed too tightly! Constant tugging at the roots weakens their ability to create healthy strands leading to persistent thinning even after removing the extensions.
Henceforth, extreme care should be taken while choosing hairstyles involving tight braid patterns. Opt for lighter and looser ones instead or consider other alternatives which are less damaging but still give you that desired volume boost without sacrificing your precious tresses’ health.
3. Prolonged wear of extensions
Over time, prolonged wear of extensions can become a leading culprit of hair thinning. You might be loving the extra length and volume at first, but keeping them in your locks for extended periods can lead to significant stress on both your scalp and strands.
The constant pull from the weight of these artificial tresses often result in traction alopecia – a type of hair loss that occurs when there’s unceasing tension on the follicles. What’s scarier is that frequent use or back-to-back installations may worsen this condition, making it harder for your natural hair to recover its original thickness after removing extensions.
Just like overuse of heat tools or chemical treatments, excessively wearing extensions without giving your mane ample breaks tends to compromise its overall health, texture and density.
A much-needed break between installation rounds offers an opportunity for deep conditioning treatments and other recovery methods that promote growth while repairing damaged hair after extensions.
How to Repair Thin Hair After Extensions
To repair thin hair after extensions, start by trimming off any damaged ends and investing in an appropriate shampoo and conditioner that moisturize and nourish the hair. Be mindful of your showering routine, using lukewarm water instead of hot, and gently massage the scalp to stimulate blood flow.
Additionally, treat your hair to a deep conditioning treatment to restore its thickness and vitality.
Trim off damaged ends
To repair thin hair after extensions, one important step is to trim off the damaged ends. These split and brittle ends can make your hair appear even thinner and contribute to further breakage.
By removing the damaged portions, you are allowing fresh, healthy strands of hair to grow in their place. This will help promote new growth and give your hair a chance to regain its natural thickness.
Regular trims every 6-8 weeks can also prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft and causing more damage. Remember, healthy hair starts with regular maintenance!
Use appropriate shampoo and conditioner
To repair thin hair after extensions, it is crucial to use the right shampoo and conditioner. Look for products specifically designed for thin or damaged hair. These formulations usually contain ingredients that promote hair growth and strengthen the strands.
When choosing a shampoo, opt for one that is sulfate-free as sulfates can strip away natural oils from the scalp, leading to dryness and further damage. Additionally, look out for shampoos with moisturizing properties such as coconut oil or shea butter to hydrate your hair.
For conditioners, go for lightweight formulas that won’t weigh down your already fragile tresses. Look for ingredients like keratin or collagen which help fortify the hair shafts and add volume.
Be mindful of showering time and temperature
I learned the hard way that showering habits can greatly impact the health and thickness of your hair after extensions. Hot water can strip away essential oils, leaving your hair dry and fragile.
Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of both the duration and temperature of your showers. Opt for lukewarm water instead of scorching hot temperatures, as this will help protect your natural hair from damage.
Keeping showers short and sweet will also minimize exposure to potential harm caused by excessive washing or heat styling. So next time you step into the shower, remember that being gentle with your hair is key to maintaining its thickness and health even after removing those extensions.
Massage the scalp and hair
Massaging your scalp and hair is an effective way to stimulate blood flow, promote hair growth, and restore thinning hair after extensions. Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips in circular motions for a few minutes every day.
This helps to increase circulation and nourish the hair follicles, encouraging healthy hair growth. Additionally, massaging your scalp can help to distribute natural oils throughout your strands, promoting moisture and reducing dryness.
Remember to be gentle while massaging to avoid causing further damage or breakage. Combining this practice with other repairing techniques can lead to thicker, healthier-looking hair in no time!
Restore thinning hair with a conditioning treatment
To restore thinning hair after extensions, a conditioning treatment can be highly effective. Conditioning treatments provide deep hydration and nourishment to the hair follicles, promoting growth and thickness.
Look for products that contain ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, or shea butter as these are known to moisturize and strengthen the hair. Apply the treatment to damp hair after shampooing, focusing on the ends and any areas with visible thinning.
Leave it on for the recommended time before rinsing thoroughly. Incorporating this step into your regular hair care routine can help repair damage caused by extensions and bring back your natural thickness.
Expert’s advice to prevent further thinning
To prevent further damage to your thin hair after extensions, opt for finger combing instead of using a comb, avoid excessive heat and styling, and use protective hairstyles.
1. Finger combing instead of using a comb
When it comes to caring for thin hair after extensions, one important practice is to opt for finger combing instead of using a regular comb. This gentle approach helps minimize tension and breakage, which can further damage already fragile hair.
Running your fingers through your locks allows you to detangle with more control and less strain on the strands. Plus, it’s a great way to distribute natural oils from your scalp throughout the lengths of your hair, keeping it moisturized and nourished.
So give your hair some extra TLC by ditching the harsh combs and embracing the soft touch of your fingers.
2. Avoiding excessive heat and styling
I understand how tempting it can be to style your hair with heat tools, but excessive heat can further damage thinning hair after extensions. Heat styling tools like flat irons and curling wands can weaken the hair shaft and make it more prone to breakage.
It’s best to give your hair a break from these tools as much as possible. Instead, embrace natural hairstyles or opt for gentler styling methods like air-drying or using low-heat settings on your blow dryer.
By avoiding excessive heat and styling, you’ll give your hair a chance to recover and grow thicker over time. Remember, healthy hair starts with taking care of it!
3. Using protective hairstyles
I love using protective hairstyles to keep my hair healthy and prevent further damage after removing extensions. These styles, such as braids, buns, or twists, help to protect the ends of my hair from daily wear and tear.
They also reduce friction while I sleep and minimize manipulation during styling. Protective hairstyles encourage hair growth by keeping the strands moisturized and preventing breakage.
Plus, they give me a chance to try out new looks while giving my thinning hair a break.
FAQS
1. How much hair do you lose after extensions?
After removing extensions, it’s common to notice some hair loss. This can be alarming, but rest assured that it’s usually temporary. On average, you may lose around 100 strands of hair per day.
However, when you remove extensions, these loose hairs that were trapped by the bonds or braids are released all at once, making it seem like a larger amount of hair is being lost.
It’s important to remember that this is just the normal shedding process your hair goes through and not necessarily a result of damage from the extensions themselves.
2. Do hair extensions make your hair grow slower?
I understand that many women may have concerns about whether hair extensions can slow down their natural hair growth. However, it is important to note that hair extensions themselves do not directly affect the rate at which your hair grows.
Hair growth primarily occurs from the roots, and hair extensions are attached to the existing strands of your hair, so they do not interfere with the natural growth process.
However, improper care or damage caused by certain types of extensions can contribute to slower or stunted hair growth. For example, if you opt for tightly braided or glued-in extensions, these methods can put excessive tension on your scalp and follicles, potentially leading to a condition called traction alopecia.
This form of hair loss occurs when constant pulling causes damage to the follicles and inhibits healthy new growth.
To ensure optimal growth while wearing extensions, it is crucial to choose a gentle attachment method that does not strain your scalp. Regularly moisturizing your scalp and using nourishing products can also promote a healthy environment for natural regrowth.
Additionally, trimming off split ends caused by extension wear will help prevent further damage and breakage.
3. How do I get my hair back to its natural thickness?
To restore your hair back to its natural thickness after extensions, there are a few steps you can take. Firstly, start by trimming off any split ends and damaged hair. This will help promote healthier growth and prevent further breakage.
Secondly, use an appropriate shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for thin hair to nourish and strengthen the strands. Thirdly, be mindful of showering time and temperature as hot water can strip the hair of moisture, leading to dryness and brittleness.
Additionally, regularly massaging your scalp while shampooing helps stimulate blood circulation and promotes healthy hair growth. Lastly, consider using a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and provide essential nutrients for thicker-looking hair.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is not uncommon for hair to become thin after wearing extensions. The use of chemical glues, tight braiding, and prolonged wear can all contribute to damage and thinning.
However, by following proper care techniques such as trimming damaged ends, using appropriate hair products, and being gentle with your hair, you can repair and restore the thickness of your hair.
Remember to be patient in the process as it takes time for new healthy strands to grow back. Take care of your hair now so that it can thrive and regain its natural fullness after removing extensions.
