Common Misconception:Fear and truth of wearing extensions
Hair extensions have long been a popular choice for those seeking to add length, volume, or a pop of color to their hair. However, there are many misconceptions surrounding the use of hair extensions, leading some to shy away from them due to fear of damage or other negative consequences.One common misconception is that hair extensions will cause permanent damage to natural hair and prevent their own hair from growing.
Over the past 5 years, my experience working with numerous professional hairstylists let me witness the healthy hair growth of countless clients. This has sparked my interest in exploring the secrets of natural hair growth and the role of hair extensions in hair growth .
Explore The Science:Why your hair won’t grow?
Hair growth is a complex process that involves multiple stages. Here are the 4stages of hair growth:
It is influenced by various factors, including age, genetics, unhealthy diet habits, stress, sleep,hormonal imbalances,wrong products used,hair styling damage and medical conditions.
Genetics
play a significant role in determining the length and thickness of hair, but other factors can impact hair growth.
Age
Similar to your genetics, age may also be an irreversible reason make hair not grow. Hairs grow best in the adult age before 40. After age 40, hair starts shedding, and we may encounter pattern baldness. It is a permanent form of hair loss and one of the leading causes our hair won't grow.
Unhealthy diet habits
Unhealthy diet habits causes nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of protein, iron, or vitamins, can lead to weak and brittle hair, resulting in breakage and stunted growth.
Stress and hormonal
Similarly, stress and hormonal imbalances can cause hair loss and hinder hair growth.
Lack of sleep
Sleep is also crucial for healthy hair growth, as it allows the body to repair and regenerate cells, including hair cells.
Medical conditions
Medical conditions such as alopecia, thyroid disorders, can also impact hair growth.
Excessive heat styling
Moreover, excessive use of heat styling tools,and unsuitable hair products can also cause tangling, hair loss, and other issues that affect hair growth.
Why the hair extensions protect your natural hair?
In one of our previous blog we discussed the main factors caused hair damage, if we looked back we would know that hair extensions plays a crucial role in protecting your natural hair from damage and promoting healthy growth.
Acting as a barrier, they shield your hair strands from heat-styling tools, harsh chemicals, sun exposure, and pollution. Additionally,extensions also provide an extra layer of support, preventing breakage and reducing tension on your roots. Proper installation ensures weight distribution, minimizing hair loss. By giving your natural hair a break from excessive styling, extensions allow it to recover and grow without unnecessary stress.
How to protect your natural hair under extensions?
Install hair extensions properly
Extensions itself won’t cause any hair damage but Improperly installed hair extensions will cause a variety of problems,other incorrect wash and care habits also can damage your hair.
So if you first time trying new type of hair extensions.
Be sure to consult professional hairstylists or vendors for advice on choosing and installing extensions. Learn how to wear and care for them through online tutorials yourself to ensure proper usage and protection of your hair's healthy growth, as well as to extend the product's lifespan.
Here are install videos of different types of extensions would be helpful for beginners.
How to install clip in extensions:
How to do sew in with weft bundles yourself at home:
How to quick weave withe weft bundles yourself at home:
How to install Microlink beads weft extensions at home:
How to install Itips Microlink extensions at home:
How to install tape ins yourself at home:
Keep Scalp healthy
Washing hair regularly( 1 or 2 times a week),don’t washing too much and make sure not to skip to the deep conditioning to keep hair moist.
Use clarifying shampoo to remove product build up every 1 or 2 weeks.
Use gentle hair products
Avoid using harsh hair products that can strip the scalp of its natural oils. Instead, look for products that are gentle and free of harsh chemicals like sulfate and alcohol.
Avoid excessive heat styling & too tight hairstyles
Avoid excessive heat styling: Excessive heat styling can damage the scalp and hair, leading to dryness, itchiness, and irritation. Try to limit your use of heat styling tools or use a lower heat setting.
Tight hairstyles such as locs, braids, twists may cause tension on the scalp, leading to irritation and hair loss. wear your hair in looser styles or take breaks from tight hairstyles.
Sleep with loose hair protected
Loose braided your long natural hair in a silk bonnet would reduce the rubbing friction to maximize protect your hair from tangling.
Sleep on a silk pillowcase to avoid hair friction. You can also wear a scarf or loose braid.
How to promote Natural Hair Growth Under Extensions?
1.Choose the high quality and fitness hair extensions
If you wish to keep your natural hair healthy and promote hair growth while wearing hair extensions, it's crucial to choose a high-quality hair extension product that suits your hair type and lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Consider your hair texture: If you have fine hair, look for hair extensions that are made from a lightweight material that won't weigh your hair down. If you have thicker hair, you can opt for heavier hair extensions.
- Choose the right material & construction:Hair extensions can be made from a variety of materials, including human hair, synthetic fibers, or a combination of both. Human hair extensions are generally considered to be the highest quality, but they can also be more expensive. Synthetic fibers can be a good option if you're on a budget.Look for hair extensions that are well-constructed and have a natural-looking hairline. Avoid extensions that have visible clips or attachment points.
- Match the color: It's important to match the color of your hair extensions to your natural hair color as closely as possible. Consider getting a color consultation from a professional stylist to ensure that you're getting the right shade.
- Consider the length and thickness: Make sure the hair extensions you choose are the right length and thickness for your hair. If they're too long or too thick, they can look unnatural and may be difficult to style.
- Consult a professional: If you're not sure what type of hair extensions to choose, consult a professional stylist or the seller. They can help you choose the right type of extensions based on your hair type, color, and style.
- Consider your tempo of life:Different professions have different requirements for women's hairstyles,and variety types of extensions require different install and style time,we also need to consider the individual life tempo of life and wearing occasions while we choosing the hair extensions.
Clip ins is the easiest hair extensions among all types of hair extensions,as it come with the clips attached on the the hair wefts,allow to be installed or removed instantly.It exactly fit all types of professions,such as those ladies who requires to switch hairstyles frequently,or Homemakers who don’t want to spend too much time or money to install hair in the salon,and students who are interested in DIY hair styles seeking for new tries.etc.
By follwing these tips, you can find high-quality hair extensions that fit perfectly with your own hair type and enhance your natural beauty.
2.Nutritional diet
Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins can help promote hair growth. Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and biotin, such as salmon, walnuts, and eggs, are particularly good for hair growth.
3.Ensure adequate sleep
lack of sleep can lead to hair loss and breakage. To maintain the health of your hair, it is crucial to prioritize getting enough sleep on a daily basis.
4.Use nourishing scalp serum or essential oils balance scalp
A scalp serum can help to nourish and moisturize the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth. Look for a serum that contains ingredients such as tea tree oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil,and don’t forget to apply a small amount to a section of your scalp to see how it reacts before you using the the serum on your entire scalp.
5.Scalp massage
Massaging your scalp can help to increase blood flow and promote healthy hair growth. Use a scalp massager or even just your fingertips to massage your scalp in circular motions.
6.Regular Exercise
As the same as the scalp massage, regular exercise improves blood flow to the scalp,it increases circulation, which facilitates the delivery of nutrients to the hair follicles and promotes faster hair growth. You may increase your circulation through a variety of physical activities, including yoga, jogging, dancing, and sports.
Now that you've mastered the secrets to maximizing natural hair growth under extensions, I wish you embrace your hair beauty from now on!