Will Hair Extensions Ruin My Hair? Debunking Myths And Misconceptions

back of woman's head with hair extensions

Hair extensions have seen a huge growth in popularity in recent years with women of many ages and ethnicities. One reason why is that extensions open the door to many other hairstyles. Whether you want longer, fuller hair or a quick transformation of your hairstyle for a special occasion, hair extensions are a versatile tool for achieving your hair goals.

Despite the many potential benefits, you may be concerned about possible damage to your hair, whether you already have extensions, or are considering getting them. 

When it comes to potential damage to your hair, the most important thing to remember is that there is very little risk of long-term damage, assuming your extensions are applied correctly by trained stylists, like the stylists here at Societe Salon

Our experienced, award-winning stylists take great care to ensure hair extensions provide the long, voluminous hair you have been looking for without compromising hair health.

Ready to explore the possibilities of hair extensions? Book your appointment today and learn how we can help you achieve the look you have been dreaming of.

woman with new blonde hair extensions flowing down back

Can Hair Extensions Ruin Your Hair?

No, hair extensions are not going to ruin your hair, if they are applied properly by trained professionals and if you take proper care of them. The elite stylists at Societe Salon not only know how to apply extensions properly. They also take great care to match your hair to the right type of extensions. We want your hair to be healthy and look great.

This common misconception about hair extensions is because of the bad reputation hair extensions used to have. Unlike today, there were not many options for extensions. Clip-in extensions could cause a lot more damage because the clips were poorly designed, causing them to put excessive strain on hair roots.

Fortunately, these days there are so many types of extensions, and they have been designed to help prevent short-term or long-term damage to your hair. While we’ve stated this multiple times already, we’ll say it again: make sure you have your extensions installed by a trained stylist who takes great attention to detail.

What Are Some Other Common Misconceptions About Hair Extensions?

Myth: Extensions Are Too Heavy

You may have heard some people complain about extensions weakening hair follicles or even pulling natural hair out. Some have said they experienced headaches.

The Truth: Damage is Often a Result of Improper Application

Extensions can cause damage, but this is often because they were not installed correctly. For instance, you may have too many extensions, which is going to increase your discomfort.

You also need to know that synthetic hair is going to be much heavier than real hair. Synthetic hair can cause significant weakening of your roots and potentially cause hair loss.

Myth: Extensions Are Not Going to Blend with My Natural Hair

You have probably seen plenty of pictures of poorly matched or poorly applied extensions on Instagram or other social media apps. You can quickly tell that the color of the extensions is not a good match for the person’s natural hair.

However, this does not mean your extensions are going to look that way.

holding up blonde hair wefts to client's hair

The Truth: Extensions Can be Seamlessly Blended into Your Natural Hair

If extensions are not blending well, it is probably because they were applied by a poorly trained or careless stylist. The extensions might also be cheap.

This is another reason why you should only allow a well-trained stylist who will take great care to match extensions to your hair and ensure they follow your hair pattern. That way you can safely post those Instagram pics without worrying that others can easily see your extensions.

It is important to note that K-tip extensions are going to be less noticeable than taped-in extensions.

Myth: Everyone Will Be Able to See the Extension Tracks

Some types of extensions have tracks, but others should not be able to see them. If you have ever seen a visible track, that person probably had clip-in extensions that she applied herself. It is also possible the stylist put the extensions too high up on the client’s head, making the track easy to spot.

The Truth: Professional Stylists Know How to Conceal Tracks, Rings or Bonds

At Societe Salon, our stylists take great care to ensure you get the added volume and length you have been looking for with no sign of a ring, bond or track. Extensions should be placed well below your eyebrow line, so there should be plenty of hair to cover up the track.

Myth: Extensions Will Cause Headaches

If someone complains about headaches it is probably because the extensions were not applied correctly. They may also be wearing clip-in extensions they applied themselves. They may have simply put in way too many clips, which pull on their hair and cause a headache.

The Truth: Properly Applied Extensions Should Not Cause Headaches

Our stylists make sure extensions are weighed and measured to ensure they are as comfortable as possible. After all, what’s the point of extensions if you are walking around with a headache?

Myth: Extensions Are Dangerous for Your Hair

Some women are concerned about the potential for long-term damage to their hair, especially if they have thin hair.

The Truth: Extensions Are Safe

If extensions were as dangerous as some seem to think, how could they be so popular these days?

The key is to make sure you find a reputable, experienced stylist to apply them and instruct you on how to maintain them.

You also need to practice proper hair care while extensions are attached, this includes:

  • Using a hypoallergenic shampoo that is appropriate for your type of hair
  • Not rubbing your hair too forcefully when washing
  • Not using oils that could weaken tape-in extensions or keratin bonds

Myth: Extensions Are Going to Get Tangled Up With My Natural Hair

This can be considered a myth because extensions are only going to get tangled up if you do not take care of them.

The Truth: Extensions Are Not Going to Get Tangled

Think about it this way: you would not just allow your hair to get messy after washing it. Why would you fail to take care of your extensions?

Types of Hair Extensions

There are various types/styles of hair extensions to suit different preferences and needs. At Société Salon, we offer a wide selection of high-quality, custom hair extensions, including:

  • Sew-In Wefts: These extensions are sewn into your natural hair. Sew-in wefts are secure and typically last six to eight weeks before they require maintenance. These work best with thick, coarse hair.
  • Tape-in Extensions: Stylists use double-sided tape to attach the extensions to the client’s natural hair. These are lightweight and comfortable because they do not weigh their hair down. These come in a variety of lengths, textures and colors. The advantage of tape-in extensions is they can be applied quickly and easily and remain in for several weeks, if you take proper care of them.
  • Hand-Tied Extensions: These are also called hand-wefted extensions. Stylists tie the extensions into wefts, which gives this method much more flexibility. These types of extensions are often made from real human hair and can be matched to your hair’s natural texture and color. They are meant to be worn for a long time and do not require significant maintenance. Hand-tied extensions can also be easily customized for your individual needs. This is often considered one of the safest, if not the safest type of permanent extension.
  • Bead/Weft Extensions: These are attached to your natural hair using beads. Stylists use a specialized clamp to attach the wefts of hair to the beads. These extensions are attached as close to the root as possible. These products are also called micro-bead, micro-ring or I-tip hair extensions. These extensions are a great option for people who have thin hair, as stylists do not need to use glue or heated styling tools to attach them. This helps prevent damage to your hair. Bead/weft extensions can stay in for months if you care for them properly, providing the extra length and thickness you have been seeking. 
  • Fusion/Keratin Extensions: These are also known as K-Tip extensions. Stylists use a heating tool to melt the keratin tips that attach the extensions to the client’s natural hair. K-Tip extensions can last several months with proper maintenance and care. These are suitable for clients who have thick hair because they can last six months or more. K-Tip extensions can be thought of as a semi-permanent type of extension. This is one of the least damaging types of hair extensions.

Each type of extension serves a specific purpose and works best when professionally applied and maintained.

How Could Hair Extensions Damage Your Hair?

If your stylist applied extensions correctly, there is minimal risk of your hair suffering damage. In fact, extensions can help to shield your hair from environmental damage and over-styling.

However, there is still a chance of damage, especially from permanent or semi-permanent extensions that attach directly to your hair. People with thin or weak hair need to be particularly careful with tape-in, fusion or weave extensions, especially if you wear these types of extensions for an extended period.

All your hair follicles are attached to an arrector pili muscle that can be weakened by continued pressure from improperly attached extensions. This could result in traction alopecia, which means losing hair at the root due to continued strain. This could cause slowing of hair growth in the area or even permanent hair loss.

These are some of the main risk factors for hair damage from extensions:

  • Improper Application: Poorly installed extensions can pull on your hair, causing thinning or breakage. For example, the glue from tape-in extensions, combined with the weight of extensions can pull on hair follicles. Another aspect of proper application is choosing the type of extensions that fit your lifestyle. For instance, if you exercise regularly and lead an active lifestyle, it may be better to go with clip-in extensions. Tape-in extensions are often the better option for those who have sensitive skin.
  • Low-Quality Products: High-quality extensions tend to last longer and hold up better when subjected to heat and other hair styling products. The higher upfront cost often ends up saving you money in the long run.
  • Poor Maintenance: Extensions are not something you can set and forget. Proper care helps extensions last longer and more importantly, protects the long-term health of your hair. The elite haircare professionals at Societe Salon are committed to ensuring your custom extensions are properly maintained. This includes regular check-ins to see how your extensions are holding up.

Can Clip-In Extensions Cause Damage to Your Hair?

You might think clip-in extensions are more convenient. However, they usually do not look all that natural, and they put a lot of weight on a significant amount of your hair. As with other extensions, there is a risk of damage to your hair, especially if they were poorly applied or used too frequently.

Using clip-ins every now and then is generally OK but using them a lot is often a bad idea. Unfortunately, many who use clip-ins do so quite frequently.

Often, people use clip-ins for one event, meaning the extensions are only worn for a matter of hours.

Can Tape-In Extensions Cause Damage to My Hair?

These extensions use strong glue that is meant to hold up for several weeks or even months. Your natural hair is sandwiched between the taped-on extensions.

However, the glue is attached to a large area near your roots. The glue and the weight of the extensions often pulls on hair follicles. It is also important to remember that trapping hair between chemicals for an extended period is not an ideal scenario for healthy hair.  

As with other types of extensions, make sure they are applied by professionals who advise you on how to take proper care of them.

What About Halo Extensions? Are They Safer?

Halo extensions are often not applied by professionals because they do not require tools or heat. Halo extensions are not directly attached to your hair.

These extensions are wefts of hair that are attached to a wire that rests on top of your natural hair. The wire sits above your ears and can be positioned so it blends in with your natural hair. You blend it in by pulling your natural hair over the weft.

Halo extensions were designed for those with thin hair because they do not risk pulling out hair strands. You get the added fullness and length without the risk of damage or even hair loss.

What Are the Specific Risks of Strand Extensions?

Strand extensions include microbead, keratin, fusion and nano bead extensions. Small amounts of hair are attached directly to your roots – stylists usually attach a lot of these extensions, unlike wefts that can be sown or woven in with your natural hair. They can directly pull on your hair follicles, which poses obvious risks to your hair health.

Three Must-Dos When Getting Hair Extensions

If you want to get the best results with hair extensions, you have three important choices to make:

  1. Choosing Extensions That Fit With Your Lifestyle: Are you an active person who regularly exercises or engages in strenuous physical activity? You may want to avoid permanent or semi-permanent types of extensions, like sew-in extensions. Tape-in extensions may be better for sensitive skin. You do not want your extensions to interfere with your lifestyle.
  2. Matching Hair Color and Tone: You want extensions to blend seamlessly with your natural hair. That is why you should have your extensions applied by experienced stylists who know how to match extensions to the tone and color of your natural hair.
  3. Choosing High-Quality Extensions: Extensions made from real human hair are going to look better and be more durable. They also weigh much less than artificial hair extensions. Another factor to consider is that human hair extensions are going to be more durable and hold up better to heat and styling products.

Protecting Your Hair While Wearing Extensions

There are several practical steps you can take to protect your hair from damage caused by extensions:

  • Make Sure Your Hair is Healthy Before Getting Extensions: You want to make sure your hair is healthy before you get extensions to reduce the risk of damage. For example, you do not want your hair to have a buildup of hairspray. Regular use of conditioner can strengthen and moisturize your hair. Gentle, moisturizing shampoos help keep your scalp clean and hydrated. You should continue to use this care routine while wearing extensions to preserve your hair health.
  • Have Extensions Installed by a Professional: We have stated this numerous times throughout this article, but you should only get extensions applied by professionals. When extensions are being applied, let the stylist know if it feels too tight, as tightness could result in headaches and potentially cause hair loss. Stylists can always loosen things up to help protect your hair.
  • Take Care of the Hair Around Your Hairline: Edges are the hairs right around your hairline. These are especially fragile. You should stick with water-based styling gels to protect your edges. When possible, avoid using heated styling tools.
  • Take a Break From Extensions: Wearing extensions for longer than two or three months is risky. Your hair needs a break to remain healthy.
  • Focus on Supplements and a Balanced Diet: Biotin and zinc can improve the health of your hair and your skin. Taking these supplements in addition to eating a balanced diet can do a lot for your hair’s health.
  • Protect Your Hair From Heat: Discuss this with your stylist to find the right option for you.
  • Schedule Regular Maintenance Appointments: Schedule regular check-ins to ensure your extensions are in optimal condition. Your stylist can reposition tape-in extensions and ensure sew-in extensions are not too tight.
  • Gentle At-Home Care: Use a soft-bristle brush and avoid tugging on your extensions. In fact, you may want to switch from a cotton to a silk pillowcase, as it reduces friction and splitting of your hair. You may also want to switch from traditional elastic hair ties to smoother ones, such as silk scrunchies. Avoid rubbing your hair too hard while washing it. Continue to wash your hair as often as your hair type requires. Discuss proper hair care with your stylist.
  • Do Not Attempt to Remove Extensions Yourself: If you try to remove extensions yourself, you risk damaging your hair. Your stylist is the one who should remove sewn-in or bonded extensions.

Why Choose Société Salon for Hair Extensions?

At Société Salon, we don’t just apply extensions. We elevate your look while protecting your hair’s health. We help you choose the best length, color and style based on your face shape, skin tone, eye color and other features

Our team is trained to provide a customized, damage-free extension experience. We use only the highest-quality extensions that blend seamlessly with your natural hair. Our stylists will assess your hair type, recommend the best options, and share care tips tailored to you.

With the right application, maintenance and care, extensions can transform your hairstyle without causing harm.