How I Saved My Hair Post Hair Extensions

I was once a slave to hair extensions, constantly drawn to their voluminous and glamorous appearance. Like many women, I was enamored with the idea of having long, luscious locks that were the envy of everyone around me. So, in 2020, right before the pandemic hit, I decided to get hair extensions. At first, I loved how they looked. I felt confident and beautiful. But, little did I know, my hair extensions were silently destroying my natural hair.

It all started with a few stray strands falling out here and there, but I didn't think much of it. I just assumed it was normal shedding. However, as time went on, I began to notice my hairline receding and my scalp becoming increasingly visible. I had a bald spot on the crown of my head and my hair was weak, brittle and dull. I was devastated. I didn't know what to do.

After some research, I discovered that I had developed traction alopecia, a condition caused by constant tension on the hair, which can be caused by heavy extensions like the ones I was wearing. Traction alopecia can lead to hair loss and damage to the scalp, and it's not just caused by one type of extension, but many, including tape-in, clip-in, halo, ponytail, fusion, keratin, weaves, microbeads, and wefts. I immediately took out my extensions and began to nurse my hair back to health.

Hair extensions are a popular trend that can add volume and length to your hair, but at what cost? They can damage your natural hair and scalp, and can lead to hair loss. Trichologist Dominic Burg, Ph.D., a board-certified dermatologist, explains that each hair follicle has a small muscle attached to it called the arrector pili muscle, which can be damaged with repeated or prolonged pressure from tight weaves or incorrectly applied extensions. Once the muscle is damaged and detached from the root, the root may die, resulting in hair loss. He also points out that very long and heavy extensions can have the same impact on the follicles, regardless of the type of extension, as the sheer weight of the added hair can damage the root, especially if the weight is pulling on a small or isolated number of strands.

This was a devastating realization for me. It sounds extreme, but I didn't feel like myself anymore. I knew I couldn't go back to hair extensions, yet I was left with less hair than when I started.

Around the time when I took my extensions out (July 2020), was when I really started to focus on a non-toxic lifestyle, saying goodbye to harsh hair care products and hair extensions. This was also when I tried hair oiling for the first time, which was a bit strange going to bed with oily hair, but I loved the results. Although my hair was still stumpy and short, it slowly but surely gave life back to my hair. I started to really understand a haircare routine that worked, with products that encouraged growth.

It's been a long journey, but my hair has finally started to grow back. I've learned a valuable lesson about the dangers of hair extensions and the importance of taking care of your natural hair. I want to share my story with others to raise awareness about the risks of hair extensions and to help others avoid the same fate. It's important to remember that while hair extensions may look great in the short-term, they can do significant damage to your natural hair and scalp in the long-term.

My Healthy Hair Practices

WASH HAIR MINIMALLY

This was a hard one for me to come to terms with. A chronic every-other-day wash kinda gal, only washing my hair once a week felt a little too dirty for me. As my hair has gotten significantly more used to this routine, it rarely gets oily/gross throughout the week. If anything it’s the complete opposite.

Washing your hair too frequently can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to damage. Additionally, constant washing can disrupt the scalp's natural pH balance, leading to irritation and dandruff. Minimizing the amount of times you wash your hair allows the natural oils to nourish and protect the hair, leading to healthier and stronger strands. Instead of washing your hair daily, consider using dry shampoo or alternating with co-washing (washing your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo) to extend the time between washes. It's also important to consider using gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to minimize the damage caused by washing.

HAIR OILING

Once you try it, you will never go back. Hair oiling is beneficial for your hair because it helps to moisturize and nourish the scalp and hair strands. The oils used in hair oiling, such as argan oil, and olive oil, are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help to improve the health and appearance of your hair. The oils can penetrate the hair shaft, providing deep conditioning and strengthening the hair fibers. Hair oiling can help to reduce frizz, prevent breakage, add shine, and promote hair growth. Additionally, hair oiling can help to soothe an itchy or dry scalp and can also protect the hair from environmental damage. See recommendations below.

Pre-wash Hair Oil / Root to Tip Thickening Oil

Nighttime Scalp Serum / Regenerative Growth Serum

Hair Strengthening Vitamin Serum

ADD IN SUPPLEMENTS

High quality zinc is important! It aids with with ear infections, eczema & acne. It also is WONDERFUL when it comes to hair growth. Zinc is a miracle worker when it comes to our skin / hair.

USE MINDFUL PRODUCTS

Saving your hair after hair extensions can be a challenge, but with the right approach and high-quality products, it's definitely possible. One of the most important things to consider when it comes to maintaining healthy hair is avoiding products with harmful ingredients and fragrances.

To combat this, it's important to choose high-quality, nourishing products that are rich in ingredients such as argan oil, keratin, and tripeptides. These ingredients can help to strengthen and moisturize the hair, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring that your hair and extensions stay healthy and radiant. See recommendations below.