MY NAME IS LINDSEY HENDRICKSON and I have always experienced fine thin hair. Some days there was nothing I could do with my hair at all. I learned ways to hide the thinness by styling it a certain way. A good friend of mine, who is a licensed stylist, suggested that I get hair exten- sions. I was excited thinking I would finally get the chance to have this thick, beautiful hair.
I went to a stylist and as she applied the hair ex- tensions, I noticed she was using glue. My first application was great, I could curl them and treat them just like it was my own hair. After a few days, after the newness had worn off, they felt very heavy and gave me extreme head- aches. I had a hard time blending them as they always looked stringy. Trying to brush my hair was difficult even with a special loop brush. I had my extension for about two months and struggled with them everyday. I went back to the salon and it took three hours to remove them.
The stylist convinced me there was no damage and I could do it again. The second application of extensions was worse. They were more of a struggle than the first. I had already lost some hair from the weight of the extensions, breakage, the glue, and chemicals used. When I had them removed the second time, the stylist did not want me to come to the salon to do it. We went to her home, I thought it was odd but I was desperate to get them out. My hair was completely damage
d and broken. The dreadlocks could not be combed out, they needed to be cut out. I was at a point where I did not know what to do. I sought out advice from an extension expert.
d and broken. The dreadlocks could not be combed out, they needed to be cut out. I was at a point where I did not know what to do. I sought out advice from an extension expert.According to her I had no choice but to put them back in my hair to hide the areas that had been thinned out even more. The new “hair extension expert” proceeded to apply extensions to the little hair that was left. Neither of these stylists informed me of any risks associated with hair extensions. There was no maintenance contract given to me, nor did they discuss the pros and cons with me. I assumed, like many others, that thousand’s of people get extensions so they know what they are doing. After all they are “licensed stylists.” Wrong! Six months into this and I did not know what to do. I was desperate and my hair was a mess.
I finally went to a hair restoration specialist, who in fact cringed when she saw my hair. She could not believe the damage that had occurred in only six months. I am thankful everyday that I made the decision to go see the hair restoration specialist. She managed to save my self esteem as a woman.
From Our Hair Restoration Specialist:
This story is not uncommon. On average this happens to about 80% of hair extension clients. One of the biggest misconceptions is that hair extensions are the only option to fix fine thin hair. In fact, there are hundreds of options from products, pieces, units and basic hair maintenance. It may even be determined that hair extensions are not the answer for you. There are pros and cons to each type of hair extensions. Information that should be discussed during your consultation include: hair and extension maintenance, application and removal frequency, any chemicals, glues or products used, hair type and your lifestyle. Lack of information and improper care are the biggest reasons people often have a bad experience. Hair extension baldness is the most common problem that results from improper application and removal of hair extensions. There are many times that the damage will be irreparable. If you notice any type of breakage, dreadlocks or your stylist does not allow you to see the back of your hair, you probably need some help. There is no easy solution in fixing the damage that extensions can cause.
Creating the best and healthiest environment is the your hair and scalp. A hair restoration specialist can recommend the right products and services that can, over time, restore your hair and repair the damage. Be sure to ask the proper questions, review all of your options and consult with more than one person. Also, ask the stylist if you can contact and see other clients with extensions. Do not be afraid to be told that you cannot have them. It may be a blessing in disguise. Do not go with the cheapest stylist and product either, they can cost you a lot more in damage and repair later. Do your research and educate yourself. It pays off in the long run.
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