hair health ·

Are hair extensions damaging my natural hair?

Let’s be real for a minute: hair extensions are a game-changer. Whether you want longer, fuller hair, or a break from styling your natural hair each day, they’re truly the secret sauce for instant (or, almost instant) glam and endless styling options. With all that good comes some bad…if you’ve ever had a moment of dread taking out your extensions and noticed hair breakage, severe dryness or thinning edges, you’re not alone. The truth is, hair extensions aren’t meant to damage your natural hair. However, if they’re not used, maintained or cared for properly, they absolutely can create lasting damage to your natural strands and scalp.

Oftentimes, we don’t realize how much stress we’re putting on our hair until it’s too late. It is very possible for hair extensions to be installed too tightly—so tight that the scalp is left irritated and inflamed while feeling sore for days. This can be the case when wearing traditional sew-ins. In a traditional sew-in, your natural hair is braided down and the hair extensions are sewn in using thread. It’s possible that the braids, the thread or BOTH are installed too tightly. While it may look great initially, the constant pulling can cause thinning along the edges and create small bald spots that can take months to recover from.

Surprisingly to most, clip-in hair extensions that are misused or overused can also cause natural hair damage. If clip-ins become a daily go-to and are always applied to the same section of hair; over time, the repeated tension can cause thinning and weakened strands in that area. This is also true for any hair extensions, regardless of the installation method, that are left in for longer than the recommended time frame and without proper maintenance. This can cause your natural hair under the style to become matted, tangled and potentially need to be cut.

These scenarios highlight common mistakes that lead to damage, but they’re also preventable with the right approach. Let’s break down the most common causes of hair extension-related damage and what you can do to keep your natural hair healthy and thriving while still enjoying your enhancements.

**What’s causing damage to my natural hair when wearing a protective style?**

1. Tension from overly tight hairstyles

Hair that’s braided too tightly for sew-ins or other protective styles can pull on your hair follicles, especially around the hairline. This can lead to traction alopecia, a form of hair loss caused by prolonged tension. The same is true for tight ponytails and buns. Prolonged pulling on the fine hairs around the hairline and tension from the ponytail holder can cause damage to the scalp and hair itself.

2. Neglecting your natural hair

While it’s easy to focus on how great extensions look, it’s just as important to care for your natural hair underneath. Skipping regular washing, moisturizing, and scalp care can lead to dryness, breakage, and buildup. This can also create a reliance on hair extensions where you’re unable (or unwilling) to take breaks between styles.

3. Using low-quality hair extensions

Cheap, heavy, or poorly constructed extensions can cause tangling with your natural hair or irritate your scalp. Over time, this can lead to hair thinning, over-manipulation and unnecessary damage to your natural hair.

4. Adhesives and improper removal

Glue-in extensions, quickweaves, frontals or tape-ins can be tough on your hair, especially if not applied or removed correctly. The adhesive itself can cause irritation to the skin and portions of the scalp it makes contact with, while an improper removal can lead to breakage, hair loss or permanent damage.

5. Wearing the extensions for too long

Extensions left in for too long—beyond their recommended duration—can result in matting, tangling, and product buildup on the scalp and hair strands. This makes it harder to safely remove the extensions and increases the risk of breakage.

Now that we’ve gone over what NOT to do when choosing, wearing and removing hair extensions. Let’s look at ways to incorporate hair extensions (insert: enhancements) into your hair styling routine while ensuring your natural hair is cared for and left in the same condition as before installing the extensions. Or, even better!

How do I protect my natural hair when wearing hair extensions?

1. Invest in high-quality hair extensions

It’s best to invest in high-quality hair extensions that match your natural texture and density like the Blow Out or Curls Collections from Melanj Hair. Extensions designed for textured hair, like the Melanj Hair Curls Collection are easier to blend and safe to use on a variety of natural curl patterns.

2. Properly prep your hair before installation

Before installing extensions, make sure your natural hair is clean, conditioned, and well-moisturized. A healthy foundation minimizes the risk of dryness, breakage and other damage while your hair is tucked away. Also, ensure your hair is fully dried before installing a fully protective for a long period of time.

3. Avoid excessive tension

If your braids or extensions feel painful during installation, that’s a sign either one is too tight. Communicate with your stylist to loosen the style and reduce tension, especially along your edges and nape. This is also true for ponytails and clip-ins installed in sensitive areas on the scalp.

4. Maintain your hair and scalp under your install

Even while wearing extensions, your natural hair needs care. Cleanse your scalp regularly using a nozzle applicator for targeted shampooing, and follow up with a lightweight oil or leave-in conditioner. Keeping your scalp healthy promotes hair growth and prevents issues like dandruff or buildup.

5. Choose removable hair extensions when you can

Wearing easy-to-install hair extensions like clip-ins or even v-part wigs, gives you the option to remove the hair extensions. This gives you the opportunity to allow your hair and scalp to breathe while being able to have full access to your natural hair.

6. Limit how long you keep the extensions in

It’s best to only wear your extensions for the recommended time for that particular style or installation method. Again, leaving your hair extensions in for longer than recommended can cause tangling, matting, breakage and thinning to your natural hair to name a few. Here’s a guide to how long each style can be worn:

Traditional Sew-in: 6-8 weeks
Clip-ins: Daily removal is best; can be worn 1-2 days at a time
Braided styles: 6-8 weeks

Exceeding these timeframes can lead to tangles, matting, and unnecessary stress on your natural hair during wear or removal of the hair extensions.

7. Be gentle during takedown or get help from a professional

When it’s time to remove your extensions, take it slow. Use the proper tools and detangle carefully to avoid unnecessary breakage. If you’re unsure, consider having them removed by a professional. For any clip-in hair piece, always open the clip and pull up in the opposite direction of application.

8. Give your hair a break

After removing extensions, let your natural hair rest. Focus on deep conditioning, protein treatments, and low-manipulation styles to restore moisture and strength. This break can be anything from a couple weeks to a couple months depending on the overall health of your natural hair.

The Healthy Hair Mindset While Using Extensions

Wearing hair extensions doesn’t mean you’re choosing to neglect your natural hair—in fact, they really should be viewed as an enhancement or a way to protect your hair when used properly. By prioritizing high-quality extensions, proper installation and take-down methods, regular maintenance and breaks when needed, you can enjoy the versatility of extensions while keeping your natural hair as healthy as possible.

At Melanj Hair, we believe in putting natural hair health first. Our premium textured hair extensions are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural hair in order to help you achieve stunning styles without having to over-manipulate or sacrifice your natural hair.

Ready to wear hair extensions in a healthy way? Explore our texture collections and find the best match for your next best hair day.

I love these clip-ins!! They match perfectly to my hair. I don’t have to straighten my real hair at all.

All I can say is love love love. The natural texture is absolutely amazing. Such a big part of my wardrobe now. Hair is fashion.

Best hair I ever purchased

This hair is supreme, I love the texture and how it matches effortlessly with my natural hair texture. It does not tangle using the right product and also washes well with minimal shedding. Buy it if your on the fence worth the investment!!

I love this hair! It’s pricey but worth it. If you take care of it like you do your own hair, it will last forever.

Out of the box, the hair is pretty. I smelled chemicals immediately, and I should have sent it right back because, from my experience, hair that smells that strongly never holds for long (it smelled of chemicals even after 3 months of washing). I was right. It definitely gives a very full look with one clip-in bundle. The curl pattern is more of a looser zig-zag than cork screw. If you're experienced with blending, you can work with it, but if your curl pattern is ringlets/spiral, this isn't a match. It sheds easily before even installing. I was more gentle with this hair than any bundles I've ever had, and still, it only lasted 3 months. I didn't use heavy styling creams. I washed gently weekly. The hair was coming out in clumps until it was so thin I looked sick. I bought this hair because I AM sick and my hair is thinning due to my autoimmune disease. Now I've wasted $300 plus.

What’s causing damage to my natural hair when wearing a protective style?