Do Weft Hair Extensions Damage Your Hair? Here Is The Ultimate Answer

If we have to name a popular type of hair extensions that has been around for a long time, it must be “weft hair extensions”. They are a perfect solution for adding length and volume to natural hair. However, as nobody wants to compromise the health of their hair when wearing extensions, a frequently asked question is “Do weft hair extensions damage hair?” If you have the same question, keep reading to find out the ultimate answer!

1. What are weft hair extensions?

Before finding out whether weft hair extensions are damaging or not, we need to know what they are first and how they work. So, weft hair extensions consist of hair strands sewn together onto a thin strip (either by machine or by hand). The traditional method of applying weft hair extensions involves sewing them into small, tight braids (known as a “weave”) close to the scalp.

What are weft hair extensions?

2. Do weft hair extensions damage your hair?

So again, do weft hair extensions damage hair? To put it briefly, just like other types of hair extensions, weft hair extensions are not damaging by themselves. Some people do suffer from hair damage when wearing weft hair extensions due to hair type incompatibility or inappropriate application and maintenance. Here is how weft hair extensions can damage your hair:

• Weft hair extensions can damage thin/ fine/ weak hair: As weft hair extensions are sewn into braids or cornrows, your natural hair must be healthy and have enough volume to support the added weight. Therefore, weft hair extensions will work best for people with normal to thick hair.

However, at Macsara, we provide some innovative types of weft extensions, such as hand-tied and Genius weft hair extensions. They are much more lightweight than traditional weft hair extensions and thus can be applied to pretty thin hair.

• Weft hair extensions are sewn too tightly: You’ll inevitably suffer from hair and scalp damage, including hair breakage and hair loss, if your wefts feel too tight. But how can you tell if your hair extensions are fitted too tightly? Some indications include persistent discomfort or even pain around the scalp area after getting weft hair extensions, or restricted movement in your scalp while moving your scalp slightly.
• Weft hair extensions are worn for too long: Keeping weft hair extensions in for longer than recommended can also lead to damage. This is because the constant weight and tension from the extensions can weaken the hair follicles over time, causing breakage or thinning, and even traction alopecia (hair loss caused by constant pulling).

Weft hair extensions can damage your hair due to hair type incompatibility or inappropriate application

3. How to prevent weft hair extensions damage

Now that we’ve found out the answer to the question “Do weft hair extensions damage your hair?”, let’s move on to discover some useful tips on preventing weft hair extensions damage.

Seek consultation from a professional hairstylist

Before starting a relationship with weft hair extensions, make sure your hair and weft hair extensions are compatible! It’s essential to seek advice from a professional hairstylist, who will assess the health and thickness of your natural hair to determine if weft hair extensions are suitable for you.

Have weft hair extensions applied by a professional hairstylist

As we’ve mentioned above, improper installation technique is one of the main reasons for weft hair extension damage. Therefore, it’s essential to have weft hair extensions applied by a professional hairstylist, who has the expertise to ensure a proper and secure installation, minimizing the risk of damage to your natural hair.

It’s essential to have weft hair extensions applied by a professional hairstylist

Take good care of weft hair extensions

Caring for your weft hair extensions is just as important as caring for your natural hair. Here are some essential tips to maintain the health of both your extensions and your hair:

• Gentle brushing: Use a soft-bristle brush or a loop brush designed for hair extensions to gently detangle your locks. Start from the ends and work your way upwards to prevent unnecessary strain on the bonds.
• Shampoo and condition with care: Always opt for sulfate-free and nourishing shampoos and conditioners to keep your weft hair extensions clean and healthy. When washing your hair, avoid making circular movements to prevent tangling.
• Avoid over-styling: While weft hair extensions can be styled like natural hair, excessive use of heat styling tools can weaken the bonds and lead to damage. So, you’d better choose heatless styling methods whenever possible.
• Tie hair carefully: When tying your hair into a ponytail or bun, be gentle and use hair ties without metal clasps to avoid snagging or pulling on the extensions. Also, make sure it’s not a too-tight hairstyle to prevent further tension on your hair.

Keep up with maintenance appointments

Leaving weft hair extensions for longer than 8 weeks will put your hair at risk of damage, so try to keep up with maintenance appointments with your stylist! During these appointments, your stylist will reposition the wefts if needed and assess the overall condition of the extensions.

Take a break from hair extensions

As much as you may love your weft hair extensions, giving your natural hair a break is crucial to maintain its health. Periodically take a break from wearing extensions to allow your scalp and hair to breathe so you can say goodbye to weft hair extensions damage!

Conclusion

In conclusion, weft hair extensions, when installed and maintained correctly, do not damage your hair. By following the right application techniques, seeking professional advice, and adhering to proper care, you can enjoy the benefits of weft hair extensions without compromising the health of your natural hair. Remember, knowledge and careful consideration are the keys to a successful and damage-free experience with weft hair extensions!

We hope you’ll find this post helpful for your hair journey. See you in other posts for more hair extensions tips and tricks!