Hair extension pros and cons

Q. Can hair extensions be worn safely?

Hair extensions are seeing resurgence similar to that of false eyelashes. Hair extensions are favored over wigs because they are semipermanent, less likely to be lost, and nicely simulate natural hair. Hair extensions can be used to increase length, improve fullness, and create a hairstyle. They can be fashioned from synthetic or natural human hair, but the synthetic fibers are more popular because they are cheaper, more resistant to breakage, and lighter.

READ: What is fueling the resurgence of false eyelashes?

There are several ways the synthetic hair can be attached to the wearer. Clumps of synthetic hair can be glued to a clump of natural hair. This is known as hair bonding and is very similar to the false eyelash technique discussed previously. The synthetic hair can also be wefted, meaning it is sewn to a woven band, and either glued to the scalp or sewn to the hair as it exits the scalp. The longer overlying hair is used to cover the sewn-in extensions. This technique is most popular, as it very quickly allows hair to be added both for fullness and length. Finally, the synthetic hair can be braided into existing braids, a technique known as hair weaving.

The only problem with all of these hair extension techniques is possible traction alopecia resulting from the weight of the hair pulling against the scalp.