If you’re scrolling through Instagram using the hashtags #longhair, #beautifulhair, or #hairgoals, you’ll be met with a stream of jaw-droppingly beautiful manes you’re undeniably envious of. And in case you didn’t know already, most of these ladies are sporting a set of hair extensions to get their look.
But while hair extensions are the quick gateway to ultra-long, lustrous, and thick locks, do they help your natural strands grow, too? As surprising as it may be, hair extensions can help your hair grow – but not how you think.
Are you curious as to whether or not hair extensions help your hair grow? You’re not alone – and that’s why I’ve put together this article on how hair extensions can help your natural hair to grow. Is it a miracle cure for thinning locks? Probably not. But they can help with overall growth and health.
What are we waiting for? Let’s discuss the “magic” of hair extensions!
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Do Extensions Help Your Hair Grow?
Hair extensions can help your hair grow. But it’s not that simple. I.E., you can’t install some hair extensions and magically expect your hair to start growing like wildfire.
Hair extensions don’t automatically equate to hair growth. It’s more about the elevated TLC for your extensions that benefit your natural tresses.
However, hair extensions also provide a barrier of protection for your natural strands. Think of them as a beautiful “shield” covering your natural hair strands, keeping them safe, sound, and healthy, encouraging new hair growth.
How Extensions Can Help Your Natural Hair Grow
One of the main reasons why hair extensions can help your hair grow is because they offer protection to your natural strands. But that’s not all.
You see, when you have hair extensions installed, you need to provide them with some extra care that you might not normally do. But this higher level of care doesn’t just keep your extensions in tip-top shape; it benefits your real strands, too.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the hair extension care tips that benefit your natural strands, too.
1. Less Washing
While washing your hair daily may seem like a good thing, it’s anything but. In fact, washing your hair too often can lead to a slew of problems, from split ends to breakage and dehydration to thinning locks.
When you get your hair extensions installed, your stylist will recommend you cut down on washing (two or three times per week, maximum). While this may be a little odd initially, your extensions and natural hair will thank you.
That’s because your scalp and hair will be able to hold onto their natural, leaving you with softer, silkier, stronger, and faster-growing strands.
2. Shampooing/Conditioning With the Right Product
Did you know that the shampoo you’re using right now might be causing more harm than good? If you’re not using a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, you might be stripping your mane of those essential oils, leaving you with dried and thinning strands.
Well, when you get extensions, you need to switch to sulfate-free products, as the sulfates will cause excessive drying on your new strands. Of course, this will, in turn, benefit your real mane, as it can hold onto its moisture.
Oh, and by the way – conditioning is a must, must, must when you have extensions, as they do not produce their own oils, leading to dryness. So, applying conditioner after shampooing is a must. You can also do weekly conditioning masks with a commercial product or coconut oil – both of which will benefit your natural strands.
3. Brushing Delicately
Nobody wants to deal with tangles and knots. As such, some people decide to take their brush and power through their mane, eliminating mats in their way. While this technically works, you’re likely taking out a lot of perfectly healthy strands in the meantime – leading to thinning hair.
When you have hair extensions, you must be gentle with brushing. Brushing too hard can cause extensions to come loose or fall out entirely. So, you have to switch up your brushing technique – and being gentle will be much better for your natural hair, too.
Not sure how to properly brush your hair with extensions installed? Check out this handy video:
4. Not Using Heat
Heat is the enemy of hair extensions. They just don’t like each other. So, one thing your stylist will tell you is to limit your use of hot styling tools. Just like your natural locks, heat can cause brittleness and dryness.
While you should avoid hot tools as much as possible, I understand that sometimes you need to shake things up a bit. If you need to use your hot tools, apply a heat protectant and use a lower heat setting. Your hair (and extensions) will be much healthier!
5. Caring For Your Hair While You Sleep
OK, I know this sounds a little odd. How are you supposed to care for your hair while you’re sleeping?
It’s simple, really. You need to braid your mane before you sleep (or place hair in a shower cap, wrap it with a silk scarf, or opt for a low and loose ponytail).
But why?
A lot of friction goes down while you sleep, especially if you’re sleeping on cotton pillowcases. In turn, you can wake up with tangles, mats, and breakage. Keeping your locks in one safe place will reduce the amount of friction on your hair, ensuring a stronger and healthier mane that encourages hair growth.
FAQs
I bet you didn’t think your hair extensions could help your hair grow! If you want to keep learning, I’ve added a couple of frequently asked questions to take a peek at.
Do extensions make hair grow faster?
Hair extensions can make hair grow a little quicker. Again, it’s not because of the hair extensions themselves but because of how you treat your extensions and natural strands.
Do extensions damage hair growth?
If hair extensions are installed correctly and cared for appropriately, there should be minimal risk of damage and future hair growth. That’s why it’s recommended to have a professional hairstylist install your extensions.
What extensions are best for hair growth?
Keratin hair extensions seem optimal for encouraging new hair growth, mainly because they are made with keratin – a component already found in your natural strands.
Hair Extensions Can Encourage New Hair Growth!
Hair extensions are a barrier to your natural hair, keeping it safe and secure. However, how you can for your hair extensions is really what helps your natural hair to grow. For instance, cutting down on washes and using the right hair care products can help your hair grow faster.
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