Thinning hair and tape extensions

Question

Hi there,last year I was on a medication that caused significant hair thinning. It caused the follicles to shrink and now my hair sheds a lot and is easily pulled out.It's giving me self esteem issues - and my hairdresser suggested doing a few tracks of taped in hair extensions to thicken my hair.Question - is it risky? Is the weight of the taped hair likely to pull out my natural hair and leave a bald patch?thanks!

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, extensions do more harm than good. The chance of developing a traction alopecia from extensions is variable based upon the stylist and your lifestyle. There are other treatments for thinning hair. Consider using minoxidil, low level laser or platelet-rich plasma. You may also consider a wig. It will cause less damage.

Ilhan Serdaroglu, MD · Answer

yes, it is risky and weight of the taped hair likely to pull out your natural hair and cause a tension trauma to your hair . That may lead to total loss of your hair by time just like tricotillomania.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Yes, there is always a small risk to using extensions. It does not neccessarily mean it will happen to you but it could.If you are going to use extensions, make sure your dermatologist follows if there is any sign of traction alopecia (pulling related hair loss) ... and if so, the extensions are stopped.

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear SStewart613,

Thank you for your clinical
post.  Hair extensions may cause further
traction alopecia, that is tension that damages the hair follicle and causes
thinning of the hair, but this is unusual. 
However, more concerning is the medication that lead to the thinning in
the first place.  I would seek out a
consultation with a physician whose expertise is medical management of hair and
see if there’s any restorative non-surgical treatments that you could engage
in.  Low-level light therapy, plasma rich
protein, topical nutrient shampoo and Minoxidil can all be integrated to try
and enhance the thickness of your hair. 
Traction alopecia from extensions needs to be considered as the healthy
robustness of your follicles may be compromised from the medication.

I would seek out the consultation of
a physician such as Dr. Donovan in Toronto who is an expert in the medical
management of hair and the causes of its loss.

I hope this information is of some
assistance and best of luck.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

Thinning hair and tape extensions

Answers (4)

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