Clip in hair extensions have become a popular way for people to quickly and temporarily change their hairstyle. By clipping wefts of hair into the natural hair, it’s possible to add length, volume, and color without committing to permanent solutions like bonded or sewn-in extensions. However, some wearers have concerns that constantly wearing clip-ins could damage their natural hair or even cause it to stop growing. So does regularly using clip in extensions actually inhibit hair growth?
Do hair extensions pull on the scalp?
Clip in extensions attach to the natural hair using small, snap-on clips that are lined with silicone or rubber for grip. So unlike sewn-in weaves, which require braiding the natural hair tightly to the scalp, clip-ins don’t cause tension on the roots. Properly fitted clip-ins should feel comfortable and secure without any pulling or pinching sensation.
However, if the clips are too tight or the wefts too heavy, they could potentially put strain on the hair and scalp. Signs that your clip-ins are too tight include:
- Visible thinning or breakage where the clips attach
- Redness or discomfort on your scalp after removing the extensions
- Headaches or migraines while wearing them
Clip-ins that are uncomfortably tight can cause temporary traction alopecia over time, which is minor hair loss along the hairline and sides. But this damage is reversible once the tension on the roots is relieved. So while tight clip-ins aren’t recommended, they likely won’t permanently stop hair growth if worn properly.
Can wearing extensions cause breakage?
Another concern is that the added weight of clip-in extensions puts strain on the natural hair, causing it to break off. This depends on several factors:
- Hair type – Fragile, fine hair is at more risk of breakage than coarse, thick hair.
- Extension quality – Low quality clip-ins with uneven, sharp edges can snag and damage hair.
- Maintenance – Brushing extensions incorrectly or not taking proper care of natural hair increases breakage risk.
- Installation method – If clips are only attached to the top layer, the nape and sides can be weighed down and prone to splitting.
To reduce breakage when wearing clip-ins:
- Choose high quality extensions with smooth, blunt-cut wefts.
- Distribute clips throughout hair, not just at the crown.
- Avoid excessive heat styling at the bonds between natural hair and extensions.
- Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb, not brushing.
- Use repairing oils and masks on natural hair between wearing.
Taking these precautions allows hair to be protected and minimizes any potential damage from the weight of the added hair. While some increased shedding is expected, properly installed and maintained clip-ins are unlikely to cause significant hair loss or stop growth.
Can constant use thin hair over time?
What about people who wear clip-ins for months or even years at a time? Could having hair constantly attached cause gradual thinning or loss?
There’s no research showing clip-ins directly cause balding or thin areas if worn responsibly. However, some potential risks include:
- Traction alopecia – As mentioned, chronic tightness on the scalp can damage follicles.
- Massaging scalp less – Extensions may impede circulation.
- Lack of recovery time – Never giving hair a break from extensions doesn’t allow the strands to fully heal.
- Harsher maintenance – Overuse of bleach, relaxers, heat tools weakens hair over time.
To help minimize thinning from constant clip-in use:
- Get professional installs to avoid excess tension.
- Massage the scalp frequently to increase blood flow.
- Take regular breaks from wearing extensions, such as overnight.
- Get trims every 6-8 weeks to prevent split ends.
- Use reparative products like Olaplex to strengthen strands.
As long as hair is properly cared for, occasional thinning from clip-ins should be temporary. But continuously wearing extensions without giving the natural hair time to recover could increase overall shedding and thinning over many months and years.
Do chemical treatments impact growth?
Many people use chemical relaxers or hair dye to blend their natural hair with clip-in extensions. But do these treatments contribute to inhibited hair growth?
Certain chemicals commonly used with extensions can potentially damage hair follicles and slow growth if overused, including:
- Relaxers – Can cause chemical burns and breakage if left on too long or applied improperly.
- Bleach – Weakens and dries out hair over time, increasing risk of damage and shedding.
- Dye – Frequent coloring leaves hair more brittle and prone to thinning.
To avoid long-term issues when using chemicals with extensions:
- Wait at least 48 hours after removing extensions to apply chemicals.
- Follow all instructions carefully to avoid over-processing.
- Use bonding glue, not tape or clips, when relaxing hair.
- Get professional coloring instead of box dyes.
- Limit use of bleach and relaxers to 6-8 weeks apart.
Being cautious with chemical treatments and not overlapping them with extension wear can help prevent damage that may inhibit growth. But overall, dyes, bleaches, and relaxers don’t cause permanent loss if used correctly and in moderation.
Can extensions trigger alopecia or other hair loss conditions?
Traction alopecia is hair loss along the hairline caused by prolonged pulling on the roots. This localized thinning is common with tight braids, weaves, and hair extensions. It’s reversible once the tension is stopped, though regrowth can take months.
However, there’s no evidence that clip-ins or other extension styles can trigger autoimmune hair loss conditions like alopecia areata. Alopecia areata causes patches of baldness when the immune system attacks the follicles. While the cause isn’t fully understood, it’s not linked to hairstyling, extensions, or chemicals.
Extensions also don’t appear to contribute to pattern baldness, telogen effluvium, or other types of hair loss and thinning. These conditions are most often attributed to factors like genetics, hormones, and overall health. As long as clip-ins are installed properly without excess tension, they are unlikely to directly cause generalized hair loss throughout the scalp.
Can overstyling with heat tools cause permanent damage?
Frequently using hot tools like flat irons and curling wands to style extensions can definitely damage hair. The high heat applied regularly can make strands dry and brittle leading to increased breakage and shedding.
Signs of heat damage include:
- Frizzy, wiry texture
- Split, broken ends
- Straw-like appearance
- Faded color
- Increased tangles and knots
To minimize heat damage when styling extensions:
- Use the lowest effective temperature on tools.
- Only use heat 1-2 times per week, not daily.
- Apply a thermal protectant beforehand.
- Avoid passing tools over bonds with your natural hair.
- Let hair cool between passes of the iron.
Severe heat damage can potentially cause some hair loss. But minimizing and avoiding excessively hot styling reduces the risks. While overuse of hot tools can be detrimental, moderate heat won’t lead to permanent thinning or complete lack of growth.
Can wearing extensions improperly cause permanent bald patches?
If clip-ins are installed incorrectly, they may result in bald patches by damaging follicles. Signs of improper application include:
- Only clipping wefts to the top layer, not throughout.
- Applying excess pressure with the clips.
- Attaching clips to very fine or thin areas.
- Using clips that are too large for the section.
To avoid traction baldness from clip-ins:
- Distribute clips evenly around the head.
- Match clip size to hair thickness.
- Avoid placing directly on the scalp.
- Clip into hair, not directly pulling on roots.
- Install lower clips first to support the weight.
If installed by a professional using proper techniques, clip-ins are very unlikely to cause lasting bald patches or permanent thinning. But repeatedly wearing extensions too tightly or in the wrong areas may damage follicles over time leading to more stubborn balding.
Can extensions damage follicles and prevent regrowth?
Healthy hair follicles go through repeated cycles of growth (anagen), transition (catagen), and resting (telogen). Hair extensions won’t disrupt this normal cycle or prevent new growth from occurring. The damage they potentially cause is to the strands, not the follicles themselves.
Traction alopecia from tight extensions can scar follicles and lead to temporary bald patches. But once the tension is removed, most follicles repair themselves and regenerate new hairs. Any thinning is generally reversed within several months.
Extensions may increase shedding due to the added weight on hairs. But more shedding doesn’t equal actual loss of follicles. As long as the scalp and roots are healthy, regular growth will continue.
So while extensions can potentially damage hairs through traction, friction, chemicals etc., they don’t permanently disable follicles from producing new growth. Healthy follicles will continue the growth cycle despite use of extensions.
Can extensions help hair appear thicker and prevent loss?
In addition to adding length and highlights, some people use extensions to create the appearance of thicker, fuller hair. This helps mask any natural thinning or loss for both women and men.
Benefits of using extensions for thickness include:
- Instantly creates an illusion of more density.
- Covers wider scalp by increasing hair’s footprint.
- Adds volume at crown to conceal thinning spots.
- Makes underlying hair look thicker by “sandwiching” it between layers.
- Allows wearing hairstyles not otherwise possible.
Hairpieces like toppers and halos are also great options for enhancing density. Integrated with your natural hair, they seamlessly create the look of thicker locks.
While not actively stopping hair loss, disguising thinning areas with extensions helps restore appearance and confidence. Enhancing volume gives the impression of healthier, fuller hair.
What’s the bottom line on whether clip-ins inhibit growth?
Most evidence indicates that responsible use of clip-in extensions doesn’t directly stop hair from growing. Here are the key takeaways:
- Tight clips may temporarily pull on roots but don’t lead to permanent damage.
- Added weight may increase shedding but doesn’t destroy follicles.
- Chemicals only cause major issues if over-processed or used irresponsibly.
- Heat damage can be avoided by using proper temperature settings.
- Incorrect application may traction baldness but it’s reversible.
- Follicles continue cycling through growth phases despite extensions.
So while extensions do put added strain on natural hair, they are generally safe if installed and maintained properly. Taking preventative measures greatly reduces risk of excessive damage or thinning.
Being mindful of tension, spreading out clips, avoiding chemicals, using heat protectants, and giving hair regular breaks allows the use of extensions without impeding growth. Practiced carefully, extensions can be worn over long periods without stopping the scalp’s natural production of new hairs.
Conclusion
Clip-in hair extensions don’t inherently damage follicles or prevent new growth. Issues like traction alopecia, breakage, and thinning arise primarily from improper use and lack of caution. But practiced responsibly, extensions only pose minimal risks that are largely temporary.
As long as you take steps to avoid traction, overprocessing, and heat damage, clip-in extensions are unlikely to permanently stop hair growth. In fact, they can help create the illusion of thicker, fuller locks if dealing with loss or thinning. So you can still achieve long, lush hair looks while giving your natural hair a healthy growing environment.