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Hair Extensions & Hair Loss: What You Need to Know


As a professional hairdresser, I’ve worked with many clients experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions, hormonal imbalances, and medications—all while wanting to maintain the length and volume of their hair with extensions. While hair extensions can be a confidence booster, they must be carefully considered when dealing with hair loss to avoid further damage. Here’s what you need to know about wearing hair extensions when experiencing hair loss, along with product recommendations to keep your hair and scalp healthy.


Common Causes of Hair Loss & How Extensions Affect Them

1. Medical-Related Hair Loss

  • Alopecia Areata: This autoimmune disorder causes patchy hair loss, making it difficult for extensions to hold properly. High-tension methods like tape-ins and keratin bonds can worsen the condition. A better option? Halo or clip-in extensions for a gentler, temporary solution.

  • Thyroid Disorders: Thyroid imbalances often lead to brittle, thinning hair. Heavier extensions can cause additional stress on already fragile strands. Opt for lightweight hand-tied wefts or clip-ins instead.

  • Anemia (Iron Deficiency): Hair thinning due to iron deficiency can be worsened by permanent extensions. Ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs, and use Kevin Murphy’s BODY.MASS leave-in treatment to fortify fragile strands.

  • Lupus: This autoimmune disease may cause scarring alopecia, where hair follicles are permanently damaged. In such cases, wigs or hair toppers are a healthier alternative to traditional extensions.


2. Medication-Induced Hair Loss


  • Chemotherapy: Hair loss from chemotherapy is often severe and sudden. Extensions are not recommended until regrowth stabilizes. In the meantime, Davines’ Energizing Shampoo and Superactive Serum can stimulate new hair growth.

  • Blood Thinners & Beta Blockers: These medications cause gradual thinning. Instead of sewn-in extensions, consider clip-ins or halos, which are gentler on fragile hair.

  • Antidepressants & Acne Medications: These can trigger excessive shedding (telogen effluvium), meaning bonded extensions may accelerate hair loss. Instead, try Amika’s 3D Volume and Thickening Shampoo for a fuller appearance while waiting for hair to recover.


3. Hormonal Hair Loss


  • Androgenic Alopecia (Male & Female Pattern Baldness): This is caused by sensitivity to DHT, leading to thinning at the crown and temples. Heavy extensions can speed up loss. Keune’s Derma Activate Lotion helps strengthen hair at the root to slow down thinning.

  • Postpartum Hair Loss: Shedding after pregnancy is common and temporary. Because hair is already in a fragile state, it’s best to avoid bonded extensions and opt for clip-ins or halos.

  • Menopause-Related Hair Loss: A decrease in estrogen leads to weaker, thinner hair. Hand-tied wefts or lightweight clip-ins are the best options. To nourish aging hair, try Kevin Murphy’s PLUMPING.WASH & RINSE.


4. Stress-Induced Hair Loss


  • Telogen Effluvium: This temporary shedding phase is triggered by stress, illness, or surgery. Extensions that add tension (like sewn-in wefts) can make the problem worse. Instead, use Davines’ Renewing Conditioning Treatment to help restore scalp balance.

  • Trichotillomania: Those who compulsively pull their hair may find that extensions provide a physical barrier against pulling, but they can also add temptation. A better alternative may be wigs or hairpieces.


Best Hair Extension Options for Clients with Hair Loss


If you are experiencing hair loss but still want the look of fuller hair, here are the best extension choices:

  • Halo Extensions: These are completely non-invasive and do not attach to the hair, making them the safest option.

  • Clip-In Extensions: Easy to wear and remove, reducing stress on fragile hair.

  • Hand-Tied Wefts: Lightweight and distribute weight evenly to prevent excessive pulling.

  • Toppers & Wigs: If hair loss is extensive, these provide full coverage without damage.


Maintaining Scalp & Hair Health While Wearing Extensions

No matter which extensions you choose, proper care is essential to prevent further hair loss. Here are my top recommendations for maintaining healthy hair and scalp:

  • Gentle Cleansing: Use Kevin Murphy’s SCALP.SPA Wash or Davines’ NaturalTech Energizing Shampoo to keep the scalp clean and stimulated.

  • Strengthening Treatments: Amika’s The Kure Intense Bond Repair Mask helps repair fragile strands that are weakened by medications or hormonal imbalances.

  • Daily Protection: Keune’s Care Derma Activate Spray nourishes thinning hair and protects against further loss.

  • Scalp Massages: Using Kevin Murphy’s SCALP.SPA Serum, massage the scalp to encourage circulation and strengthen hair follicles.

Final Thoughts

Hair loss doesn’t mean you have to give up on hair extensions entirely—you just need the right approach. Understanding the underlying cause of your hair loss and choosing extensions that minimize tension can help you maintain a fuller look while keeping your natural hair healthy. If you're unsure which extensions or treatments are best for you, book a consultation at Sessions so we can create a customized plan tailored to your needs.

Your hair is your crown—let’s keep it thriving, together!

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