Nataly is an experienced freelance writer well-versed in lifestyle, beauty, and fashion. She enjoys testing new hair products to tame her long locks. Believing in the power of self-care, Nataly collects styling tips like gems. Currently, she delivers exclusive content on the latest hairstyle trends and transformations.
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Hair experts explain some major reasons behind itchy hair extensions and share their top tips on managing scalp irritation.
Wearing hair extensions may be tricky. In addition to pricey hair care products and frequent salon visits, you may also come across itchiness and scalp irritation. Some of the most common reasons behind all these are wefts with short hair at the top, product buildup, incorrect bead placement, and allergic reactions. Sounds familiar?
Luckily, we collected useful tips and tricks from a trichologist and a hair extension specialist who know exactly why your scalp might get itchy and how to avoid it. Here’s everything you need to know about hair extension care to keep your scalp healthy and nourished.
Take notes and dive in!
If you’ve been using single-drawn hair extensions for a while, you surely know about the so-called ‘mustache’ – short and spiky hairs located at the top of the weft. While attached to the scalp, these hair extensions may cause itchiness and overall discomfort.
Expert Tip: Hair extension specialist and online shop owner, Mariah Cloke, suggests switching to a double-drawn weft that has no mustache and is thick from root to tips. In other words, avoid cheap hair extensions, opting for a high-quality product instead.
Hair extensions can cause product build-up, resulting in scalp irritation and itchy feeling. It happens because hair follicles get clogged by styling products, oils, and dirt. So, if you’re still neglecting your hair extension washing routine, you’d better start taking good care of your clip-in tresses ASAP.
Expert Tip: Misti Barnes, a professional trichologist, hair loss expert, and CEO of Cellustrious Hair Rejuvenation, emphasizes the importance of keeping the scalp clean when wearing hair extensions. She recommends scalp exfoliation to remove excessive product buildup and ensure healthy new hair growth.
Installing hair extension beads too close to the roots may exert pressure on the scalp and cause discomfort. With beads sitting too tight on your hair, the extensions only increase scalp tension. Hence, proper hair extension installation is the key to seamless style with long hair.
Expert Tip: Misti Barnes recommends deep scalp massage to increase blood flow and release tension from your head. Consider investing in a quality scalp massager to stimulate the hair follicle and promote hair growth.
“Dry, itchy scalp can occur due to allergic reactions to the materials or adhesives used in extensions,” the hair loss expert explains. Indeed, many hair devotees share their experience with different hair extension beads. “Nickel beads can make you itch. I had to switch to silicone beads,” one of Mariah Cloke’s followers confesses.
Expert Tip: Any hair expert would agree that consulting a doctor is the best and the safest way to deal with itchy scalp. In case you need to reduce inflammation on your scalp, emu oil used topically will do the work just fine, according to the trichologist.
Looking for a trusted hair care guide? Then, discover 5 Best Shampoos for Itchy Scalp, According to Master Trichologist and The Latest Guide on How to Exfoliate Scalp and Why You Must.
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