Over-Use of Braided Extensions Could Cause Hair Loss

With London Fashion Week kicking off today, fashionistas around the capital are likely to be spotted wearing one of this autumn's biggest hair trends - the fishtail braid. Many women may be considering wearing this feminine style throughout the winter months, following the resurgence its resurgence in popularity.

The fishtail plait - a tightly woven style which braids together thin strands of hair - has been seen everywhere recently, from the catwalks of Dolce and Gabbana, Marchesa and Alexander McQueen, where models sported pretty plaited looks, to the red carpet where A-list celebrities like Jennifer Aniston have been seen wearing this style of braid.

It can take a long time to grow your hair to the length required to create this intricate plaited style, and many of us simply don't have the patience. That's where the Easilocks Catwalk Fishtail Braid comes in. It's a 24-inch long, clip-in braid extension made from human hair, which weighs 100g and easily clips into your own hair. However, the downside of an over-reliance on hair extensions, or constantly braiding your natural hair into tight plaits, is that these styles can lead to a form of hair loss called Traction Alopecia.

The risks of hair extensions

These new braided extensions may make it easy to achieve a fishtail braid at home, but wearing hair extensions on a regular basis places tension on the hair shaft, which can cause damage to the hair follicles. Left untreated, continued use of extensions can cause permanent, irreversible damage to the follicles, which may eventually stop producing hair altogether. Signs of Traction Alopecia include shiny patches of hair loss, and the scalp may be visible.

Wearing tight hairstyles, including taut braids, could also cause the condition, and celebrities such as Naomi Campbell have been spotted with tell-tale bald patches thought to have been caused by over-use of hair extensions. These braided extensions are the latest addition to the ongoing trend for women to wear clip-in, glued, braided or micro-loop hair extensions to add volume and length to their natural hair. Celebrities including Cheryl Cole regularly wear extensions to boost the beauty of their own hair, but the reality is that regularly wearing extensions can eventually weaken and damage your hair.

What's the good news?

The damage caused by Traction Alopecia is usually temporary, and cutting out your hair extension habit can prevent permanent hair loss from occurring. Stop wearing your extensions and you'll normally find your hair will begin to grow back. It’s also a good idea to book an appointment with a hair loss expert, who can assess any damage and prescribe a treatment plan to facilitate the healthy regrowth of your hair, where necessary.