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Expert calls for ban on hair extensions

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Summary of story from BBC Newsbeat, May 31, 2011

One of the UK’s top hair specialists has reported an increase in the number of women seeking help over damaged hair after using extensions.

Steve O’Brien, a trichologist at the London Centre of Trichologists, says there’s been a 15% increase in the last two years.

He says it’s down to women using glue in extensions.

The Trichology Society is calling for them to be banned, because of the damage they do to women’s hair.

Mr O’Brien says it doesn’t help that celebrities make wearing extensions and maintaining them look easy.

He says two years ago the London Centre of Trichologists was getting about 30 people in a month but now it’s more like 50 and increasing.

Experts want hair extensions using glue banned because they say the bonding is causing traction alopecia, which rips hair out by the roots causing small bald patches.

The condition can continue to spread even after treatment is started making the damage irreparable.

Twenty-three-year-old Faye Heukin from Scarborough says she’s still suffering with the damage they did to her hair.

She says: “It’s still not grown back. I wear hair extensions, wigs and stuff.

“I just found a number in the paper for a mobile hairdresser. I went with it and got them done, they were only £150.

“Within a few weeks they started getting really matted and falling out. So I went back to her and she took them all out, and my hair with it.

“I feel paranoid when I’ve not got my wig or my clip-ins in. I definitely have low confidence now.”

  1. As a frequent user of keratin-tipped hair extensions I want to oppose the argument for the Ban on Hair extensions which is being publicised in the news this week! I have absolutely NO damage nor Baldness, yet have been wearing extensions near continuously for 7 years now! I own BondHair.com which specialises in pre-bonded extensions and if you are getting them applied by a trained technician, following the aftercare advice and having them removed by your technician you should have no problems. I have a large returning client base and I would not apply extensions to damaged hair.

    Bleaching and using hair straightening irons is one of the biggest causes of Hair breakage- yet this is not banned in the UK?

    Those who claim damage to their own hair are likely getting them applied by cowboys, friends or simply ignoring aftercare given to them!

    I fundamentally believe you can safely wear extensions and we should BAN sun beds or smoking before hair extensions! A lot of girls want to over-weigh their natural hair with thick extensions- this should not happen- you can reduce the gramme weight of strands applied to suit the clients hair and avoid putting strain on their scalp.

    My advice if you want extensions is:

    -Do your research as the best method will vary for your hair type and ethnic group
    -Try to go on friend recommendations
    -High price doesn’t mean high quality- most Top brands use the same sourced hair and just brand it with names to triple the price
    -Follow all aftercare given and ALWAYS have them removed by a trained professional
    -Check your technician has an approved Extensions qualification and insurance!

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