Is My Scalp Too Sensitive For Extensions?

I occasionally get this question from new clients and so I decided to answer in more detail🔎

Those with psoriasis and eczema may wonder: ‘Is my scalp too sensitive for extensions?’ The answer is anything but simple!🤔

These are a few conditions of the scalp which may mean extensions are not a good idea - however the severity of your symptoms and the expertise of your hair tech are massive factors…

𝙒𝙖𝙞𝙩 𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙎𝙮𝙢𝙥𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙨 𝙏𝙤 𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙚

If your symptoms are very severe this may mean having extensions fitted will irritate your scalp further and cause more pain and itchiness - this is never a good outcome as it will only worsen your symptoms and make having extensions more stress than satisfaction! If you are having a particularly bad flare up, it may be a better idea to wait until your symptoms calm down, or to find a better treatment for your symptoms, before you have extensions fitted.

It’s important you wait for your symptoms to settle down, and to ensure your scalp is relatively calm and not irritated, before getting extensions. As some people will experience slight tightness or even itchiness when having extensions first fitted, it’s best to ensure your scalp is calm, so that it is in the best position to deal with these minor side effects for the first few days.

𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙥 𝙄𝙣𝙨

If you are really struggling with a scalp condition, or only experience relatively short periods where your symptoms cease, it may be a good idea for you to choose clip in extensions over pre-bonded extensions. With clip ins, you’ll achieve the thick, luscious long hair of your dreams for events and photos, however you will avoid the constant irritation pre-bonded extensions will cause in highly-strung scalps. It is important, however, to remember that if you are wearing clip ins every day, this may actually be worse than having pre-bonded extensions, as they have not been installed by a professional and could cause a flare up as the scalp is being intruded upon daily. The amount and length of the clip ins you use, and the frequency at which you use them, are important factors to consider. Clip ins are definitely best if you are wanting extensions for special occasions/infrequent use rather than every day use.

𝘾𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙃𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙀𝙭𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙒𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙮

It is so important you choose a hair tech who is at least knowledgeable about your scalp condition or has worked with your condition before. It’s also non-negotiable your hair tech uses proper, safe technique that is comfortable for you to wear and doesn’t unnecessarily irritate your scalp. Certain adjustments will need to be made: such as the extensions being fitted further away from the scalp or not being fitted in certain areas where the condition is most inflamed. This means those with scalp conditions need much more regular maintenance (usually every four weeks), as the extension strand has had a head start on growing down the hair, since it has been placed further down and away from the scalp to minimise irritation. This is also essential as your technician will be able to more closely monitor the condition of your scalp and pre-empt any possible issues or irritation before it becomes full blown.

I hope this short guide was helpful - please do let me know if you have any questions! I’m only a DM away💌