Can Extensions Help Your Hair Grow?

Many people get hair extensions to instantly achieve longer, thicker locks. But did you know that extensions can also help your natural hair grow? It’s true! When properly applied and cared for, high-quality extensions can protect your hair, allowing it to grow longer and healthier.

In this article we’ll explain how extensions aid hair growth, what types work best, proper care and maintenance tips, and things to keep in mind. Read on to learn how extensions can help you achieve your dream locks!

How Extensions Help Protect Hair

Extensions create a barrier between your natural hair and environmental/heat damage. Here’s how they help:

• Added length takes some weight and tension off your natural locks so they don’t stretch and break as easily.

• Extensions act as a buffer – things like brushing, heat styling, sun, chlorine etc. damage the extensions before your own hair.

• Less need for daily styling or chemical treatments since the extensions provide instant polish and length.

• Extensions hide split ends, allowing you to go longer between trims.

• The roots are protected and can grow out healthier.

When your natural hair experiences less damage, it retains moisture and strength to grow longer. Extensions buy you time to get the length you want!

Choosing the Best Extensions

The right type of extensions will optimize hair growth. Look for:

• 100% Remy human hair – highest quality, mimics your own hair

• Lightweight materials that won’t pull or drag down hair

• Proper installation by a trained professional

• Sparse application with breathability so hair isn’t suffocated

• Regular maintenance – Move clips around, adjust tapes/bonds as needed

• Gentle removal without pulling on or damaging hair

Avoid heavy extensions, cheap synthetics, too-tight styles, and DIY application which can further damage hair.

Ideal Extensions for Growth

Here are the top extension methods recommended for aiding healthy hair growth:

• Tape-In Extensions – Lightweight strips of hair adhered with hypoallergenic, latex-free tape. Gentle on hair.

• Clip-In Extensions – Clips easily into natural hair for a temporary effect. Zero damage.

• Micro Link/Loop Extensions – Small bead-tipped strands loop through hair. Very secure.

• Nano Ring/Micro Ring – Tiny rings clamp onto hair strands with no glue or heat.

• Fusion Extensions – Strands bonded to your hair with keratin “glue” and heat or ultrasound. When properly done, it does not damage hair.

Always have extensions applied by a licensed stylist familiar with hair-friendly application techniques.

Caring for Extensions to Protect Hair

Proper care is crucial to ensure extensions enhance, rather than inhibit, hair growth.

• Use a satin pillowcase to minimize friction on hair overnight

• Avoid tight hairstyles like ponytails that pull on hair

• Wash 1-2 times per week with sulfate-free shampoo

• Condition mid-lengths to ends only

• Apply heat protectant and limit heat styling tools

• Air dry when possible and use low heat/air flow settings

• Gently detangle with a wide-tooth comb or wet brush

• Don’t overbrush – once a day is sufficient

• Visit your stylist regularly for adjustment and maintenance

Being extra gentle prevents breakage so hair can grow stronger beneath extensions.

Growing Out Short Hair

Extensions help disguise the awkward grow-out phase after chopping your hair into a short style. Since short hair is fragile, extensions add protection as it grows out.

• Clip-ins easily blend with natural hair for temporary fullness

• Partial highlighting pieces soften regrowth lines

• Toppers boost volume only at the crown without full head coverage

• Short ponytails or bun fillers boost upstyles

• Tape/micro extensions at the nape cover over-grown underlayers

Work with your stylist to find the optimal extension style, thickness, and placement as your hair transitions.

Things to Keep in Mind

While extensions can encourage hair growth, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:

• Avoid overloading hair with too much extension weight

• Carefully remove tapes/bonds near regrowth to avoid pulling out new growth

• **Don’t exceed **3-4 months of continuous wear or hair could weaken

• Take biotin supplements and use nourishing products for optimal results

• Get regular trims to cut away split ends on your natural hair

• See your stylist if the extensions start causing increased shedding

Achieve Your Healthiest Hair Goals

When properly selected, applied, and cared for, extensions can help you safely grow your hair faster and longer. But damage can occur if extensions are too heavy or put strain on your natural locks.

Schedule a free consultation with me for tips on the best extension method and hair care regime to achieve your goals. I’ll create a customized plan to help you get the gorgeous length and volume you want, without compromising the health of your natural hair.