How To Thicken Hair After Extensions – 10 Tips For Voluminous Locks

Hair extensions are the perfect shortcut to fuller, longer locks. But once removed, your hair can often look limp and thin in comparison.

If your hair feels wispy, flat and lackluster after taking extensions out, don’t panic. There are many ways to restore thickness and volume to your natural hair.

Follow these 10 proven tips to plump up fine hair after wearing extensions.

Why Does Hair Thin After Extensions?

There are a few reasons why hair can appear thinner once extensions are removed:

• Sudden volume loss – You get used to having super thick extension hair so your natural texture feels flat in comparison.

• Breakage from bonding – Harsh chemical bonds can damage cuticles leading to weakened strands.

• Traction alopecia – Pulling from overly tight extensions damages follicles over time.

• Overstyling – Too much heat styling while wearing extensions can dry out and thin hair.

• Improper removal – Not taking extensions out carefully can rip out hair strands.

Reputable stylists using gentle application methods can prevent a lot of this damage. But give your hair some TLC after having extensions removed to replenish thickness.

How To Make Hair Look Thicker After Extensions

Follow this step-by-step guide to restore volume and disguise any fine spots:

1. Get a rejuvenating haircut

Schedule a trim to snip away any split or damaged ends which make hair appear thinner. Ask your stylist for lots of layers around the crown to add body.

2. Use volumizing shampoos and conditioners

Look for body boosting formulas with ingredients like:

• Biotin – Stimulates growth.

• Keratin – Strengthens strands.

• Collagen – Increases hair elasticity and thickness.

• Rice water – Adds fullness.

3. Treat with a deeply nourishing hair mask

Look for hydrating masks containing oils like argan, olive and coconut to replenish moisture and repair damage.

4. Massage your scalp daily

This increases blood circulation in the follicles to stimulate growth. Use finger pads rather than nails to avoid pulling out hair.

5. Switch up your parting

Creating a side or zig-zag parting disguises finer areas better than a harsh center parting.

6. Use dry shampoo

The powder clings to hair strands adding grit and texture that creates the illusion of fuller hair. Focus on the roots and crown area.

7. Try hair powder or root concealer

These cling to fine areas around your parting and hairline to temporarily thicken up flat spaces.

8. Style with waves

Gentle waves and curls add volume and movement which disguises limp patches. Use a curling wand or soft rollers.

9. Air dry hair flipped upside down

Letting hair air dry upwards with the head flipped over at the roots boosts body and thickness.

10. Opt for volumizing hair sprays and mousses

Choose lightweight formulas that add grip and texture without leaving hair crunchy or sticky.

How Long Does It Take For Hair To Thicken After Extensions?

How long it takes to regain density depends on:

• How much underlying damage was caused – severe traction alopecia takes longer to recover from.

• The quality and thickness of your natural hair – fine hair shows thinning more.

• How you care for your hair during the growing out phase – gentle handling prevents more thinning.

If your hair is not too damaged, you should see a noticeable improvement in fullness within 4-6 weeks using the techniques above.

Consistency is key – keep up hydrating treatments, scalp massages and volumizing products. Let your stylist assess progress during trims.

When To See A Doctor About Thinning Hair

See a dermatologist or trichologist if you notice:

• Sudden unexplained balding patches.

• Thinning across the whole scalp not just areas extensions were attached.

• No improvement after severely thinning from extensions even months later.

This could indicate an underlying medical issue or alopecia. Blood tests can check for vitamin deficiencies and hormone imbalances that cause hair loss.

Home Remedies To Thicken Hair After Extensions

Alongside volumizing products, try these home remedies:

Onion Juice

Onion juice contains sulfur and antioxidants that boost collagen production. This strengthens hair and reduces breakage.

How to:

Blend 1 onion into a juice or rub sliced onion on your scalp. Leave for 15 minutes before washing out. Use 2-3 times per week.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft to reinforce it whilst adding shine. The MCTs encourage growth.

How to:

Heat coconut oil and massage into scalp. Leave for an hour with a shower cap then wash out. Use 2-3 times a week.

Fenugreek Seeds

Rich in protein, iron and potassium, fenugreek seeds boost circulation and stimulate growth.

How to:

Soak 2 tbsp of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Blend into a paste and apply to scalp for 30 mins before rinsing. Use 2-3 times per week.

Vitamins

A vitamin deficiency can lead to thinning hair. Take a supplement containing iron, zinc, biotin and Vitamin D.

How to:

Take a specially formulated hair supplement with vitamins daily. Get blood work done to identify any deficiencies.

Rice Water Rinse

Rice water contains proteins, minerals and vitamins that strengthen locks and encourage growth.

How to:

Boil rice in water, strain and let cool. Use as a final rinse after shampooing weekly.

When To Consider Hair Extensions Again After Thinning

It’s best to wait until your natural hair regains its thickness before having extensions reapplied.

As a guide, give your hair:

• 6 weeks – For mild thinning or temporary wispiness from sudden volume loss.

• 3 months – If your hair feels noticeably thinner and requires trims to regain shape.

• 6 months – For significant thinning from damaged bonds or traction alopecia.

• 12+ months – If you have bald patches or your hair remains flat and fine despite treatment.

Ask your stylist to assess your hair health before reapplying. Thin hair is more vulnerable to damage from extensions.

How To Prevent Thinning When Reapplying Extensions

When ready to reapply bonds or weaves, protect your hair:

• Go longer between applications – Give hair 8 weeks rest minimum rather than the usual 4-6 weeks.

• See a trichologist – They can analyze your hair and recommend the safest reapplication method.

• Do a strand test – Your stylist should test a few bonds first and check for excessive shedding before a full application.

• Use Olaplex – This bond repair treatment prevents breakage from chemicals when reapplying.

• Choose low-tension styles – Opt for loose waves over tight updos and ponytails.

• Sleep in a silk cap – Reduces friction that can weaken bonds.

• Use heat protection – Limit use of hot tools which weaken hair.

Taking precautions allows you to enjoy hair extensions safely even after a bad reaction. Prevent further thinning by handling vulnerable hair gently.

Conclusion

If your hair appears flat and limp post-extensions don’t worry – the thickness can be restored with some TLC. Focus on nourishing the roots, protective styling and disguising problem areas while hair recovers.

With the right products and techniques, you’ll have bouncy, voluminous locks turned heads in no time!