If you are new to hair extensions and have recently had a set fitted, you may be wondering if it is normal for your head to feel sensitive after the fitting. This is an incredibly common question, as many of us suffer from a sensitive scalps, and the installation of a new set of hair extensions can cause this to become a little uncomfortable in the first few days of the fitting.
Here we shall go through what is and isn’t to be expected in terms of discomfort after a hair extension fitting, and possible solutions for you.
New Hair Extensions Can Take A While To Adjust To
When hair extensions are first fitted, on the day of the installation the bonds will be placed close to your scalp so that they are secure, and will last you 3-4 months whilst they slowly grow down. The extension should be placed just far enough away from the scalp so that it can move in every direction and not be restricted, and they should lay pendulously (flat against the head) without sticking out at all. By placing the hair extensions in such a way, your hair extensions should cause you minimal discomfort, however each and every client is different, and some will experience a settling in period for them to get used to the hair extensions which can be mildly uncomfortable. Many describe this sensation as being somewhat similar to having tied your hair in a tight ponytail for the day, where the scalp has become tender from the pressure of the style. With hair extensions this is a perfectly normal sensation, and will subside within a matter of days once your scalp has adjusted and returned back to normal.
Why Can New Hair Extensions Cause discomfort?
There are a number of different elements that come into play that could cause mild discomfort for the first few days of your hair extension fitting. These include your scalp being sensitive to the new weight of the hair, your scalp being sensitive to the attachment method, (e.g. a micro ring), or your hair extensions being slightly too tight. In most cases, and where low to mild discomfort is experienced, this is perfectly normal and not anything to worry about.
Are Your Hair Extensions Causing Sever Pain And Discomfort?
If you have read the above and believe your hair extensions to be more than mildly uncomfortable, causing you pain, this may be due to an incorrect fitting. It is important to identify whether or not you are experiencing mild discomfort which is normal, or significant discomfort, as the latter will need to be corrected whereas mild discomfort is to be expected and will work its self out. If you have experienced pain that has not subsided over a 3 day period, or are genuinely finding the hair extensions very uncomfortable, then you will need to look for a cause to allow you and your hair extensionist to find a solution to help you as quickly as possible.
What are the possible causes of pain from hair extensions?
There are a number of potential reasons why you may be finding your new hair extensions uncomfortable. These include but are not limited to the following possible causes:
Your Hair Extensions Have Been Fitted Too Tight
The most likely cause of your discomfort is that your hair extensions have been placed too close to the roots, and are therefore putting pressure on your scalp. Hair extensions that have been placed too close to the scalp will usually stick out slightly, as they are too close to be able to lay flat against the head. If you have felt your hair extensions and believe this to be the case, you will need to make an appointment with the individual who has fitted the hair extensions so that they can be loosened. Once the hair extensions are corrected and are laying against the scalp you should no longer experience the discomfort.
Your Hair Extensions Are Too Heavy
Another common cause of discomfort arises when hair extensions have been fitted that are too heavy for your hair type. If you have fine hair, and thick strands of hair extensions have been attached, your scalp may be finding it difficult to adjust to the new weight. In these circumstances, again as with the above information you will need to contact your fitter so that they can be adjusted. You will need thicker strands of your own hair to be able to support the weight of each hair extension comfortably.
You May Have An Allergy
A less common cause of discomfort may be that you are allergic to the fitting type used. This will usually only be the case with micro rings/ micro tubes and nano rings if you have a metal sensitivity, as these have a metal component which some can be mildly allergic too. To read more about
metal allergies, please click the link.
Tension Hairs In A Hair Extension Fitting Can Cause Discomfort
Finally, the cause of your discomfort may be that during your fitting some hairs have become trapped inside the fitting that should not be there, and are pulling on your scalp. Even if just 1 hair is trapped and is pulled tightly this can be very uncomfortable. Again, to a certain extent 1 or 2 hairs trapped like this is to be expected and not unusual, however your hair extension fitter should be trained and experienced in being able to spot these so that they can be loosened. If you believe the cause of your discomfort is tension hairs, contact your fitter to arrange an appointment who should be able to easily locate and adjust this for you.
What Should I Do If My Hair Extensions Are Uncomfortable
If you believe your hair extensions are painful and that this is more than a typical adjustment period, we would advise you to seek an appointment with your hair extensions as soon as possible to have the hair extensions corrected so that they are comfortable for you. It may only be a very small adjustment that is required, however it is better to be safe and have the extensions assessed by a professional if you are ever at all concerned.
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