Hair Extensions Loss

Woman who is losing hair extensions
Photo: Elena Nichizhenova/Shutterstock
Q: I just received hair extensions 5 days ago. They were bonded with a heat tool, and my stylist used real human hair. I've already lost 5 extension strands and am getting worried. I am using the brush that came with the kit, avoiding harsh brushing, and wearing my hair in a loose ponytail at night as recommended.
 
I understand it's normal to lose hair as your natural hair sheds every day, but losing 5 extension strands in less than a week seems like a lot. Approximately how many extension strands are considered normal to lose each week? The extensions I received are supposed to last for more than 6 months, but at this rate, I am not so sure.
 
A: First of all, your stylist should have given you an idea of what to expect after your extensions were applied, including an approximate number of acceptable strand losses and the time frame in which they might occur. Since that apparently wasn't discussed, the first step is to contact your stylist and let them know about your concerns. In my opinion, losing 5 extension strands in the first 5 days is more than I would normally expect.
 
However, the only way to determine whether there is actually a problem is to have the remaining bonds examined. Your stylist needs to inspect the extensions to see whether the bonds are secure and whether the extensions were applied correctly. Occasionally, extensions can loosen prematurely because of application issues, improper bond placement, or simply because a few bonds did not adhere as well as they should have.
 
Not every lost extension necessarily indicates poor workmanship. Factors such as very fine or oily hair, excessive heat near the bonds, using oil-based products too close to the attachment points, or accidentally tugging on the extensions while brushing or styling can all contribute to premature shedding.
 
If you're concerned that the application may not have been done correctly, don't hesitate to speak with the salon manager or seek a second opinion from another hair extensions specialist. An evaluation can often identify whether the issue is related to the installation, the quality of the bonds, or something else.
 
Keep in mind that your natural hair sheds approximately 50 to 100 hairs per day, but properly bonded strand extensions should generally remain attached until the bond is removed or grows out with your natural hair. While it's not unusual to lose an occasional extension over the course of several months, multiple strands coming out during the first week is not something I would consider typical.
 
As long as you've been following the recommended care instructions (using the proper brush, brushing gently while supporting the bonds, sleeping with your hair secured, avoiding excessive heat on the bonds, and using extension-safe products) your stylist should be willing to evaluate the situation and, if necessary, replace any extensions that failed prematurely.
 
Try to approach the conversation in a calm, non-confrontational manner. Hair extensions are a significant investment, and reputable stylists understand that satisfied clients are the foundation of their business. Most professionals want their work to look its best and will make every effort to resolve legitimate concerns.
 
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See also:
 
What are the best hair extensions to get?
 
When you have extensions, does your hair still grow?
 
How many hairs do we lose per day?