In the ever-evolving world of hair extensions, many options promise to give you the luscious locks of a mermaid, but not all methods are created equal. As professional hair stylists in Arlington, Virginia with decades of experience behind us, our salon is passionate about educating our clients on different extension options and what we believe is the safest route to go to obtain healthy, luscious hair.
So while adhesive hair extensions might seem like a convenient choice, and they are very popular, they come with lots of drawbacks that can outweigh their benefits. Today we are making sure you know the concerns that come with these types of hair extensions and what we would recommend instead.
7 Reasons Adhesive Hair Extensions Are a Bad Idea
Here are seven compelling reasons to think twice before choosing to go with glue or bonding extensions.
1. Higher Risk of Tangling and Matting
One of the most significant downsides of adhesive hair extensions is the higher risk of tangling and matting. The glue or bonding agents can create friction against your natural hair, leading to a knotted mess that can be difficult to manage. Once your extensions start to tangle, it becomes a frustrating battle to detangle them without causing damage to your natural hair. This tangling can escalate to matting, where the hair strands intertwine so tightly that they become nearly impossible to separate without severe hair loss.
2. Shorter Lifespan and Limited Reusability
Adhesive hair extensions typically have a much shorter lifespan compared to other methods like clip-ins or wefts. Most adhesive extensions last for just 1-2 installs before they become unusable. This means you’ll find yourself needing to replace them frequently, resulting in increased costs over time. With other options, you can invest in higher-quality extensions that can be reused for months or even years with proper care.
3. Increased Risk of Thinning Hair
Another significant concern with adhesive hair extensions is that they usually require multiple points of contact, meaning they are attached to your natural hair at various intervals. This can put added stress on your hair follicles, potentially leading to thinning or even significant hair loss over time. If you value your natural hair's health and volume, the risk associated with adhesive extensions might not be worth it.
4. Tedious At-Home Care
While many extensions require some level of maintenance, adhesive hair extensions can be particularly demanding when it comes to at-home care. They often require special shampoos, conditioners, and styling products to keep them looking their best. If you’re someone who prefers a low-maintenance hair routine, the extensive upkeep of adhesive extensions might feel more like a burden than a beauty boost.
5. Awkward Grow-Out Phases
As your natural hair grows, the grow-out phase can become awkward and unflattering with adhesive extensions. Because they are bonded to your natural hair, you might find that the extensions start to look increasingly unnatural as your hair grows out. This can lead to feeling a lack of confidence and constantly considering when to schedule your next install or removal, which can be both inconvenient and costly.
6. Risk of Falling Out
One of the most worrying aspects of adhesive hair extensions is the potential for them to fall out. If the glue or bonding agent wears out—whether due to moisture, heat, or simply time—the extensions can become loose and even detach completely. This not only leads to a potentially embarrassing situation but can also damage your natural hair if not addressed quickly. Maintaining the integrity of your extensions is crucial, but with adhesive methods, the risk is even greater.
7. Not Updo or Style Friendly
Finally, if you love to change your hairstyle or enjoy updos, adhesive hair extensions may not be the best fit for you. The bonded points can be challenging to conceal, making it difficult to achieve seamless styles without visible tracks or bumps. If you frequently wear your hair up or experiment with different styles, the limitations of adhesive extensions can lead to frustration.
Rosewood’s Solutions
At The Rosewood Salon, we value healthy hair transformations above all else. So when it come to your hair extensions, we want to create the hair of your dreams all while maintaining the health of your hair.
To do so, we provide two hair extension methods that both deliver exceptional results:
Extension Method #1: A Protective Style aka Our Traditional Sew Ins
Our traditional sew ins are adhesive free and natural-hair friendly. This process involves the bulk of your hair being braided down, with a protective net placed on top and the extensions sewn in.
Extension Method #2: An Unprotected Style aka Rosewood Rows (Invisible Bead Extensions)
Rosewood Rows require no glue, no tape, no heat, and have less points of contact on your natural hair, giving less opportunity for damage. Rosewood Rows Extension Services include a trim, color matching, in-person consult, take home care kit, and style.
Additionally, both methods include:
- use of a needle, thread, and a silicone lined bead
- easy at home care
- function and use up to one year
- seamless grow outs (which we happily show our clients before install to set expectations)
- minimal points of contact with your hair
- first-time extension wearer friendly
- stye flexibility
Quality Over Popularity
While adhesive hair extensions may appear to be a popular quick solution for adding length and volume to your hair, these drawbacks we shared should be enough reason for you to halt any extension commitment involving adhesive.
By investing in alternatives (such as our Rosewood Rows) you are likely to save money, time, and, most importantly, the health of your natural hair in the long run.
When it comes to enhancing your locks, remember that quality and care far outweigh convenience and popularity. Prioritize your hair’s health and choose methods that will support it! You can thank us later! :)
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