Hair Extensions for Fashion and as a Hair Loss Treatment

Hair extensions are about reducing the stigma of missing hair.



Hair loss happens in many ways. Typically associated with male or female pattern baldness (a general thinning of hair in both sexes that is also known as androgenetic alopecia or androgenic alopecia), hair loss can happen in irregular patterns as well. Alopecia areata, characterized by hair loss patches, is one such condition. Other patchy hair loss conditions result from medications, including chemotherapy, and scalp trauma.

There is no fully effective treatment for hair loss patches, although some success may come through topical corticosteroids, steroid injections and ultraviolet light therapy. About 20 percent of those who suffer from alopecia areata have family members with the same condition.

An increasingly popular hair loss solution is the use of hair extensions. Because these use noninvasive methods, many women and men who use hair extensions feel more comfortable with this approach. ("Extension" is sometimes an inaccurate term, since they can be used with shorter hairstyles as well, simply to fill in the bald spot.) Salon specialists have become adept at this form of hair replacement, which attaches to existing hair, not to the scalp. Newer technologies also provide options for their application -- a "cool" approach allows use by trauma and chemotherapy patients, while a time-proven "hot" method offers a broader range of styling options.

Which is exactly the point. Hair extensions are about reducing the stigma of missing hair. But they also allow the individual to explore new fashions, styles that can make for a whole new you. In this instance a hair loss patch can in fact open up an opportunity.

If you think hair extensions are for you, read on. A good hair extension applied by a savvy, professional stylist works best when the client knows how to skillfully address a hair loss patch.