Should hair extensions be banned?

They might be trendy, but hair extensions are now being blamed for accentuating baldness in young women.

One of the leading hair science groups in the UK, the Trichological Society, has put forward the argument that hair extensions should be banned. The organisation advises women not to have the procedure done. It says that, often, hairdressers are not properly equipped or qualified for the procedure. Barry Stevens, a hair scientist with the group, warned: “"There can be quite serious consequences wearing [extensions] for a long period. They are capable of destroying hair permanently."

Extensions are sometimes glued into the scalp. They can also be sewn in, or attached using a metal ring. They might look good, say experts, but they can also cause a lot of damage – leading to problems such as bald patches, or Alopecia. Hair can be damaged permanently if extensions go wrong.

The Trichological Society is not the only body to have criticised hair extensions recently. A study in the British Journal of Dermatology has also warned about the possible harmful effects. In addition, researchers in the US and Italy have argued the same point.

Not everyone entirely agrees though. Some hairdressers have argued that, carried out correctly, the procedure can be harmless. Some salons have called for the creation of a regulating body which would be responsible for ensuring that all hair extensions were put in safely.

Young people losing hair

The criticism comes at a time when some hair clinics are reporting that increasing numbers of young people are losing their hair. One clinic treating baldness in the UK, the Alopecia Clinic in Manchester, has reported a three-fold increase in the number of under-21s seeking help, mirrored with three years ago.

Stress and anxiety could have triggered this rise, experts at the clinic believe. The symptoms of Alopecia can range from hair loss to the scalp, to losing all of the hair on your body.