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Wigs held significant importance during the 18th century. Their widespread use led to the introduction of a wig powder tax in 1795, aimed at funding England's war efforts. Explore more images related to personal hygiene.
Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesHairpieces have been part of human culture for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all adorned wigs. However, the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe marked the peak of wig usage. The trend was so dominant that British Prime Minister William Pitt imposed the Powder Tax in 1795 to support war funding and reduce starch consumption for wig powder.
The 1950s saw a resurgence in hairpiece popularity with the advent of synthetic wigs made from nylon and rayon. These materials largely replaced the traditional use of human or animal hair in wig production.
The development of wigs, or fully fashioned hairpieces, paralleled the rise of hair extensions—strands of hair that can be integrated or attached to natural hair. Though they have existed nearly as long as wigs, hair extensions saw a revival in the 1990s that continues to thrive. This industry is lucrative, with human hair extensions ranging from $200 to $3,000. In 2007, the market for human hair extensions alone brought in an estimated $300 million [source: Extensions].
When applied correctly, hair extensions can be both stylish and beneficial. For instance, organizations like Locks of Love collect real human hair donations to create hairpieces for individuals experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions.
However, hair extensions can sometimes lead to issues. When improperly applied, the consequences can be severe. It’s crucial to understand the risks before visiting a salon. For example, a woman in Dorset, England, received nearly $11,000 in compensation after her hair began falling out due to extensions [source: Telegraph]. She experienced a common side effect known as traction alopecia. Discover more about this and other scalp issues caused by hair extensions.
Potential Scalp Damage from Hair Extensions
When applied correctly, extensions can look fantastic. However, improper application can lead to significant harm.
©iStockphoto.com/quavondoIn investigating the potential scalp damage caused by hair extensions, Mytour.com consulted several trichologists—experts in hair and scalp health. The consensus among these specialists is that properly applied hair extensions are generally safe. Issues typically arise from careless or incorrect installation.
One common problem, traction alopecia, often occurs with hair extensions. Extensions are usually woven into natural hair, and if the weave is too tight, they can pull on the real hair during removal, causing hair loss. This pulling can also inflame the scalp, as the extensions forcibly remove natural hair [source: Kingsley].
The attachment of most hair extensions can cause scalp irritation and inflammation, especially during brushing or combing, as the extensions may get caught. This tugging can exacerbate scalp issues. Due to these risks, extensions should only be used temporarily.
Certain hair extension systems use heat sealing, where a bonding solution is melted with a heated clamp to attach extensions to natural hair. While a protective shield prevents scalp burns, this method still carries risks if not handled by a skilled professional, as heat application near the scalp can cause burns.
The bonding solutions used in heat sealing or adhesives for attaching extensions can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals, known as contact dermatitis. Symptoms include redness, itching, and a rash similar to poison ivy [source: Mayo Clinic]. The chemicals used to remove these bonds also carry the same risks, and it’s challenging to predict how your scalp will react until exposure occurs.
To avoid potential harm, always choose reputable salons with skilled professionals for hair extensions. Investing in quality service can save your hair and scalp from unnecessary damage and discomfort.
