Hair Extensions and Chemical Treating

Can chemical treatments be applied to hair extensions safely and without causing damage? The answer is yes depending on the type of hair extension used. Chemical treatments such as coloring, perming, and chemically straightening are only recommended for human hair that have not been treated with hydroxides or dyes previous to use. Consult the stylist who put in the extensions before attempting any chemical treatments.

When it comes to dying the hair it depends on the quality of the product and the amount of processing done to the extension prior to being woven into your natural hair. Dying synthetic products usually leaves the client with an unsatisfactory outcome, splotchy or an undesirable color and sometimes damage to the extensions. Extensions made from virgin hair, which is more expensive then synthetic, offer the best outcome when it comes to dying. In some cases the bonding agents used to attach clip in hair extensions react with chemicals in the dyes. Woven hair is at less at risk for chemical reactions.

Deposit only dye is recommended for dying the product while bleaching is never okay. Always have your stylist test a small strip of hair extension before attempting to dye a full head of extended hair. Unless the stylist is confident that he/she can dye or perm the extensions while they are attached to your hair, it is recommended they are removed before any chemical treatments take place.

Perming the product which is attached with the fusion technique is not recommended. Chemicals used in the perming process can react with adhesives used in the fusion technique. As with all hair application techniques, it is best to perm hair extensions that have been attached without the use of adhesives. A mild perm solution is ideal for use on human extensions.

Chemically straightening hair extensions is not recommended. Extensions made from human hair are easy to straighten using a blow dryer or flattening iron. Chemicals used to straighten hair can possibly damage the extensions and shorten their life span.

It is best to chemically treat the extensions before applying them or to choose an extension that suits your style in hair color and texture. There are many colors from blondes, browns, blacks, reds, and everything in between is available on today's market. A reputable hair stylist can match extensions to your natural hair color or help you choose a new color for a new look all together.