There are a dizzying number of hair extension removal solution products on the market. From creams to sprays to gels to shampoos, each product claims to be the best option for removing hair extensions. However, they're not all created equal — and many of them could cause more damage than good.
1. Why do you need to remove hair extensions?
There are several reasons why you need to remove your hair extensions.
You might think getting your hair done is about making you feel beautiful. However, it turns out, there are people like you who want the freedom to look like themselves — and who WANT extensions to be removed.
The American Society of Photobiotics gathered data on the frequency of hair extension removal among a representative sample population — and found that 80% of respondents like to have extensions taken out, but that the majority of them had done so “just because they could.” The following are a few reasons you don’t want to wear your extensions anymore.
Wearing hair extensions can make you feel insecure, especially if you have short hair. According to Iris Dedrago of Psychology Today, “Hair above the ears is just a beloved part of the female body. Pulling it, or even questioning its place, makes the wearer feel violated.”
Women with naturally short hair do not experience this level of insecurity, unlike their shorter peers who are conditioned to expect this from women with naturally long hair.
2. What products are available for removal?
Carbon dioxide laser is a well-known and often effective method for removing unwanted hair. However, if you’re doing a Dermabrasion, the laser is slightly different, and it aims to remove unwanted tissue without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. Dermabrasion naturally dissolves existing hair, but it can also cause a sterilization nightmare as it dissolves healthy tissue as well.
If you’re doing a Dermabrasion as part of a salons treatment program, make sure you make your patients aware that you’re using an advanced version of carbon dioxide, and tell them how to avoid the risks of a Dermabrasion and how to tell if they have a tumour or other conditions which could be affected by the procedure.
Though Dremel feels like a low-tech solution, it is very effective for removing unwanted hair, it’s just not as effective or as safe as a medical-grade tool. Also, according to your local laws, if you’re doing a Dermabrasion on a 15-year-old (or younger), you can be charged with child abuse.
3. How can you tell which products will work?
According to the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, borage oil is an oil that has been extracted from the one-cell origin kiwi fruit. It has 60% of the antioxidant activity of orange oil and is a good source of vitamin E, magnesium and selenium.
However, dermatologists warn that storing it directly under harsh conditions like summer may cause an aroma that can cause irritation and sensitization. Also, it’s difficult to get a consistent dose of the oil because it dissolves in your body very easily. That leaves you with a product that’s often heavily concentrated and can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
As for the effectiveness of this treatment method, there isn’t much scientific evidence to back up its effectiveness, and studies are fairly new. Some people do experience hair regrowth after using this oil, but it can also cause new hair growth if you don’t use it often enough, it can cause diastasis recti, a separation of the outer layer of the abdominal wall, and it can put new skin cells into hiding.
4. How can you avoid damaging your hair when removing hair extensions?
When removing hair extensions it’s important to avoid damaging your hair. This is often difficult because the hair extensions are often coated in a strong adhesive. To avoid damaging your hair, remove hair extensions in a room with good ventilation.
The FDA warns consumers to avoid using hair removal products with silicone, which can cause acne or scarring. When choosing a hair removal solution, speak with your physician if you have new hair growth. Most doctors recommend limiting the use of hair removal products to prevent scarring and can even discourage teenagers from using hair removal products.
Hair removal is a fairly common practice and can often be misunderstood by even the most educated cosmetic dermatologists. If the product is labelled as an “all-natural” hair removal shampoo, it may not be actually “natural.” Aloe Vera, blackhead removal gels, and retinoids are all examples of “natural” ingredients that can be harmful when used in combination with hair removal.
Conclusion:
The best way to use hair extensions remover is with a gentle, natural solution that won't damage your hair and scalp as well as synthetic extensions.