The Trichological Society – one of the largest hair science organisations in the UK – says that hair extensions are leading to more cases of alopecia and baldness in young women and should be banned.

BBC Newsbeat reports that researchers in the US and Italy have found that the problems associated with hair extensions are more common than reported – and that, although some women with hair extensions may look as though they have no scalp problems, on close inspection it is not always the case.

Hair scientist Barry Stevens, who runs the Trichological Society, said that hair extensions can destroy hair permanently – and although many women opt for them to make themselves look and feel better, ‘serious consequences’ can result if they are worn for long periods of time.

Many salons are also offering hair extensions at ‘cut price’ rates, with hairdressers not always fully trained in how to apply them, said the society.

Mr Stevens said he had worked with many women who had had to take legal action after problems with hair extensions that ruined their own hair – and he now thinks they should be banned in the UK.

Hair extensions are attached to human hair using glue, stitches or a metal ring attached to the hair.

‘Hair extensions pull out one's natural hair,’ warned Mr Stevens. ‘They're heavy, don't absorb water easily – and can tangle very quickly.

‘The quality of hair can make a big difference,’ he added. ‘Any poor quality hair will snag with brushing and combing and eventually rip your hair out.’

London hairdresser Shola Rose does not agree with a ban, but says that if a hairdresser advises a client to ‘take a break’ from using hair extensions, they should heed the advice. She also advises that only qualified hairdressers should apply them.

‘I do think there should be a governing body for hairdressers, which we don't have at the moment in the UK,’ she added.

Mr Stevens said that children should not have their hair braided, plaited, canerowed or have extensions added.

‘Their hair shouldn't be controlled at a young age. Braiding and plaiting can pull the hair and it can be too tight on the scalp, causing problems like a receding hair line, baldness and hair loss.’

However, Shola Rose commented that, in the black community, such treatments form part of the culture – and that plaiting could actually be good for the hair. She advised:

‘You should stick to one person doing your hair, as they'll be able to monitor your hair on a regular basis.’

The US and Italian study is published in the British Journal of Dermatology.

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