Taking a break from permanent hair extensions

This article explores the benefits of taking a break from permanent hair extensions to promote natural hair health and reduce maintenance stress and expense. It offers insight into how temporary solutions, like clip-in extensions, allow you to achieve the same stunning volume and length with less commitment. Plus, we share practical tips for keeping your hair healthy during your break so you can feel confident and ready to explore new styles.

Let’s face it: having the hair of your dreams full-time is great. They just form part of your make-up and give you all-round confidence. Whether you’re a long-time extension wearer or just starting to consider the benefits of going natural for a while, let’s explore why a break could be rewarding for you and your hair!

Why Take a Break?

• Healthier Hair
  Permanent extensions can add beautiful volume and length but can also strain the scalp and hair. If you notice breakage, thinning, or overall fragility, a break can give your strands time to breathe and recover. Allowing your hair to be free from the weight of extensions can promote strength and vitality in the long term.
  
  
• Reduced Maintenance
  Let’s be honest—permanent extensions are a commitment. They require regular maintenance, adjustment appointments, and careful styling. Taking a break allows you to step back from the constant upkeep, giving you more time for the things you love.
  
  
• Reevaluating Your Style
  Stepping away from your usual look can be a great opportunity to reassess your style and try something fresh. You might discover a new love for clip-in extensions or other temporary solutions that allow you to switch things up based on your day or mood.
  
  
• Reduced expense
  A professional should apply Permanent hair extensions, which adds to the cost. Prices vary based on the method used and the professional's rates, but they typically go into the hundreds of pounds. Besides the initial cost of extensions, ongoing maintenance can also be expensive. Regular visits to the salon and high-quality aftercare products are essential for prolonging the hair's longevity. For example, a typical wearer of tape extensions will invest £1,500 to £1,800 per year for hair, fitting, and maintenance.
  
  *source hairbycharlotte.co.uk 2024 based on having 3 packs of tape extensions fitted with 8 weekly maintenance appointments.

  Taking a break from permanent hair extensions while on holiday

  While permanent hair extensions are often made from high-quality Remy human hair, they should not be treated exactly like your natural hair. Professionals must advise you on proper aftercare, including discussing upcoming holidays. The following is a list of common problems you may experience with permanent hair extensions.
  
  Sunlight can cause the hair extensions to fade, and excessive heat can dry out the extensions. To avoid this, use a heat protection spray.
  
  Chlorine water will damage the hair extensions, making them dry and brittle. It can also damage extension colour, giving the hair extensions a green undertone.
  
  Saltwater can significantly harm hair extensions, resulting in dryness, tangling, and eventual brittleness. The salt can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to a rough texture which makes the extensions more prone to matting, tangling and knots.
  
  Suncream contains chemicals that react with UV light and heat, causing discolouration. Blonde or light extensions can turn pink, and brown extensions can turn an orange brassy colour.
  
  Due to these restrictions, many people take a break from permanent hair extensions during their holidays. Clip-in extensions provide an easy solution, allowing you to add glamour in the evenings without hassle. If you choose to wear hair extensions while on holiday, explore our guide here for tips, tricks, and hacks.

  

  How long should I take a break from permanent hair extensions?

  For many, an annual summer holiday is an ideal opportunity for a short break from extensions, and stylists often recommend it. Summer conditions—such as sun exposure, salt water, and pool chemicals—can cause complications with extensions, so giving your hair a seasonal pause can be beneficial.
  
  During regular appointments, your extensionist should monitor for signs of damage and provide guidance on proper aftercare to minimise damage. If your stylist notices any signs of hair stress, such as thinning, breakage, or increased shedding, it’s worth considering a longer break, typically at least three months. This additional time can allow recovery, especially if you incorporate nourishing treatments and a gentle haircare routine to support stronger, healthier hair.
  

  Tips for Taking Care of Your Hair During the Break

  • Deep Conditioning
    Hydrate and nourish your hair with regular deep conditioning treatments. Weekly masks or leave-in treatments are fantastic for boosting moisture and reversing any damage caused by extensions. Moroccan oil has a great repair mask, and if you want to try a more natural hair mask, read our in-depth hair mask guide here.
    
    
  • Scalp Care
    Scalp health is foundational to strong hair. Use gentle exfoliants or massaging oils to encourage circulation, reduce dryness, and remove buildup.
    
    
  • Trim Regularly
    Keep your hair healthy by trimming off any split ends. This simple step prevents breakage from travelling up the strand, leaving your hair in top shape.
    
    
  • Avoid heat
    Use this time to avoid heated appliances that could potentially damage your hair. If you plan on using heated appliances, don’t forget to use a heat protection spray.

  

  Consider a Temporary Hair Extension Solution

  Taking a break from permanent hair extensions allows you to rediscover the beauty of your natural hair. With temporary extensions like clip-ins, you can enhance your look on special occasions without the commitment and maintenance of permanent options. Clip-ins offer a simple, low-maintenance way to enjoy fullness while giving your hair a rest. Here’s why they might be perfect for you:

  • No Commitment: They’re easy to put in and take out, allowing you to style your hair as you like, without the daily wear and tear on your natural hair.
  • Flexibility: With clip-ins, you control your look. From voluminous curls to sleek ponytails, clip-ins let you add or remove length and volume anytime.
  • Hair Health Benefits: Opting for clip-ins avoids tension and pulling on natural hair, which can significantly reduce the risk of damage.
  • Hair Extension Costs: Clip-ins will save you money compared to permanent hair extensions. For example, a Tape extension wearer for a full head of extensions will invest £1500-£1800 per year on tape extensions, fitment, and maintenance. Stranded Lace Clip-in Extensions will cost approximately £100-£200, depending on length, etc.

    What are the most popular clip-in extensions while taking a break from hair permanent extension

    Clip-in extensions offer a fantastic low-commitment alternative when taking a break from permanent extensions. Here’s a look at some of the most popular clip-in styles for those stepping back from longer-term extensions:

    
    1. Hairline Fillers

    • Ideal for: Adding fullness and body, especially around the crown. Shop Here
    • Why they’re popular: Hairline fillers are small, invisible-weft pieces that clip in seamlessly to give the look of thicker, fuller hair to the front of your hair. Perfect for enhancing your natural hair without weighing it down, they’re a great solution for those with fine or thinning hair.

    

    
    2. Full Head Clip In Extensions

    • Ideal for: Mimicking the look of a full, wefted set but with temporary fitting. Shop Here
    • Why they’re popular: A full-head set of clip-ins typically includes four preclipped wefts that allow you to blend length and volume throughout your hair. They’re popular for providing a complete, natural-looking transformation and are easy to apply and remove daily.

    

    
    3. Clip-In Ponytails

    • Ideal for: Quick and easy updos with added length and volume. Shop Here
    • Why they’re popular: Clip-in ponytails add a polished, voluminous look for any occasion without fuss. They’re perfect for anyone who loves wearing their hair up but wants to add that extra “wow” factor.

    

    
    4. Clip-In Buns

    • Ideal for: Quick and easy updos with added length and volume. Shop Here
    • Why they’re popular: Clip-in buns add a chic, sophisticated look and only require you to be able to scrape your hair back into a small bun for fitting.

    

    
    5. One-Piece Extensions

    • Ideal for: Those who want an instant style boost without the multiple wefts. Shop Here
    • Why they’re popular: One-piece extensions are loved for their simplicity. Just one quick pre-clipped section transforms your look instantly, making them ideal for those who want something quick, easy, and beginner-friendly.

    

    
    6. Balayage & Ombre Clip-Ins

    • Ideal for: Adding depth and dimension, especially for a seasonal change.
    • Why they’re popular: Balayage and ombre clip-ins let you experiment with colour without committing to dye. They add a natural-looking dimension that can be easily swapped in or out, perfect for anyone looking to change their style.

    
    7. Fringe & Bang Clip-Ins

    • Ideal for: Those considering a fringe but not ready to make the cut.
    • Why they’re popular: Clip-in fringes are fantastic for trying out a new look without the commitment. They give you the freedom to change your style instantly, and they’re easy to apply and style.

    
    Each option lets you embrace a new look while giving your natural hair the break it needs from permanent extensions. They’re versatile, easy to use, and perfect for low-maintenance styling, giving you all the glam with no long-term commitment.

    Ready for the Switch?

    If you’re considering a break but still want the flexibility to add volume or length, take a look at our range of quality clip-in extensions. They’re crafted to blend seamlessly, look natural, and—best of all—they’re gentle on your hair.
    
    Giving your hair the break it deserves could just be the change you’ve been looking for!