How Long Does It Take For Extensions To Stop Hurting?

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You have short hair and you just can’t wait to grow it longer. Maybe you also wanted to add some more volume to your hair. So what do you do?

Hair extensions are now available to help you look just the way you want to. But If you are new to getting them, you might feel a little bit of discomfort as they are newly attached. 

How long does it take for extensions to stop hurting? It’s not uncommon for hair extensions to feel uncomfortable. But the pain, sensitivity, and discomfort usually disappear in a few days. 

So why do hair extensions hurt initially? and how do you stop them from hurting? We’ll go over that below.


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How Long Does It Take For Extensions To Stop Hurting?

Initially, extensions can hurt and feel uncomfortable. But the discomfort should subside once you get used to them. How long that would be will vary from one person to another.

Sometimes, it could be as little as a few days to as much as weeks, depending on what causes the hurt or discomfort. 

Sometimes, it could be as little as a few days to as much as weeks, depending on what causes the hurt or discomfort. 

Nevertheless, there are still some things that you can do to help get rid of that discomfort. Here are some of the ways to prevent your hair extensions from hurting:

1. Use Pain Killers

Over-the-counter pain medication can help when you have tension headaches. You can take them while the extensions settle and while you get used to the extensions being attached to your hair. 

Although you could take over-the-counter medication, you should still not overdo it. If you can still bear with the pain, then you should rather than just rely on medication. 

2. Use A Scalp Spray

A scalp spray or a braid spray   is a product that you can use on your irritated scalp. They usually contain moisturizers and could help soften the hair so that they could be more comfortable for you. 

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3. Massage Your Scalp

Another thing that you could do to help with the pain and discomfort is to massage your scalp.

You can use your fingertips to massage the sore spots on your scalp. This will help soothe the tenderness. 

4. A Warm Damp Towel

If you want some relief from the pain and discomfort of your extensions, you can try to place a warm damp towel on your head. Warm water will loosen the grip of the extensions so using a damp towel can give you some relief. 

Make sure you squeeze out as much water from the towel as you can. You don’t need to soak your hair in warm water!

The steam of the towel would be enough to help loosen the grip a bit and provide some relief. 

5. Oil The Scalp

Oil is another substance that you can use to help with the pain. However, you have to make sure that you don’t use too much. 

A few drops on your fingertips will be enough to help your scalp with the discomfort. The oil will help not only loosen the grip of the extensions but can also help with the itchiness of the scalp

6. Opt For Clip-In Hair Extensions

Out of all the extensions, the least likely to hurt are the clip-in extensions . However, they may not last as long as the more permanent extensions like micro links. 

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Clip-in extensions are easy to apply and adjust. You can adjust them on your own or reposition them if they are uncomfortable. However, they are only supposed to be worn for a short time. 

If none of the above is helping you get some relief, it may be best to go back to the salon you’ve got your extensions done. You might need to have them refitted or at least checked. 

Many find that weft hair extensions are less uncomfortable.


Why Do Hair Extensions Hurt? 

If you’ve tried hair extensions before, you’ll know that it can be a painful adjustment process, especially if you just got them. 

That pain and discomfort are quite common and many people, especially to those who are getting hair extensions for the first time.

Fortunately, the pain should go away after a few days.

That pain and discomfort are quite common and many people, especially to those who are getting hair extensions for the first time.

Here are the most common reasons why they could hurt. 

1. They Need Time To Get Used To

One of the main reasons why there might be pain and discomfort is because you just need to get used to the presence of the hair extensions, the tension on your hair, the way it pulls, and the gravity of the situation.

The simple presence of the hair extensions may bring discomfort but you can certainly get used to it.

2. Added Weight Of The Extensions

Hair extensions add additional weight to your hair. This is why it might feel like it is being pulled or tied up in a ponytail the whole day, especially on the day you get the extensions. 

Although some could get used to this weight, there are others who might feel that the extensions are too heavy. It’s possible they are too heavy for your hair type, and you need an adjustment!

Those with fine hair should have thinner hair extensions attached. The pressure of the weight due to the additional extension may feel like it is too much for the scalp to handle. 

Those with fine hair should have thinner hair extensions attached. The pressure of the weight due to the additional extension may feel like it is too much for the scalp to handle. 

3. Extensions Are Close To Your Scalp

Extensions are attached as close to the scalp as possible so that it looks more natural. However, this method of fastening could be quite uncomfortable. 

Hair extensions can be attached to your scalp with the use of tape, glue, micro-loops, or keratin bonds. Whatever the method of attachment, if the extensions are too close to the scalp and are constantly rubbing on it, it could be painful and cause irritation. 

4. Allergies

The substances used to attach your extensions could also cause your scalp to have an allergic reaction. That could cause the discomfort and pain that you might feel. 

5. Scalp Sensitivity

Some people may simply have a more sensitive scalp than others, which is why they can’t handle the extensions. There can be tension build-up especially when the extensions are tangled.

This leads to discomfort, tension headaches, etc. 

Written by Kayla Young

Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).