Expert calls for hair extension ban after damage rises

Faye Heukin's hair before hair extensions, after extensions and wearing a wig

One of the UK's top hair specialists says there's been an increase in the number of women seeking help over damaged hair after using extensions.

Steve O'Brien, a trichologist at The Institute of Trichologists, says there's been a 15% increase in the last two years.

He says it's down to women using glue in extensions.

The Trichology Society is calling for them to be banned, because of the damage they do to women's hair.

Mr O'Brien says it doesn't help that celebrities make wearing extensions and maintaining them look easy.

Experts want them banned because they say the bonding is causing traction alopecia, which rips hair out by the roots causing small bald patches.

The condition can continue to spread even after treatment is started making the damage irreparable.

'Falling out'
Twenty-three-year-old Faye Heukin from Scarborough says she's still suffering with the damage they did to her hair.

She says: "It's still not grown back. I wear hair extensions, wigs and stuff.

"I just found a number in the paper for a mobile hairdresser. I went with it and got them done, they were only £150.

"Within a few weeks they started getting really matted and falling out. So I went back to her and she took them all out, and my hair with it.

"I feel paranoid when I've not got my wig or my clip-ins in. I definitely have low confidence now."