Jennifer Aniston Goes Back to Extensions

Photo by PR Photos

This past November, Jennifer Aniston cut her signature locks into a short bob and publicly discussed the fragile state of her hair. Aniston was quoted in Elle magazine saying her hair "reacted badly to a Brazilian Blowout treatment," prompting the star to chop her hair. 

But it appears Aniston is already missing her long locks, because she was spotted out recently with long extensions, which may again put her damaged hair at risk. I've talked about the risks associated with extensions countless times on here, and I'll say it again, hair extensions can be extremely harmful to the hair follicles. Because of the excess weight and pulling, hair extensions, when worn too much, can lead to a type of hair loss called "traction alopecia." Traction alopecia is a form of "scarring alopecia" and characterized by an obliteration of the hair follicles. 

Hollywood often leads the world when it comes to style, but this is one trend that I'd be happy to see fade away. 

Jennifer Aniston Chops Hair After Brazilian Blowout Disaster

Did Jennifer Aniston like her short hair from the upcoming "Squirrels to the Nuts" film so much that she decided to chop her signature locks after filming? 

While Aniston's hair has been the topic of much debate and admiration since the 90s, her recent cut was reportedly the result of a Brazilian Blowout gone wrong! 

According to Aniston's recent interview with Elle magazine, the new look wasn't part of getting into character. "It wasn’t for a role. My hair went through a phase - I did this thing called a Brazilian and my hair did not react really well to it."

Unfortunately, Aniston isn't the first report of complications following the straightening procedure. Keratin-smoothing treatments like Brazilian Blowout have become very popular among celebrities and consumers in recent years. They can leave hair soft and smooth for up to four months after a single
treatment, but in 2010, the treatments became under attack following tests which reportedly found a high level of a known carcinogen is produced when the product is exposed to high heat. In 2011, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), deemed the popular treatment as potentially hazardous to salon workers and customers.

In addition to possible exposure to formaldehyde, common complaints following the treatment include: 

• Broken fibers: as if the hair is getting shorter and shorter;
• The frizz comes back very soon: need to repeat treatment in approx. 3 months;
• Increased oilyness of the scalp, or the perception of oilyness;
• Less volume/less hair

The bottom line is, Aniston's hair will grow out, and she will once again have her signature locks, but if she continues with these harsh treatments, she will risk further damage to her hair follicles. 

Hollywood's Unhealthy Obsession with Hair Extensions

 

Photo by PR Photos

The June 21st issue of The Hollywood Reporter has a feature on the growing demand in Hollywood for hair extensions. A wide range of celebrities are reportedly using them - Rihanna, Vanessa Hudgens, Jennifer Aniston, Halle Berry, Jessica Simpson, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez, just to name a few. And, of course, who can forget Naomi Campbell's side-effects from extensions?

Photo by PR Photos, edited/notated by Dr. Bauman

And that's just the point: hair extensions are actually extremely harmful to the hair follicles. Because of the excess weight and pulling, hair extensions, when worn too much, can lead to a type of hair loss called "traction alopecia." Traction alopecia is a form of "scarring alopecia" and characterized by an obliteration of the hair follicles. Hair transplantation is the most effective way to reverse this condition.

If you are a regular user of hair extensions, weaves, braids or wigs that attach to the hair, your hair follicles are in danger of permanent damage. 

Hollywood often leads the world when it comes to style, but the new extension trend is definitely one to avoid.

Jennifer Aniston: Extensions Ruined My Hair

Jennifer Aniston caused a stir earlier this year when she chopped her famous golden locks, but a new interview with InStyle magazine reveals there was more to the decision than a simple restyle. 

It appears even the Hollywood starlet wasn't immune from the damage that can be caused by extreme hair styling.

Aniston's frequent use of hair extensions were taking their toll on her hair, causing it to become "thinned out." She explained her decision to the magazine: "The real reason I cut my hair? My real hair was getting thinned out again from all the extensions. It was starting to look fake."

Aniston is hardly the first celebrity to be faced with thinning hair after extensions and extreme styling, but the good news is, the damage is reversible. As long as she doesn't go back to her old habits, her hair should grow back healthy and revived. But, if is she wants to speed up the hair recovery process, as I'm sure she does, she may want to consider a regimen of low level laser therapy and a vitamin supplement like Viviscal to help stimulate healthy hair growth. 

Brazilian Blowout Suspected of Carcinogen

A popular hair treatment product called "Brazilian Blowout" is under heavy scrutiny following recent tests which reportedly found a high level of a known carcinogen is produced when the product is exposed to high heat.


Keratin-smoothing treatments like Brazilian Blowout have recently become very popular among celebrities and consumers. They can leave hair soft and smooth for up to four months after a single treatment. Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Nicole Richie are reportedly big fans of Brazilian Blowout.


Although more testing will need to be done to confirm whether or not there is a medical risk here, the early indicators are alarming. Before getting a keratin-smoothing treatment, you may wish to call your local state health board for the latest information about it.


More on this story here, here and here.