When it comes to hair weaving, there’s really one rule: “make it work,â€� to quote “Project Runway” star Tim Gunn. But it’s hard to make it work when your hair extensions don’t quite match the natural hair type you’re weaving them into. Mismatched hair extension textures can leave a woman looking a hot mess instead of a marvel, with kinky hairlines shrinking up in front of too-straight half wigs, mysteriously bouncy curls hanging amidst otherwise bone-straight tresses, and disastrously wavy ponytails sitting on top of hair that’s anything but. So here’s three simple guidelines for “making it workâ€� with hair extensions: Match it, Mix it, or Reinvent it.

Match It

Simply put, this means work what you’ve got. If you have kinky hair, get kinky weave; if your tresses are straight, get straight weave. And if it’s curly? You’ve got it: curly weave. Today’s hairstyles embrace different hair textures a lot more than even twenty years ago. Afro-textured hair extensions are widely available these days, as are plenty of curlier styles, from very tight 3b ringlets to loose, 2b-type waves.

The trick is to find the right method for installing your hair pieces. Fortunately, matching textures gives you the most options, as there should be little difference between your hair and the hair extensions, other than length or volume. Fusion hair pieces, clip-on hair extensions, ponytails, bangs, half wigs, full lace wigs—you name it, it all works.

Mix It

This approach requires more patience and planning. However, since every head of hair has different hair types on it, it’s not impossible to mix a few different hair types with your extensions, too.

The key is making sure that the new hair texture you’re adding isn’t too vastly different from your natural one. Wavy and curly hair types can blend together fairly well. Just be aware: try deeper waves with looser curls, not the other way around. Similarly, you can mix very curly, or Type 3c, hair pieces with kinky hair for a carefree, Bohemian look—but not so much with big, Type 3a ringlets and tiny, Type 4b zigzags. Try to use textures that sit next to each other on the spectrum.

Mixing hair types this way can be done through several methods, including clip-on hair extensions and ponytails, tracks, bangs, and full-lace and half wigs. In the case of half wigs or fusion applications, where a good deal of your natural hair is still out, try to use wigs or hair pieces curlier than your natural hair, to keep the transition smooth.

Reinvent It

Why not change the game completely, though? Who says you can’t go from the lengths of Pocahontas to the heights of Angela Davis—or the other way around? Extreme texture changes are always possible, thanks to wigs, hair pieces, and hair extensions.

However, it’s not going to be easy. Drastic differences in hair texture call for complete installations—think full lace wigs, skin weft hair, full-head weaves, and other hair extensions that completely cover your natural locks. Avoid fusion or partial weaves, especially if your natural hair is curlier than the hair extensions, because it can frizz, curl, or puff up for an odd, tiered look.

Even if you use chemical services like relaxers or permanent waves, pay attention to just how curly or straight your hair gets with each application, and how quickly it reverts or grows out. If it’s resistant or easily goes back to its natural state, don’t chance it. Either use partial wigs, ponytails, clip-on hair extensions, etc. for short-term, quickly changed hairstyles, or go in for the long haul and cover your hair completely.

For the best results, get your natural lengths braided or wrapped away, and sew, glue, tape, or pin on wigs or human hair tracks. Closures, skin wefts, and full lace wigs give you plenty of style options, including ponytails, parts, and updos.

So what are you waiting for? Get styling!

Hair extensions make it possible for women to have long hairstyles that would have never been possible naturally. Hair extensions can be used to add length, thickness, or even funky colors to the natural hair. While many women dream of having long, flowing locks, others make their dreams a reality with a few visits to their favorite stylist. However, the problem that many potential hair extension recipients face, is how exactly to choose their favorite stylist.

Choose The Right Hair Extension or Hair Weave Stylist In Four Easy Steps…

1. Choose your extensions

The first step in choosing a stylist, is choosing what type of hair extensions to receive. Hair extensions can be glued in, sewn in, or bonded to the hair. Glued in hair extensions, which are known as Skin Wefts, Skin Closures, etc., are those that are glued to the scalp. These type of extensions can be done with synthetic or human hair extensions, and can last anywhere from a few days to a months. Synthetic or human hair extensions can also be sewn into hair that is tightly braided to the scalp. These type of hair extensions are also sometimes known as a hair weave, and take a bit longer for a stylist to put in. Additionally, sewn in hair extension last longer than glued in extensions. Sew in weaves can last from a few months up to and well over a year if properly installed and maintained. The last method are the ones that are bonded to the hair using keratin proteins. These extensions can take hours to put in, yet can last longer than six months. Human hair extensions are used, yet the quality of the hair can vary. While they may be expensive and require careful upkeep, these extensions can easily transform the hair from boring to beautiful.  Indian Remy hair is the best human hair money can buy, they are well known for their durability and texture.

2. Select a stylist:

Once the type of hair extensions is chosen, it is time to select a stylist. The chosen stylist should have received adequate training, especially if applying extensions using a keratin bond. If applied poorly, these hair extensions can wreck havoc on the hair and cause severe damage. This is why it is important to choose a stylist that is both certified and highly trained using these extensions. If a client prefers to experiment with extensions that are glued or sewn into the hair, the skill level of the stylist is sill important, yet less so. These extensions are much less permanent than their keratin bonded cousins, and therefore require less training.

3. Visit the salon, look at pictures

Schedule a preliminary visit to the stylist before receiving a hair extensions. During the salon visit, view hair extension pictures of the stylist’s past work and the hair that he or she will be using. The pictures of past client extension applications should reflect beautiful work in a similar style that is desired.  Look at before and after pictures if at all possible. If a client desires a certain style, like colored highlights, it is important to choose a stylist that is experienced with such a style. Since extensions that are bonded to the hair are fairly permanent, it is important that they will be applied beautifully and correctly. In addition, the hair should be of a high quality and not tangle easily. If the hair seems to be falling out and easily tangling, it will also do so once it is bonded to the recipient’s hair.

4. Make sure there’s a connection

It is important to choose a stylist, with whom the client gets along. Since the application of hair extensions is a long process that may require future salon visits, clients need to enjoy spending time with their stylist. This will ensure that the overall experience is as pleasant as possible and that the client will be comfortable enough to honestly express their opinions and needs. When done by the right stylist, hair extensions can be one of the best beauty choices that a woman makes.

The cost of hair extensions can depend on many factors.   If you’ve browsed the Perfect Locks site you should have a general idea of what you would pay for quality Indian hair. The type of hair, the length of hair, and the method used for installation should all be considered when thinking about price.  There are  several different installation methods and types of hair extensions, each with it’s benefits and downfalls:

The Application Method

1. Glue: Usually the cheapest method.  This method doesn’t last long, about 2 to 4 weeks.  Don’t be this cheap.
2. Sew in or weave: This method lasts at least a few months.  It’s easy to style, and is an affordable solution.  Most likely around a few hundred dollars plus installation fees.
3. Fusion or bonding: This is an expensive and time consuming method.  It does last a long time but it is highly recommended to find someone qualified.  This can be costly.

The Type of Hair

1. Synthetic Hair: This type of hair is cheap, and it shows.  It can be made of synthetic hair which can actually melt when using a flat iron.  This is a dangerous method and is highly not recommended.  Cost is cheap.
2. Human hair: Human hair extensions are a step in the right direction.  However not all human hair is the same.  Human hair can sometimes be mixed with synthetic hair… they don’t mention that part.  Also, chinese human hair can be very thin and won’t last long.  Since you don’t really know what you’re getting, the cost can vary.
3. Quality Human Hair: Indian human hair is of the highest grade, and can last very long in comparison to other hair types.  Up to a year if properly maintained.  Virgin remy indian hair is completely natural, so you would treat it can be treated like your own hair that you grow.  More expensive but well worth the cost.

As you can see, there are many factors that can influence the price of hair extensions.  Choosing the right type of method and hair can lead to gorgeous results, at an affordable cost.  We at Perfect Locks recommend using Indian hair with the sew in weave method.  The hair can be bought from our site within a few hundred dollars depending on the length you choose.  Finding the right stylist for installation can be relatively easy.