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!

Caring for your human hair extensions is not a difficult task, but it has to be done correctly to protect the life and the look of your beautiful new hair. Your hair care can be the easiest step in your beauty regimen, you just have to follow a few simple instructions.

First, pay attention to the quality of the hair that you purchase. Virgin hair has not been processed with colors or chemicals and comes with the hair cuticles still intact. This hair will be the most natural looking, with the body and movement of your original hair. Remember that the hair you purchase can be colored to match your skin or hair tones, so it doesn’t really matter what color it is when you buy it. Virgin Remy hair normally comes in shades of brown or black and has not been dyed. These extensions typically last from about six months to a year and are very comfortable to wear.

Getting the most out of your extensions takes a little practice too. You’ll need to work with your stylist for the look and the hair extension color that goes best with your skin tones. Once you decide on your extensions, remember that healthy cuticles with make it last longer and look more natural. When hair is processed for hair extensions, it is sterilized which strips it of its natural oils. This doesn’t hurt the hair, but it does dry it out a little. Conditioning is an important part of caring for your hair.

Never use a deep cleaning or clarifying shampoo on your hair extensions. You don’t want to further strip the hair of its luster. Don’t assume that buying the same shampoo for your extensions as for your natural hair will be the best option. Cheap shampoos and conditioners can dry out your new hair. Make sure to gently brush all of the tangles and knots from your extensions before washing them. Rinse the hair thoroughly between the shampoo and the conditioner and then following the conditioner to prevent residue from either.

Good shampoos for hair care don’t include alcohol which can dry the hair. Look for a good quality shampoo and conditioner which will add life to your extensions. When washing your hair, be careful not scrub excessively because it can loosen the weave and cause you to lose hair. You should shampoo and condition at least once every three to five days to keep the extensions looking their best. It’s also a good idea to pre-condition the hair before shampooing. This is easy to do, just put conditioner on the hair without rinsing it, then shampoo as you normally would. Rinse the hair completely and then condition again with another rinse. It sounds like a lot of work, but once you get in the habit of good hair care, you’ll find that your extensions last longer and feel better!

Using hair extensions is arguably the easiest way to change up your look. By using real indian hair, you can drastically and quickly change your locks from short and curly t o long and straight, or wavy. There are different types of hair extensions, such as clip on hair extensions, and the type that you must sew or glue in. The easiest ones to use, by far, are clip on hair extensions. They require no professional training, are literally a snap to put in, and they do not require lengthy care, as you can simply take out the clips when you are ready to take them out.

Choosing hair for clip in extensions is easy. Choose indian hair for the silkiest, shiniest texture, as well as affordability. Next, make sure that the hair is real, not synthetic. That way, you can clip it in and style it just like you would natural human hair without worrying about it catching fire or anything else crazy! Probably the most important element when choosing hair is not color but texture. Color can always be made to work but super fine hair will not blend with coarse hair or vice versa; neither will curly hair blend with straight. There are several of different textures avaialable… straight clip ons, wavy clip ons and curly clip ons.  Choose the texture that most closely matches your natural hair so you get the most seamless look.

Once you have chosen a similar texture and color of your hair extensions, you will need to prep them to make them look natural. No matter the original length, some cutting is generally required. First measure it by holding it to a specific spot on your head and gauging where you want the ends of the hair to fall. Remember to leave extra hair if you plan to pull it up or to curl it.

When you feel like you are ready to put in the extensions, start with your natural hair clean and free of styling products. Put your hair in a high ponytail, leaving out a small layer of hair at the base. Spray a little bit of hairspray at the roots in this section to give it some texture and prevent the hair extensions from slipping. Place the clip-on hair extensions here, covering from side to side – leave around one inch of space on either side of your hair. Apply the extensions in close layers for maximum coverage and added volume. Make sure you take extra good care of your clip-in hair.

It is best not to sleep with extensions clipped in. To prolong the life of the hair, straighten it after each use, and make sure to use a heat protection spray when styling. Chi brand makes a good product for this, and it smells awesome!