The maintenance of extensions and the styling of hair extensions including clip on extensions are two factors that are surrounded by negative stereotypes. The freedom that you actually get with hair extensions is continually overlooked; you can do a lot more with them in your hair than is realised and the maintenance required isn't some complex chore but more like how you would treat your natural hair.

Yaki - pure straight, usually mimicking the straightness of Asian hair. * European - this is more natural-looking straight hair that may have a slight wave to it * Deep Wave - while generally not a true 'wave', it can be made to look like spiral curls. * Loose Deep Wave or Romance Wave - looser version of the deep wave, softer curls. * Jheri Curl - usually sold in very short lengths, it is often used to recreate the full 'afro' look. * Wet and Wavy (Spanish Wave or Indian Wave) - usually human hair is used, and is either naturally curly or permanently waved to appear so.

There is only one aspect that comes to mind where hair extensions are involved and this is adding colour to your hair or having touch-ups done on your existing colour. As you may or may not be aware you are unable to place colour on your hair extensions due to the fact that they have already undergone an intense chemical process to get them to the colour that they are now so adding more colour to them would cause damage and has the potential to cause your extensions to fall out.

If your natural hair requires a touch up you should have this carried out before your extensions are placed in as doing this afterwards will become difficult and will leave your hair uneven as you wont be able to place any dye near to your extension bonds. It is highly important that you don't get any chemicals in the bonds of your extensions unless you want them to fall out.

Ok so we have covered the colouring of your hair, now onto the styling. You are able to style your hair with extensions in the same way that you would style your natural hair. You are able to use appliances such as hair straighteners and curling tongs as long as your extensions are made from human hair; if your extensions are synthetic it is not advised to place heat on them but if they are human hair you can blow dry, straighten or curl, you can style them in anyway that you wish without causing damage as long as you don't directly disturb the bonds.

If you're natural hair is either permed or naturally curly you can still get hair extensions. This is because as well as coming in a wide range of colours your hair extensions are also available in a range of textures; you are able to buy your extensions already curled so that it is in keeping with your natural hair.

One of the main problems that can arise with your hair extensions is the fact that they can tangle easily. The easiest ways of stopping this from happening is by using a wide toothed comb to de-tangle your hair. Also it is a good idea to run a mild mousse/conditioner through it using your fingers. One more way of stopping it from tangling is by loosely tying it back when you are sleeping.

If you want your hair extensions to last you will have to treat them with respect. This involves a good aftercare routine as well as giving your extensions regular maintenance. This will ensure that both your natural hair and extensions are kept looking great.