What it is: Semi-permanent hair extensions that are quick to apply and come in a variety of lengths and widths. A transparent keratin tape bond is connected to the base of each hair weft. Installation takes about 20-40 minutes and lasts up to six weeks.

Variations: You can buy tape hair extensions or place the tape bond onto the hair wefts yourself.

Pros: Tape weft extensions can be taken out or put in fairly quickly and easily, and feel more natural than clip-in or sewn-in extensions. They do minimal damage, work on all hair types and lengths, and don't necessarily require a trip the salon (though it's helpful).

Cons: While they can be washed when installed, the extensions tend to slide out after conditioning, and can be high-maintenance to hairstyling novices since sandwiching the two pieces typically is best done when you have a friend there to help.

How to do it: Starting with your hair straight, use a comb to part small, horizontal sections of your hair starting from the back. Sandwich the tape wefts between a 1/4-inch thick section of your hair close to the roots. Press firmly to secure at the roots. Repeat as needed.

Tips: Place the wefts as closely to the roots of each section as possible as you go. For maximum hold, put aside strands of hair that aren't sticking to the tape before sandwiching the second piece onto it.

Get it if: You've mastered the clip-in technique and are looking for something a little more permanent but that is still easy to remove and reapply. These work much better for updo hairstyles, as the tape is flexible yet sturdy enough to be tugged in different directions.

What it is: Semi-permanent, but long-lasting hair extensions that typically require a professional stylist to install. The extensions can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the type of style desired. Once styled, they can last for six to 10 weeks.

Variations: The sew-in technique can be used for full head or partial weaves.

Pros: They last for weeks at a time, can be washed and styled normally, and hair can be tugged on without the extensions slipping out. Another bonus: Your hair type doesn't have to match the extension's type, texture or length.

Cons: These extensions can be considerably damaging if not properly maintained; they take much longer to dry after washing; the installation and removal process can be lengthy -- and typically requires a professional stylist.

How to do it: Natural hair is tightly braided close to your scalp. The patterns of the braids vary depending on the style and preference of the stylist. A weft of hair is sewn into the braid with a curved needle and thread. A net can be sewn onto the braids as a barrier before applying the extensions.

Tips: Treat and repair your hair thoroughly with conditioning masks and moisturizers before to minimize damage. Stay away from chemical processing or heat styling your hair for three to four weeks prior to getting a sew-in weave. Allow the hair along your hairline to remain out of the braids so you can conceal the wefts when you style you hair in an updo.

Get it if: You have hair that is thick and strong enough to braid and sew an extension onto it. (Thinning hair tends to be difficult to braid alone, much less braid and then also have hair sewn onto it, increasing the friction and tugging at the scalp and hairline.) You'd also like to give your natural hair a break from styling.

What it is: Individual hair extension pieces attached to similarly small sections of your hair closely to the roots. Installation can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the type of style desired. Once styled, they can last for eight to 12 weeks.

Variations: Individual hair extension pieces can be attached using micro links or beads that are clamped onto the hair shaft. The inside of the bead has grooves that grip onto your hair. This technique does not include bonding, glue, wax or any other type of product and will not harm your natural hair follicles.

Another type, fusion hair extensions, are bonded directly to your natural hair shaft using keratin protein bonds (Typically, this is the more damaging, but also the faster, more natural-looking, alternative).

Pros: Blends evenly with your hair, feels most natural of all the techniques, and works great when doing a lot of updo and braid styling.

Cons: Can be extremely damaging to your natural hair, installation can take hours at a time, removal and tightening time can be lengthy, and a professional stylist is required.

How to do it: Stylists will take small sections of your hair and apply the extension piece as closely to the root as possible. Typically around 20-50 individual pieces are attached to each hair section.

Tips: Get a professional stylist to also remove your extensions for minimal damage.

Get it if: You have thin hair and want thickness and added volume in a way that's natural-looking.

No matter your hair type or the extension technique you choose, you want to make sure you stick with a few simple rules to keep your hair looking fresh and well-maintained until you take them out. Here are a few rules to consider:

• DO wash them regularly
• DO wash from the weft going down in order to prevent product build-up at the root
• DO treat them as your own hair when heat styling (as in have fun, but know that too much of a good thing can lead to fried hair cuticles)

• DON'T chemically process your extensions. It's better to buy them curly or straight instead of using chemicals to alter the texture.
• DON'T use too many styling products. Hair extensions are best when styled naturally. A little (very little) shine serum or hairspray every now and then should be sufficient to spruce up any dullness. This along with moisturizers, sea salt sprays and strong-hold hairsprays is cause for overkill.
• DON'T use synthetic hair. It looks too much like a cheap Halloween costume.

Dominique, stylist/extensionist says, "The most common mistake people make is not following the guidelines given to them by their stylist. After a proper consultation, make sure you understand how to care for and maintain your style with each type of extension."