When it comes to your install, foundation is key. You want to make sure that your braids are tight. However, you do not want to braid your hair too tight. Not only do tight braids make for a painful and uncomfortable install, they can also cause extreme breakage or even balding of the edges.

Leaving too big of a leave out can be problematic when it comes to blending your own hair with your extensions, especially curly ones. If the two textures are not a close enough match, you'll have to do a lot of manipulating to create a natural look.

Leaving too small of a leave out can also create issues. Be sure to leave out enough hair to cover your scalp. Your extensions should appear as if they are growing out of your scalp.

Choosing textures that don't compliment your natural hair can ruin an install. For the most natural-looking install possible, you want to choose extensions that have the same thickness and luster as your own.

Letting the hair under your sew-in get wet is a big no no! It is very difficult to completely dry the braids while they're . It creates the perfect environment for mildew to grow on your scalp.

Coloring your extensions while they're installed can be very dangerous. It involves harmful chemicals that can easily make their way down to your scalp and can not be washed out completely. This can cause major damage!

Overloading on products and going too long without washing your extensions causes your extensions to look greasy and weighed down. You want your hair to be weightless and have as much movement as possible, so the less you put in it, the better.

Poorly maintaining hair under your sew-in will decrease the longevity of your style. Remember, foundation is everything. The better you maintain your hair, the longer your sew-in will last.

Damaging your leave-out will make even the most quality hair look bad. You want there to be as small of a difference between the condition of your hair and the extensions as possible.