Hair extensions are everywhere. From television shows to films to magazines, hair extensions are as prevalent as wigs - and with good reason. They're comparatively easier to wear than full-bodied, lace-fronted wigs (which can take hours to put on), and adequate maintenance and aftercare for hair extensions can be done without professional help. Hair extensions can also be less expensive compared to full coverage wigs.

It can be really tempting to try on hair extensions, for these reasons - but where does one start with choosing the right kind of hair extensions to use?

Here's a quick guide to hair extensions.

Let's tackle the difference between weaves and extensions first, though. It's fairly common to encounter these two terms being used interchangeably; however, they are not the same. Weaves are hair extensions sewn directly onto flat cornrows, while extensions are attached to someone's natural hair by way of clamps or adhesive. That is to say, all weaves are a type of extension, but not all extensions are weaves. Keep this in mind when asking for one or the other at a hair salon!

Now, off to the extensions!

Virgin hair is a type of extension made up of natural human hair that hasn't been touched by any chemicals like those found in hair dyes, bleach, and shampoos. It's commonly available in a variety of textures, and can be dyed and heat styled like one's own natural hair.

Synthetic hair, as the name suggests, is artificially manufactured hair. It comes in various lengths and styles as well, but unlike virgin hair extensions, they can't undergo heat treatments because they're made of plastic, and as such will melt under heat. On the plus side, synthetic hair is more affordable compared to virgin hair, and is also more widely available.

Wefts are loose or bulk hair sewn together by a machine, and then cut up into sections to fit on a person's head. This allows for some flexibility in styling.Meanwhile, tracks are pieces of hair that are either glued onto someone's natural hair, or sewn onto flat cornrows as part of weave extensions.

Closures are hairpieces that are typically made of lace or silk and have hair extensions attached to them. Closures are then attached to the top of the head, or the crown, to mimic the scalp, allowing the hair extensions to look as natural as possible. Closures made out of lace are thinner and expose the scalp it covers, while lace closures cover the scalp completely. There are also clip-ins, which are temporary extensions that can be clipped on directly to one's natural hair.

This is hardly the most exhaustive list, but it covers the most common types of hair extensions that one can use and are readily available in the market. Don't waste time hemming and hawing - pick a hair extension that suits your personal style today.