[aazura]

I agree with what Zumarrad and Ssippes said about perms -- don't do it. I have baby fine hair and went through the perm phase of the 80s. I wanted full, soft waves. I got a curly, frizzy mess. Every time. I often think about trying it out again... that maybe perms have gotten better in the last 20 years... but I don't want to take the risk of ruining my hair (and by the sounds of it, I'm glad I haven't!).

I used to use a 3/4 fall, which looked awesome on -- full, lush, and wavy. But it was like dancing with a wool cap on my head. And I also found that the hair doesn't move like real hair (could be the quality of the fall... maybe I'd have had better luck if I had invested in one made with real hair...dunno). I no longer wear it.

What works for me these days: I keep my hair straight (it doesn't hold a curl for very long anyway). Also, I keep it at a length that emphasizes volume -- for me that seems to be somewhere just past the shoulders and before the back of the bra. When I let it grow past the bra it starts to looks stringy and limp. Also, I've found that keeping my hair healthy and break free is key to keeping it looking its best. Metal clips cause breakage in fine hair and breakage means less volume.

I've never tried the hair clip extensions, though I've heard great things about them. I'm worried about breakage. I'd be curious if anyone's tried those extensions Jessica Simpson uses (can't remember the name).