Any advice?

Hi, I have short choppy hair (it's naturally wavy but when ironed it's very silky) But my last hair appointment was a disaster. This length looks awful on me and I would really like to have the illusion of long hair.

I recently got a weave done for $60 but I'm not very happy with it. It's about my 3rd day with them in and even without washing the hair, the braids feels loose. Also, it's a bit too bumpy on the scalp and that makes me look like I have a huge head. The ends are a few inches past my shoulders and the hair at the top looks thicker because it's been lifted by the braids, while the bottom looks very thin. This kind of makes me look like I have a mullet :(

So, what i'd like to know is if anyone knows of any methods of hair extensions would work for me that would look more natural but aren't so costly.

All the salons i've called in my area only say they do weave or, strand by strand hair for like $500 bucks or more. I'm only 16 and don't have that kind of money right now to be spending on hair and since I don't really like the weave, I don't know what to do.

Any suggestions? Are there any other methods that are better than weave that don't cost too much? 

IMO, sew-in weaves get a bad rep for two reasons:

1. Inexperienced installers
2. Sew-ins don't work on every hair type. (fine silky hair for example)

Not sure which issue applies to you.. Personally I have worn sew-ins, and with the RIGHT stylist and technique they will not look lumpy, bumpy or poofy.. But I will say that at $60 the saying "you get what you pay for" seems to apply..

A GOOD stylist who specializes in sew-in weaves usually charges anywhere from $150 - $400 for a properly done sew -in weave, and strand by strand methods range from $200 - $2000.. I would start by looking for a stylist that specializes in extensions, and go in for a consultation to determine which method is right for your hair, and go from there.. BUT be prepared.. I know you're only 16 and don't necesarily have that kind of money to spend on hair, but a QUALITY weave is not an inexpensive venture.. (BUT it doesn't have to be out of budget either)

Protac tape is a great way you can do this yourself and keep it in budget for you, but if you go the DIY route, you need to get educated on the proper way to do it so you don't damage your natural hair.. There are plenty of posts on this forum to help you get started..

Good luck..

Crystal