You don't necessarily have to go to the salon to get them washed if you choosed a shorter size. I wash my hair 3 times a week always with a conditioner and a hair mask once a week and it is as easy as with "normal" hair in that lengths. My bondings are flat as well and it's not possible to see and feel them if you don't know where to touch. I would not do the cheap variation with fake hair hair and where they are glued or sewed because this can damage it.