Hi all,
I just received my 1st stock piece from BA (thanks for the quick turnaround), and also have all my products from Debbie (thanks Debbie!)- so I'm looking at it, and first impression was there is no way I could pull this off.
But, I've read on here that you can't base anything on how it looks when you get it. I just don't really know where to start, I know I need to get it cut, and also cut the lace down, but I also need to probably color it or my own hair because it's just slightly darker (1B) - very close but obviously much more shiny, etc.
I am going to be working on getting it right full time right after exams end in a week, still trying to find a place for a cut in up in Portland, although I'm thinking I may try to do it myself. I'm worried about coloring it because I don't want to hit the lace, etc.
What do you guys use on coloring? Rod- you've done a killer job, and I thought you said you colored yourself, I think Snipe also said he colored his. I'll figure it out, I just feel a bit lost- any thoughts or advice are appreciated- I have done reading on here, and there's a lot of good info once I get the initial stages worked out.
I have posted a message for Maxx in Portland as his E-mail is bouncing E-mails as soon has he gets back to me I will E-mail you.
I will let the others help you with youre other questions (Be good for a new wearer to post for you) but if you need specific help E-mail me and I will help.
ST, I sent in a hair sample and have been extremely lucky as the piece hair has been a dead on match for me. I do use the adf conditioner every couple of weeks to keep it from fading.
ST i just started wearing and fortunately had read enough to know that what you see delivered is nothing like the final results of cut in , colored and styled when completed.
They should put a warming label on envelope for newbies to not open until you get to your stylist. lol
Ha, yeah, thanks guys- it is a trip to see it right out of the envelope, but I'm hoping I can find a stylist in the area who works with pieces, just for the initial cut in. Otherwise I'm going to spend a week after exams trying to get it right myself. I guess I'll have to start with first things and make a template to cut the lace. I don't particularly understand how to make the hairline right though? I definitely need to color it though, way too shiny right now and a bit too dark.
ST, wash it (gently) before making any decisions on the colour & shinyness (sp?), sometimes excess dye will come out. Washing it also allows you to do some preliminary styling, it does take time for pieces to settle but when they do the results can be outstanding. As a newb take it slowly, & dont rush in with the dye otherwise the original problem can get 10 times worse.
ST, What do you mean by making the hairline right? I wouldn't be screwing around with the hairline. Take it from me, I almost ruined my first stock by doing that. BA has also stated many time, do not cut the front. right BA?
Yes, you have to cut to fit but that is basically sides and back only. You do cut off the excess lace in the front. I would do that first and then trim sides and back to fit the template. Some trim the lace right up to the hairline, others leave about a 1/4" of excess or about 2-3 extra rows of holes which I prefer. It doesn't have to be exact, meaning no rulers are needed. The shape of the hairline with that stock is pretty much what you have to go with. When trimming the base on the sides and back, be careful and try to cut the lace only and not the hairs. Use some of those little manicure or cuticle scissors. Go slow and take your time.
Thanks guys, I'll start with the trimming next week. I'm just waiting for exams to be over to start into it full time. I'll also wash it to try and decrease the shine, maybe make it a bit lighter, or see if I can find a good dye to match it with my existing hair. Appreciate all the help guys.
So I washed it today, which got some shine out, and the color is really close, just slightly darker still. I also cut the excess lace down, and trimmed the hair front a bit to get a better idea of how it will look. One thing, may be that it's a new piece, but it shed like crazy, tons of hair falling out. It won't be a problem because it's fairly dense anyway, but is it normal for it to shed that much at first?
I will be back in PDX next week (out of town on 'bidness'). If you can wait that long I can hook up w/you over beer/coffee and let you know about TINT in PDX as a good place for a cut-in in PDX. I can also tell you the mistakes that I made which may save you some time. If you are interested let me know.
Sure man, that would work well- my last exam is Friday, after that I'm full time trying to get this thing to look decent before I start clerking for the summer around May 5th. Let me know what works for you.
Like I said, I've got the thing slightly trimmed down, but it's definitely thick, and I may have to pluck some hair so it isn't too obvious right off the bat, but If I can find a solid place for a cut in it will definitely help. May need a little color work too, but it's getting closer after washing.
