Hi all - just waiting for my first ever partial piece to arrive and making a list of all the accessories i need to buy. Please add to this thread if you think i have missed anything essential for a first time newbie wearer (i am getting the partial professionally cut-in so no need for robo-cutter/razor etc):

Glue (+applicator wedges)
Tape
Lace Release
Scalp Scrub
Shampoo
Conditioner
Waxworks Styling Gel/Wax

Anything obvious i will need to start my DIY attatchments that i have missed off?

you also need 'pure' to get glue off your napper(head). you can buy from debbie

It has been said conditioner can weaken the knots. I don't use it.

For shampoo I use this :

http://www.salon-collective.co.uk/lanza.php?product_id=2267

It does help keep the colour & one of those bottles will last you over a year with a once a week wash. Its a UK supplier also.

The piece I am currently wearing was cut-in / dyed around 1st May. 4 months on & I have no colour issues which is most certainly down to the shampoo. Before using it I would get the reds creeping in after about 5 weeks of wear.

yes, Shaun is correct. conditioner can loosen the knots...so just remember, the hair near the base really doesn't need conditioning. its the hair mid-shaft to ends that needs conditioning. so just apply it mid shaft to ends.
This is a small list of NECESSITIES.
1. glue and/or tape
2.pure adhesive remover (to clean your head)
3. lace release to remove your piece with.
those are the 3 NECESSITIES. all the other products on my site are to make your life easier but are not NECESSARY...so to speak.
one could get by with nothing more than the 3 products above and of course some shampoo. the sulfate free shampoos are best, but you can get by with any shampoo that is formulated for color treated hair. there are many to choose from at the drug stores. let me know if you have any questions about any of the products.
DebbieS.
splitends805@roadrunner.com

I think the conditioner loosening the knots thing is blown out of proportion.

I don't rub the conditioner into the knots, but I am not extra careful about keeping it off of them either, and I never have problems with knots coming loose. I had one piece that was ventilated poorly that lost half the hair in no time at all, but it had nothing to do with conditioner.

Just don't go crazy with it and you'll be ok.

Thanx very much for all the responses - i will stick to tape/glue, pure adhesive remover, lace release, and just shampoo to begin with and take it from there. Will put an order together soon on your site Debbie, although i may email you with a couple of Qs when choosing exactly which glue/tape to go with.

I wrote a supplies FAQ, which can be found here:

http://groups.google.com/group/st30/web/supplies-faq

- Darius

Cheers Darius - that link is the biz!