Hello again Kevin [ I see you have the Gaelic version too ! ] I`m glad you found that helpful -- every person finds their own ``way`` of doing things and develop likes /dislikes --for someone in your position it`s just fear of the unknown. I forgot to say, that [ you were describing you `freezing` on opening the box] with all new pieces, they are very ``lively / bouncy`` for the first week or so and it`s actually a good thing to sleep with it on your head --that will help tame it. Also, if you think you might be a bit conscious of your friends etc noticing something different about you --- start wearing a baseball cap [ if u never have before] and that way, when the piece is on your head first, it will not be noticed as sharply, then after a few days of wear -in and it`s less lively, you can leave the cap off and no -one will really notice a stark contrast ---just one of my tricks with a new piece! A baseball cap [not too tight -fitting] will also help tame a new piece and help it ``settle``. I am not aware of what material you selected for the base so if it`s all lace it will have to be adhesive but if it`s got some polyurethane around the perimeter you can use double -sided tape. I used to bond mine all the way around -- I find now a little rectangle of tape front and back is quite enough as I take it off going to bed and can`t be ``doing`` with taking all taht sticky tape off ---tape is extremely sticky and if you use it all the way around it can be time -consuming to take it off again --you have to be careful too if using anything kind of sharp to peel it back not to damage your base -- with the little I use, a fingernail will be enough to get a ``start`` on it and I can just peel it back.I only use a piece of tape the size of 2 thumbnails [approx] front and back and it`s fine. With lace I believe it`s a bit more ``messy`` as you are using a citrus -based liquid to break down the adhesive and that liquified gunge then has to be removed --there is good advice on the forum on how to do it fairly quickly .I used to use adhesive all the way around and leave it on for quite a while ---- a lot of the adhesives you paint on [with a little artists paintbrush] and normally that bond will stay ``good`` for up to 3 weeks or so but eventually you have the heat from the body, sweat and moisture all helping to make it gooey and then it has to be cleaned off fully and the unit re -applied but from the point of view of hygiene it`s best to clean your scalp frequently. I used a salon here [it was quite common] for the unit to be made entirely of polyurethane and your entire scalp [the bald bit] was painted with glue and the unit bonded to it ----there it sat for up to 4 weeks --- you can imagine what that was like after 4 weeks especially in warm weather---just amazed I never got an infection . Your skin is constantly losing tiny particles and even though you are bald, oil is still produced by the scalp and you will also sweat from the scalp in summer --that HAS to be cleaned. I find the welded mesh [a lot like lace but tougher for wear] is very good as the skin can breath through it and the perimiter is the only part which is ``solid`` ----that`s the bit which is adhered by either glue or tape. As I said, i no longer bond it all around --no need to --you`re only making work for yourself.! If you have someone running their hand through your hair [ahem, as you do !! ] well then I would go for a full all -around bond otherwise there is no need with the poly perimeters. All - lace will need an all -around bond but you need not ``shovel`` it on --- just use the adhesive sparingly as it`s quite strong and sets really fast too ----I saw a post on here about using a specific type of alcohol on it at first to slow down the setting process to give you time to position the thing properly before it solidifies -- you could e mail John and he`d be happy to clarify that. We probably have it here too but under a different common name ? You`ll be a dab -hand at it in no time . What I used to do before was place the unit on my head, using a mirror behind and in front and when it was where I wanted it, I just turned the front flap backwards, painted on a little adhesive around the front perimeter and patted it down onto the scalp. I then did the same around the right -side heading towards the back [but not all the way] then over to the left and finally the very back of the unit and I had a nice bond ---sparingly is the key and an artists brush is the ideal tool for the job. If you get any in the hair just put some of the break -down fluid on a bit of kitchen towel and wipe it off the hair.
You asked why I began wearing --well Kevin, my hair was always very fine and not very heavy so when it began to get really thin I hated it --baldness suits some men but not me --it`s a self -confidence thing too --- so my advice to you is have no worries and you should be really happy . I think by the way you were describing your thickness at the sides etc I think the density you ordered is right for you --you`d probably need it on top to blend in with the sides. If it needs a little thinning, the salon should have a thinning comb [a comb with a blade on it] but choose the salon /stylist carefully as that`s half the battle. Let me know if you had any luck with locating one --- you should be able to find one near you fairly easily. Hope that was useful Kevin ---anyone on here will pass on their knowledge /experience -we`re all in it together.
PS --- I enjoy exercise etc but the footie etc ----not my cuppa at all Thanks for the thought though ----Scots and Paddies are very alike !!
All the best Mate. Paul.