Hi guys..... 2 very interesting and informative posts. People considering wearing are always keen to read the `` nitty -gritty`` details of how a new wearer met and dealt with issues which arose during the first weeks of wearing. You both said you were hard on your system and I think it`s a testament to the quality of Toplace systems that you have got 4 months [ and could probably get another few weeks of wear if you `nurse`them along a bit now ] I think the issue you are getting at the back there mrjoejohn -this is a pure guess - is a combination of you trying to remove that name tag roughly, and also, the fact that your system was exposed to a lot of water [swimming] probably lead to the lace [which is a fabric] stretching a little, in much the same way as when you over- wash a woollen garment, it eventually stretches to bigger than it`s original size.... that`s just a guess on my part. What you are getting is a little of what you can get with a stock system [ well I experienced it ] which is not to the exact contour of your head --- a bit of pleating can occur on the perimeter in places. The brittleness will occur with time/washings etc. Hair, as you know is dead, and the reason you don`t get it with naturally -growing hair is that the scalp is producing lubricating oils, and the hairs naturally fall out daily and are [ well except in our cases !! LOL !! ] replaced with new growth, so it feels soft.System hair gets no oils etc. and exposure to sun, shampoos etc. take away what little there is. Have a look at this site: remysofthair.com -- I am going to order [ 60$ ] for their shampoo/conditioner products today as they were formulated by a hair-wearer [ I THINK it`s JRob but not 100% on that] and they also have a travel -pack size, very handy for Airport security restrictions saving you having to transfer product into separate little bottles when travelling.I haven`t used the product yet but I feel it would be good. The colour issue is normal with exposure to strong sun and the recommended colour restorers are at http://www.adfhair.com . Your base will appear discoloured alongside a new base --again that is normal and is the lace absorbing oils etc. My poly strip discolours in the same way --it`s also caused by the acid in sweat --is perfectly normal.
Ruulkasar --- did you apply knot -sealer to the knots before you began wearing? This is very very helpful in preventing shedding and will definitely prolong the life of your system..... apply VERY sparingly. Snipe has a great video tutorial in the ``info links for newbies`` at the top of the home page there, on how to apply it. I think you did a great job in styling that system when you got it and it`s really great now to get your feedback on how your first few months of wearing went for you --well done. It`s really a matter of your own choice on when to ditch your old units and wear new...... if it looks quite `tired`now, well go with the new one, but I think having been on the learning curve, both of you did really well -- took to it like ducks to water !! LOL!! Cheers for now -- Paul.