Val,

Regarding sample size, it is often difficult for people to send in the full sample size of hair. They just don't have enough hair for a normal sample. The factory can match the color with a smaller sample but of course a bigger sample is ideal. Just do the best you can--the factory is really good about working with a smaller sample.
How far back should you go with the template? Now we're getting into a judgment call. I always tell people to keep as much of the own hair as they can while still getting the style that they want. If you'd like to send me a photo of the back of your head I can better advise you. For density I suggest going with a 65-70%. This should match what you have now although the concealor makes it look more dense. Also, I will send that photo of your crown area into the factory with your order so they can see the density that you'd like to achieve. It's always good to send in a photo to the factory. Is denser less detectable to the touch? Yes, but even with a lesser density the lace is so fine that it's undetectable. The older fine mono bases are very detectable to the touch---they're like wearing a screen on your head. Super Fine Swiss lace and French lace are the 'state of the art' and you won't be able to feel either one of them. Most people opt for a graduated front. It's the automatic default standard for all orders. But for some younger guys a non-graudated front looks great. For example, our home page model Colin goes with a non-graduated front and he looks great! Any order will automatically have a graduated front unless the customer specifically asks for a non-graduated front. A non-graduated front goes hand-in-hand with dense sides and back. If you have thin sides and back then a non-graduated front will look too heavy. Judging your color is 'tricky' for two reasons. First, all monitors are set differently and therefore the color is not accurate. Second, the concealors tend to dull the hair color and make it difficult to get the true color. If you send in a hair sample the factory will match the color exactly. Please make sure that the hair sample does not have concealor on it so they can get the true color match. Off hand it looks like a #22R but again I can't be sure. The difference between Super Fine Swiss lace and French is very small. You have to hold the two materials up to your nose to see the difference. The Super Fine Swiss lace has slightly larger holes. The French is somewhat stronger. Properly applied both are undetectable. With your density and exposing only a part of your hairline I recommend going with French lace--there is no advantage to going with SFS lace for you and you get the benefit of a stronger base. For starting out in bonding I suggest using 'Got 2 Be Glued Spiking Glue.' It will give you a good 4-6 hold and is an easy clean-up. It's not as strong as tape or glue but it allows you to easily remove the unit in case you don't feel that you have it positioned exactly where you want it. When you get the hang of positioning your unit and attaching I suggest moving on to glue or tape. Glues and tapes are a matter of personal preference. I use both---tape to attach and glue to touch up between gaps in the tape. I like 'Walker No Shine Tape' and 'Super Tape.' Both give a strong hold and do not break down and get 'gooey.' For touch up I use Base Bond, I Glue (medium strength glues) and also Ultra Hold (strong hold).
Regards,
John
http://toplace.com/