Hey, 24 -- I was posting while half asleep last night, and I didn't see where you said the salon you're thinking about is only going to charge you $450 with no service contract. If that's all, then just go get it done. The amount you're paying that first time over and above the DIY route is well worth it just to make sure you have a really good first experience. After that, make the template, get it to John, and try the DIY route.

Look forward to hearing from you after you get some new hair on that head of yours. And remember, you're going to look different, but don't think that just because you look different that it looks like you have a wig on. If the salon in question knows what they're doing, that will NOT be the case. Different in this case will equal better.