You've got to find what works for you tbh, some styles will look great, others not so much. Its all trial and error. Just take a systematic approach to it.

Its a good idea to get some thinning shears and razor comb, as even when the stylist has cut it in. Its nice to be able to tweak it, also a razor comb is good for when your own back hair gets long and you can't get to a stylist straight away.

Blue liner is the best for active stuff. You absolutely need some bubble wrap, its the only thing that takes all the blue liner off the piece. I cut a sheet of bubble wrap, wrap it around a magazine...and slide the piece down it.

You could spray lace release onto your head to remove, or just peel the piece off. I've been peeling the piece off my head without any lace release for 4 months now, and it hasnt damaged the piece that much. I found the lace release accelerated the fading process and loosened some of the knots. Not that much, I've found my way easier, but I still rotate sometimes.

Back to natural is good to stop the fading also. You could ask Debbie to cut it for you, and then tweak it when you get it.