I admire your decision to go it alone. Being a noob at wearing I wouldn't have the balls to try my own cut in, but that's just me. Maybe to save on some cash you could see if a local barber could just cut your back and sides and leave the system alone. Would only cost a regular hair cut? Not sure if anyone on here has done that just offering a possibility for you. As far as the wrinkling of lace issue that's partly why I still go to stylist for my de/rebonds. After each visit she is slowly (my pace) showing me each time how to do it myself. When she attaches, it feels so tight and secure still not sure how I'm gonna get as good by doing it myself. Guess it will come in time though. Sure the guys on here can offer you their tips on that.

You had me chuckling on your being on train, reminded me of my last de/rebond. Even though I am not nearly as paranoid as when I first got cut in, on my last de/rebond at my stylists, it was a really windy day in NYC, when I left the salon and was walking to the subway all I could think was my piece was lifting and flapping in the wind. Had to keep pushing down my hair thinking it was. Of course it wasn't, I guess just something us wearers will always have in the back of our minds somewhat lol.