Thanks for all your suggestions and encouragement. I've spent the last 2 years reading up on the DIY root, but its still an overwhelming thing to be doing with little/no experience when you actually get started.

I'm going to try the suggestion of a little squirt of alcohol before pressing down on the lace, to give me a bit of time to adjust and get right. Also some serum on the hair. I've also dug out some hairclips so that should make the second attempt easier. If this fails again, I might just have to hunt around for the nearest salon.

Thanks again