Wiggy,

Just cut the lace with scissors around the sides and back to where the hair stops, it's easy. I would leave a little extra lace in the front. What type of lace or base did you order? I switched from HCM also andI didn't really notice that much of a difference between the density of HCM and a oplace piece to be honest. I would think that 75% should be pretty thick though. This will be the best thing you did because it will save you alot of $$.