How Long Did Your First System Last When You Are Diyer

[Yagami]

Hi,

I'm only 23 days now in my first system and I've been pretty tough with it, I've de-re at least 20 times, sometimes 2 times a day, I've done a lot of errors but I'm learning from them. So my first system shed a lot and I've lost a lot of hair, but it still looks ok as I think that this is the actual density I need for my age.
I don't think this system will last me more than 2 months but I'm ok with it, I've paid 150$ for and it's well worth it because I've learned and I'm still learning each day. So I've some questions if I want to keep it at least for a couple of months:

1. When I detach I always have hair stuck into the tape. I really try to make sure that no hair is stuck between the tape and scalp when attaching. When I detach I let the alcohol do its work and I don't pull the system, generally it came by itself, but whatever I do I'll always have hair loss. What may I be doing wrong to have that much hair stuck on the tape?
2. I have also some shedding when I comb, I tend to style my hair while wet, but I read that it's not adviced. How do you style it then? I use a leave-in conditioner for detangling and I always comb extremities first.
3. I use knot sealer, but I'm not sure if I use it correctly. I used it 2 times so far, one time before the first install and the second time was 2 days ago. I normally spray the liquid on average 2-3 times on the lace and make sure all the surface is wet and let it dry. Am I doing it right?
4. Finally how long did your system last when you first started doing everything yourself? Do you think that your experience helped you keep your next systems longer?

Additional information. As I'm still not used to the system and the handful hair that comes with it, I forgot how to deal with that much of hair so I tend to style it at least 3 times a day (wetting and combing), maybe it's too much for the hair?

Thank you,

 

[Yagami]

I forgot to say that I've got a satin pillowcase and it's so wonderful on my back hair.

 

[grincher]

My first DIY was 14-months lifespan, but now I choose to change every 6 to 8 months to keep it in a peak condition

 

[matt0135]

Could be the quality of your system. I had a fair amount of shedding on my last unit in the beginning there's that learning curve and the unit was quite dense.

I've never used knot sealer and see minimal shedding, but as the system ages more will happen which is natural if anything lol.

When I wake up in the morning I have a spray bottle filled with water, wet the hair decently, then apply leave in, and comb/style. The comb moves freely through the hair rather than pulling on it. Just watch the hairline.

 

[AxC123]

wow grincher, 14 months ! what type of base was that ? I am like the OP.. sheds like crazy after 2-3 weeks. Supplier mentions that longevity is 2-4 months, but I get 5 or 6 weeks MAX. I know I have a light density, so piece wont last as long sue to shedding....I forget to say in my other post (in responding to OP) that I also use a net at night to prevent friction and use satin pillowcase.

 

[Yagami]

My first DIY was 14-months lifespan, but now I choose to change every 6 to 8 months to keep it in a peak condition

14 months, that's a lot. Could you share your hair routine with us, please?

 

[grincher]

That was my first piece and admittedly it was long and looking back too long.

Generally, now I wear 6 to 8 months. I find it stays in peak condition up to month 6 and thereafter while you can continue to wear for many more months but I would rather get a new one.

I get gradual shedding over is lifespan of 6-8 months. You should expect that. I never get clumps out and very little shedding in first few months. You should never shed like crazy in the first month

I will dye it once every 6-weeks after month 4. I use Moroccan Argan oil to condition daily (takes 1 minute). Shampoo once a week and use a wide tooth comb or brush and never pull the hair. When the hair is wet, I comb to just to untangle and stop. Wet knots can slip.

Generally sleep on front or an arm under my head though I have a satin pillow too. If you sleep on the back of your head or even side, the nightly friction will be like sandpaper.

Tend to keep out of the hottest part of the sun (or cover my head).

I tend to change after 6-8 months as the hair will be a little more dead and I have trimmed back to the poly so I want to keep my hairline as good as possible.

I get all my pieces custom made with double knots. I don't find sealing knots makes any difference for me though if you have a light density it will be worth it. 5-6 weeks will be expense to change.

I flick between Swiss and French Lace. I have a front lace with the poly set back so the hairline remains sharp.