Dishwashing liquid will cut through most grease and oil stains. Don't use automatic dishwasher detergent, since it can be too abrasive for fiberglass.  Your detergent or cleaner should not have any bleach in it. Bleach can also damage fiberglass, so verify that it's not an active ingredient in your mild cleaner. You can also make a homemade cleaner easily by combining vinegar with regular dish detergent. This cleaner may work particularly well in showers. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste that can be used to remove dirt on surfaces like a shower door or sink. Apply it to the soiled area and leave it in place for at least 12 hours. Follow up by cleaning the area with soapy water.  The paste may turn a brownish color when it sits on the dirtier areas of fiberglass. You can use vinegar to activate the baking soda after it sits on a fiberglass surface for deeper cleaning power. It should bubble a little, after which you can wipe down the fiberglass to get rid of the baking soda and dirty stains. Both of these substances can be dangerous, so be careful when you are using them. Acetone and paint thinner should only be used for stains such as oil or paint.  Since these materials can harm the fiberglass, only use them to tackle especially bad stains. Spot clean using acetone and paint thinner, so you don't damage any areas not heavily stained. Wear thick gloves when cleaning using acetone or paint thinner. It may be good to wear goggles as well, so you don't get either substance in your eyes. It can be dangerous, so be careful when handling rust remover. Mix it with water so the rust remover is not strong enough to damage your fiberglass.  Dilute rust remover with water by about 10% to make it less dangerous to handle. Mix carefully before applying to any fiberglass surfaces. Since this can be a dangerous cleaner, make sure to wear rubber gloves. Rinse the fiberglass surfaces immediately with water when applying the rust remover; don't let it sit on the fiberglass for long. As a safer alternative, try cleaning water stains with a paste made of white vinegar and baking soda. Let the mixture sit on the stain for an hour before gently scrubbing the surface and rinsing it with clean water. Add a drop of liquid soap or hydrogen peroxide for extra cleaning power. If you have a fiberglass boat, you'll likely want it to shine when in the marina or on the water. You can find these cleaners at marine stores, and the employees can usually suggest the best kind for your particular boat.  A good boat wax polish will create a protective shield on the gel-coat fiberglass surface, protecting the boat from the elements. This will stave off any damage from the water and keep your boat looking nice. Older boats with fiberglass surfaces that have seen a lot of use might do better with a silicone polish, which sinks into the surface better. If your boat is older or used, you may also want to clean it on a more regular basis. If you remove your fiberglass boat from the water after each use, wash it down thoroughly with a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly after each outing. This is especially important if your boat is in saltwater. Saltwater can really damage a boat's fiberglass surfaces. If there’s any mildew on the boat, add 1 cup (240 mL) of bleach per 1 gallon (3.8 L) of your cleaning solution to kill it.

Summary: Start with a mild cleaner, like dishwashing liquid. Use baking soda to tackle caked-on dirt. Remove paint stains with acetone or paint thinner. Try phosphoric acid (rust remover) for hard water stains. Try wax, silicone, or detergent for fiberglass boat surfaces (but note that silicone will make any subsequent repairs very difficult).


Hold a pair of scissors parallel to the strand with the tips pointing upward. Cut into the end of the strand to thin it out. You only need to thin the bottom few inches/centimeters. This will help your braid maintain the same thickness throughout. Do a regular braid for this. Keep the stitches nice and tight. You can braid as far down as you like, but more stylists will braid all the way down to the end of the extension. If you are not braiding all the way down, cut off the excess extensions. Wrap a thin hair elastic a few times around the end of the braid. Tuck the tail under the elastic, then wrap the elastic a few more times. This conceals the end without having to deal with heat-sealing. You may have noticed that there are some hairs sticking out of the folded end of your braid. This is perfectly normal. Use a small pair of scissors to trim away any stray strands. This can get tiring, especially if you are doing it by yourself. Remember to take breaks, especially if your arms start to feel sore. You can use the same color of extension for each cornrow, or you can add a few colored ones for a unique look. Use your fingers to apply some hydrating hair cream to the fine hairs at your hairline. Smooth them down and back with a soft bristle brush.

Summary: Thin the strand by cutting upwards into it. Finish braiding the strand. Tie the braid off with a black or clear elastic. Clean the end up. Repeat the process for the rest of your hair. Smooth down the hair at your hairline once you have finished braiding.


Steady your voice and speak at an ordinary volume to your class (or quieter if you are trying not to be heard). Try to sound as cool and collected as you normally do when you are trying to get them to quiet down and follow directions.  Speak in short, simple sentences. Tell your students exactly what to do. Calm yourself first. Take a deep breath. Breathe out slowly. Address yourself by name in your head. Say, "Alright, Mitchell, calm down." Try to behave as if everything is under control and show your students to the safe corner. Be quick about it and give your students clear instructions in a reassuring tone. Say something like, "Everybody go to the safe corner" or "Please quietly stand up and walk to the coat closet." Once everybody is in place, keep reassuring them. So long as you aren't worried about your voice carrying through the door, you can help keep your class calm and in control with words.  Act hopeful. Say, "Help is on the way" or "We are waiting for the helpers to come get us." Compliment good behavior. Say, "Everyone is doing a great job staying quiet." Reassure them that you are taking care of them. Say, "I'm right here," or "I'm your teacher. Let me protect you." If you are waiting a long time, help them think about pleasant things. Ask them to imagine a cool vacation they took or a beautiful place they'd like to go. Smile, wink, give a thumbs up, and nod if your students are looking at you. If you are trying to quiet them down, put your finger to your lips, or make the quiet signal for your classroom. Just looking at you will give them hope. Each school's plan will vary a little, but some steps to a lockdown are consistent:  Check the hall for lingering students. Lock the doors. Pull down the blinds. Turn off all lights, including computer monitors. Direct your students to a designated safe space. Turn your cell phone to silent, or off. Wait for the right signal before you let anyone out.
Summary: Speak calmly. Direct your students to safety using simple commands. Say comforting things to your students. Provide visual reassurance.  Follow all the protocol to keep your students safe.