Yeah, I didn't vote either. I already made up my mind to DIY. I had the Coppola done a year ago and the Brazilien Blowout last month. I love the treatment but I want to experiment with not making it quite so straight or just doing my crown and not my whole head which stylists won't do.
The process is really simple, and there are several youtube videos to see it from different angles. I've cut my hair for years, mostly because some "stylist" screwed it up and I had to fix it. So this is a piece of cake
I've also straightened myself for years. Any of the BKTs are less damaging than a straightener.
I ordered 4 oz of the Coppola treatment from ebay for $40 that came with instructions and clarifying shampoo. I will probably only use half of that.
I agree that getting it done professionally the first time is important, just to know what to expect. Either way, it is well worth it!!