I am making my first gumpaste figures and am having trouble getting the hair to look any kind of natural. Mostly it keeps looking like helmants or worse. UGGH. Does anyone have any tips or know of any tutorials that can help point me in a new direction. thanks

I've used royal icing anda super small round tip, either a 1 or an 0, and just piped on hair, it worked way better than trying to mold some.

I use assorted sized garlic presses for hair. Some with small holes, some bigger holes depending on how I want the hair to look. Once I get my fondant or gumpaste pressed through, I let it sit for a bit to dry. Not for that long, just till it doesn't feel sticky cause its easier for me to apply that way. If I use it right after it comes out of the press, my fondant or gumpaste is usually too soft and the strands stick together. I also use an old sock darning needle to separate the strands if need be too.
HTH

I use either the grass tip(I'm not sure what the number is) or a clay gun. I bought a cheap one at michaels for like 3.00. With a little practice you will do great!!!!

THANKS BIG. i was using textured mold but it seems all agree that a strand by strand method is going to give me a better effect. (Since my DH likes itailian i definatly have garlic presses laying around haha) Taking a deep breath and back to work i go..