When going to pick out the hairs mask another thing (beyond what has been mentioned) that you should pay attention to is the length of the hairs on the mask. If it was harvested during the colder part of the year the hairs will be longer. If it was harvested during warmer times of the year they will be shorter. I like the longer hairs as I find them easier to work with.

Also, on the creep out issue, hang a few in the windows of your house if you live in an area known for break ins. If you do this you can be reassured that any thieves in the area will think twice before breaking into your house. Something about a bunch of dead and skinned faces in the windows seems to scare potential thieves away quite quickly.