Here is a tip I learned from a Fly Tyer article by Art Scheck on how to deal with slippery hairs (like squirrel tail) when tying hairwing streamers. The pattern is the Shushan Postmaster which uses squirrel tail for the wing. Below is the fly, just before the hairwing is tied in.


Use a soft loop to secure the hair bundle where you want it. Use 3-4 tight thread wraps to secure it in place. Make sure you hold the bundle of hair while securing it.


This is where the technique I learned from the Art Scheck article starts. Lift up about 1/3 of the hair bundle and take two tight thread wraps, pulling down and towards the hook point. This locks the hair bundle you pulled up into place.


Lift up the second third of hair and take two more tight thread wraps.


Finally, lift up the remainder of the hair, and again take two more thread wraps. Always angle the thread twoards the hook point.


Cut the hair butts at an angle, as seen in the photo.


Put a drop or two of head cement where you just cut the hair off. Let it soak for a couple seconds then finish the head as you normally would.


Enjoy,

Alberto