As with any tool, it might take some practice. I have tried every bun maker product on Amazon over the last 8 years or so, and this style (that's like a metal tape measure wrapped in "hair") is my favorite and the one I always come back to. My hair is thick and smoothe; the length varies. I can make a bun with these with many different lengths and states (trimmed or not) of hair.It's important to first get my hair into a ponytail. From there I usually have to figdet a bit with the bun maker placement on my length of hair, and may have to try a few times to make sure it is tight enough. Once I have it rolled and snapped into its donut, there are usually stray chunks of hair sticking out. Not a problem. I "scooch" (technical term) the stray hairs around the bun towards the back, and tuck them under the now partially formed bun. This takes a little practice but once set it will hold very well all day. Sometimes I need a bobby pin or two in back, which hide nicely up under the bun maker. A little hair gel or even just doing it wet helps with this.What helped me the most was seeing my hairstyle as a sculpture and my hair as the clay. As well as giving myself some grace for not getting it on the first (or second or third) try! I love this product!