Max 8 demo hair question

[3D_challenged]

I've just downloaded the 8 demo, and it is sooooo much better than the version 5 I was working with.

I've just started working with the hair modifier, and am having a bit of a problem. Too bad the demo version doesn't come with instructions and tutorials.

I've combed my guide hairs to look nice and flat like I want them, but the actual hairs render (very slowly) into a crazy mess that doesn't resemble the guide hairs at all. Any suggestions?

Thanks!