1. Do not touch the hair on a vioin bow with your fingers. The bow will not contact the hair properly if you do.
2. Tighten the hair on the bow enough so the hair will not not touch the stick when played. About the width of the tip of your smallest finger.
3. Rub a small amount of rosin on the bow hair so the bow will produce a sound and not slip on the strings.
4. Loosen the hair on the bow when you are finished playing and putting it away in your case.
5. When the bow hair is worn smooth and does not produce a good sound it should be rehaired by an experienced luthier.
6. Sometimes the bow will no longer tighten or lossen, the bow also needs rehaired when this occurs.
7. No not let the thumb pad wear away, replace it when it begins to wear, this protects the stick from damage.