With your alpha selected, go to select->modify-> contract and contract a pixel or 2, it will bring your selection inside - which makes sure that you don't have any unwanted background fringe in there. Also try feathering your selection 1 pixel or so (depending on resolution) so your edges blend more naturally into your background. You can also try the defringe option layer->matting-> defringe Before painting hair etc., flip back to layers and highlite your layer. Also try hitting ctrl+D (cmd+D) to make sure you dont have any hidden selections Yah yah i am late ;P been working ;P hope this helps