So I went over to BB's page looking to see if perhaps he'd put up a new IDL tutorial scene, and I looked in his file locker and found a VSS Hair Prop zip. So, cat curious, I downloaded and installed. As the name implies, it looks like its a VSS control prop with rules for hair shading. However there was no readme, so I don't know how to get it to work with the VSS python script. So I copy and pasted the shader rules onto the the Aether Hair and hand applied transmaps and my own hair textures I was making for this great hair by 3Dream. I did tweak the shader rules, upping the diffuse a bit, the Anistrobic, and adding bump. I love what it did for the hair (see attached image). However, I'd still like to know how exactly the VSS Hair prop is intended to be used. Is there a version of the VSS python for this prop that I don't know about?

Nothing special.  Load the VSS Hair Prop, then run the python script for the main buttons.  Everything else is the same as VSSPropPR3.  Be aware, this particular prop was developed specifically for Alyson Hair.  That rule needs to be changed if used for a different hair (I guess you figured that out).  BB is not quite satisfied with this particular version and it still needs work.  Consider a WIP for the meantime.

Unfortunately I do not own the Alison Hairand I am uncertain how to change the shader rules on the prop. I did notice that the shader rules stated "Alison". So I will manually copy the shader tree and hand replace the textures and transmaps because I am really liking what I'm seeing on render. I'm sorry that he's not satisfied with this shader. I, so far, am quite happy with the results. I'm seeing a nice sheen on the hair that reminds of those frequent shampoo ads on tv.

You don't need to copy/paste anything. The "Apply Rules" (not shader rules) defines what this prop applies to. It's nothing to change that to Rule hair, i.e. any hair. And as with any VSS template shader, there are no texture maps and transmaps built into it. It works with whatever maps are on the hair.

Be aware that VSS PR1 (the Python, not the prop) has a bug - it won't apply to hair that is parented. I have not released updated software yet.

I will be doing so soon. I have two big projects simultaneously coming to a close now. My work hours will drop from 70 hours/week to 35 hours/week and I will have time to devote to Poser for the first time in months.