Hairy sausages are called "booms". Loose hair can be stuffed into recycled nylon stockings which we double up, incase in a tough mesh sleeve and tie together to make "booms" that contain and soak up oil spills.

The hair boom was invented by hair stylist Phil McCrory who also invented the hair mat. His company www.Ottimat.com purchases hair in China and makes mats in China. These are industrial sizes and quantities. Mats are made like a rug or doormat, it goes through a binding process much like the fabric material, felt.

Ottimat has given permission for Matter of Trust to make hair booms for donation during the Gulf oil spill crisis. They do not meet the industrial specifications of the Otti Mat.