I find 2 things that help with making preset manes:
1. To make the manes look solid and not see through - https://feral-heart.com/smf/index.php?topic=60420.new#new
2. Colour placement - http://northernred.deviantart.com/art/FeralHeart-MANE-tricks-tutorial-Canine-part-514907588 (Morgra already said this. Nevermind.)