The new strings have probably been coiled and stored in envelopes. Try coiling them the other way to straighten them so they won't be as bouncy. You might need to coil them the other way and let them sit for a while.

Take a delicate pair of pliers and gently squish the loops from a circle shape to an almond shape. Then the loops will nestle on the hooks better.

The blu-tack will probably be helpful too.