When I used to use a mixed grip, I alternated between sets. Now I only use the hook grip. In case I haven't pushed the hook grip enough on here, I'll do it some more:icon_twis
When I first tried it I immediately said to myself, "NO WAY! How can anybody use this? Its gonna rip my thumb off. This can't be good for my thumb." But I really hated the mixed grip, and I didn't feel right about using lifting straps, so I decided to give the hook grip a serious try. I started by only doing it on light sets. I would even do it on rows even though I didn't need to, just to condition my thumbs and skin. You have to build up callouses where there aren't any yet. After gradually using it for heavier sets over a period of weeks, I was able to use it on a 1RM deadlift and I haven't looked back since. After a heavy set of 5 in the deadlift, the skin on the thumbs hurts for a few seconds when you let go but it quickly goes away, and during the set I don't really feel it, and so far I haven't torn any skin open. For me its even a more secure grip than the mixed grip.