Mane & Tail Basics
Mane and tail care is very important in maintaining the overall beauty of our horses (not to mention critical for defense against flies). But often, they are not correctly cared for. One common practice that causes issues is dry brushing a main or tail. When a hair is dry, it is very brittle and it lacks elasticity. Brushing in this manner often breaks or pulls out the hair.
In order to have a great mane and tail, it is very important that you start with keeping the hair clean with a quality shampoo designed for the horse and then follow it with a hydrating, strengthening conditioner like Orange PEK. Just doing this will often prevent the mane/tail from tangling or dread locking. If you find you want to brush it out in-between baths, then we recommend a light mist of H270 which will help your comb glide through the hair.
If you already have hair loss and need to regrow hair, first you have to address the issue causing the hair loss. Once that is accomplished, our Mineral H shampoo and pH Balance conditioner combination is amazing to stimulate hair growth. We have clients report up to 6” growth in one month’s time.
A Simple Mane and Tail Care Routine
- Wash with a quality shampoo made for horses, diluted about 1 part product to 3 parts water, and work it down to the skin at the crest and dock.
- Condition every time with a hydrating, strengthening conditioner such as Orange PEK, and leave it on for about 5 minutes before rinsing.
- Detangle wet or misted hair only, starting at the ends and working up toward the roots.
- Between baths, lightly mist with H270 2 Phase Equalizer before combing so the comb glides instead of snapping hair.
- Dry fully before braiding or covering.
How to Prevent Tangles and Dreadlocks
Tangles and dreadlocks form when dry, rough hair shafts catch on each other, then dirt, sweat and movement lock them together. Keeping the hair hydrated with conditioner after every wash keeps the hair smooth so strands slide past each other. Hydrated hair is also more elastic, so it stretches rather than snapping when it is combed.
Common Mistakes That Damage Manes and Tails
- Brushing a dry mane or tail
- Washing with water only, which leaves drying salt behind and adds no hydration
- Using human conditioners, which are formulated for a different skin pH
- Skipping conditioner after shampooing
- Pulling out knots instead of working them loose with a detangler
Regrowing a Thin Mane or Tail
If hair is already lost, first find and fix the cause, such as rubbing, insects or breakage. Then the Mineral H Shampoo and pH Balance Conditioner combination can stimulate growth. Our full routine is in growing mane and tail on a horse. For whole-body care, see caring for a horse’s coat and our horse bathing products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad to brush a horse’s mane when it is dry?
Yes. Dry hair is brittle and lacks elasticity, so brushing it breaks or pulls out hair. Mist with a detangling product or condition first.
How do I stop my horse’s mane from dreadlocking?
Keep the hair clean and hydrated by following every shampoo with a hydrating conditioner such as Orange PEK, and detangle only wet or misted hair.
Can I use human conditioner on my horse’s mane and tail?
It is not recommended. Human products are formulated for a more acidic pH than a horse’s skin and coat, which is close to neutral.