Growing Mane & Tail on a Horse
It seems like once a horse loses mane and tail, it takes forever to regain the most stunning attributes of your horse! Good news! Mineral H Shampoo and pH Balance Conditioner (we recommend adding Orange PEK to the conditioner) will grow amazing mane and tail rapidly! We see 3”-6” of growth typically within a month. This combination also keeps the remaining hairs very healthy so in a short time, you will be ready for that show or just local bragging rights with your horse buddies!
Why Horses Lose Mane and Tail Hair
Before you can regrow a mane or tail, it helps to know what took the hair in the first place. Common causes include:
- Rubbing against fences, stalls and trees, often because of itchy skin, insects or sweet itch
- Breakage from dry hair, especially when a dry mane or tail is brushed. See mane and tail basics
- Salt and sweat drying out the hair and skin
- Skin conditions such as fungal infections, dermatitis or parasites
- Tail chewing by pasture mates and wear from blankets or tack
Address the cause first. If rubbing or itching is the reason, that needs to be solved or the new growth will be lost too. Your veterinarian can help with persistent itching, parasites or skin infection.
The Iv San Bernard Mane and Tail Regrowth Routine
- Shampoo the mane, tail and dock with Mineral H Shampoo, diluted about 1 part product to 3 parts water. Work it into the skin at the crest and tailhead, not just the hair.
- Let it sit for about 5 minutes so it can work on the skin and follicles, then rinse thoroughly.
- Condition with pH Balance Conditioner. We recommend adding Orange PEK for extra hydration and strength.
- Leave the conditioner on for about 5 minutes before rinsing.
- Repeat regularly and protect new growth from rubbing and breakage between baths.
With this combination we typically see 3 to 6 inches of growth within a month, and it keeps the existing hair healthy too. Individual results vary depending on the cause of hair loss and the horse’s overall health.
Protecting New Growth
- Never brush a dry mane or tail. Mist with H270 2 Phase Equalizer first so the comb glides.
- Pick out the tail by hand, working from the bottom up.
- Consider braiding or a tail bag to reduce breakage and chewing.
- Bathe and condition after heavy sweating to remove drying salt. See why horses are not big dogs.
- Control insects to reduce rubbing.
Shop our horse maintenance bathing products and hair regrowth products.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my horse’s mane and tail grow faster?
First stop whatever is causing the loss, such as rubbing or breakage. Then bathe with Mineral H Shampoo and condition with pH Balance Conditioner plus Orange PEK, leaving each on for about 5 minutes. We typically see 3 to 6 inches of growth within a month.
Why is my horse losing its tail hair?
Common causes are rubbing from itchy skin or insects, breakage from brushing dry hair, drying sweat and salt, skin conditions, and chewing by other horses.
Should I brush my horse’s tail every day?
Avoid brushing a dry tail, which breaks hair. Mist with a detangling product first, pick it out by hand from the bottom up, and brush only as needed.