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Horse Shampoo: Benefits, Side Effects, And How To Use

A specially formulated hair care product to give you thicker, shinier mane.

Reviewed by Tiffany Young, Certified Trichology Practitioner
Written by Anjali Sayee, BTech

Edited by Eshna Das, BA, MSc

Fact-checked by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach • Feb 8, 2024

Horse Shampoo: Benefits, Side Effects, And How To Use

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The latest in unconventional hair care trends is achieving glossy hair using horse shampoo. Despite the many branded shampoos available on the market, some people have resorted to using a shampoo specifically formulated for horses for transforming and grooming dull hair into healthy and shiny locks. If you are an equestrian, using your horse’s shampoo for yourself may have crossed your mind at least once. However, be advised that you cannot use all horse shampoos on your hair. We are specifically discussing Mane N Tail, a well-known brand that has been around for over 50 years. Keep reading to explore the possibilities of attaining divinely shiny hair using this shampoo!

Trivia

Philip and Bonnie Katzev were the people behind the creation of the famous Mane ‘N Tail horse shampoo.

In This Article

Does A Horse Shampoo Help Hair Grow Faster?

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The trend of using Mane ‘N Tail Shampoo on human hair originated in the 1990s when many horse owners tried it on themselves and saw positive results. The brand has been producing hair products for humans too, ever since. The brand claims that their horse shampoo helps promote hair growth in humans owing to its ingredients.

This horse shampoo from Mane ‘N Tail contains keratin, a protein also naturally found in our hair. Keratin works as a protective layer around the hair shaft. Our hair might lose this protein over time, leading to hair damage. Using a shampoo rich in keratin may help keep the hair healthy and encourage new hair growth.

The horse shampoo also has hydrolyzed collagen, which is broken down for better absorption by the hair. Anecdotal evidence suggests that collagen may boost hair nourishment and also help promote hair growth which adds to your natural beauty.

With such ingredients present, a horse shampoo sure must have certain benefits for human hair. Let us check them out in the following section.

What Are The Benefits Of A Horse Shampoo?

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May Promote Hair Growth

Horse shampoos usually contain keratin and collagen. Keratin plays a role in hair maintenance (1).

May Reduce Split Ends

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Horse shampoos could help repair split ends and prevent hair damage.

May Boost Hair Shine

Horsh shampoos also contain plant-based oils, like olive oil, that may promote hair shine.

May Make Hair Thicker

Horse shampoos may make your hair look thicker. They also can give your hair a smoother appearance.

A blogger decided to try a horse shampoo to manage her thin hair. She used the horse shampoo and conditioner for 20 days and found that her hair felt thicker. She writes, “It does strengthen it. My hair falls less. And it doesn’t weigh down your hair. Really good for oily scalps like mine (i).”

Let us now take a look at how to use horse shampoo for your hair.

How To Use A Horse Shampoo For Hair?

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Step 1: Wet your hair and apply a pea-sized amount of horse shampoo to your hair.

Step 2: Thoroughly cleanse your hair with the shampoo.

Step 3: Rinse your hair with water. Ensure none of the shampoo residue remains.

Note: A horse shampoo will take time to show results. Continue using the shampoo for a considerable time.

Although horse shampoo might help your hair in some cases, some people have reported certain adverse effects too. Let us look at them briefly.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Using A Horse Shampoo?

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Anecdotal evidence suggests a horse shampoo may pose the following side effects:

Hair dryness/damage due to excess keratin and dimethicone (silicones)
Stripping of hair color
Allergic reaction to any of the shampoo ingredients

Quick Tip

Excessive use of horse shampoo on human hair may cause rashes or itchiness. Therefore, use it moderately.

Infographic: A Simple Guide To Understanding Horse Shampoo

While the recent trend of using horse shampoo may seem unconventional, it may help impart shine to your hair. Before you opt for it, check out the infographic below to learn about the benefits and side effects of using horse shampoo. Scroll down to know more!

a simple guide to understanding horse shampoo (infographic)

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Mane ‘N Tail seems to be among the few horse shampoo brands that suit human hair. This shampoo brand contains keratin and collagen that may help promote hair health. However, information on the adverse effects of the shampoo is unclear. Hence, exercise caution before using this shampoo as it is meant for equine use. Consult your doctor if you experience any serious adverse effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does horse shampoo help with hair loss?

Horse shampoos (Mane N Tail) contain keratin that might make hair stronger. Weakened hair is vulnerable to damage and breakage. The keratin in these shampoos coats the hair strands and protects them from damage.

How often should I use horse shampoo?

You can use horse shampoo on your hair daily, but it is not advised to use it more than once a day. Alternate day washes are recommended.

How quickly does horse shampoo work?

You might notice an improvement after a month or longer. As with all hair care products, animal or human, continuous use over a consistent period may lead to hair growth and improve hair health.

Key Takeaways

Horse shampoo is said to promote hair growth and shiny hair.
Horse shampoo contains hydrolyzed collagen that may help prevent split ends and improve hair thickness.
The keratin in it also improves overall hair health.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Download

Witness the amazing transformations with the use of Mane ‘n Tail! Watch the contrasting video showing the stunning before and after results that will leave you in awe.

Personal Experience: Source

StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. Horse Shampoo,
https://itsascaryworldoutthere.blogspot.com/2014/04/horse-shampoo.html

References

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