What is Horsetail?
Horsetail is a plant extract is taken from the horsetail plant, which is technically in the fern family. It’s been around since the Paleozoic Era and has been used to stop hemorrhages and treat kidney disease in the past. The name comes from the appearance of the plant, which looks like the mane and tail of a horse.
The botanical name for horsetail is Equisetum arvense. It contains high amounts of silica, which is a compound that strengthens hair, nails, and this is largely what makes horsetail so valuable for hair health. In fact, horsetail is one of the plants that contains the highest amount of silica. The plant grows naturally in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Generally, horsetail has leaves that are arranged in sheaths and hollow stems.
What are Horsetail Benefits for Hair?
Horsetail extract is known to improve the circulation of your blood, which in turn leads to healthy hair follicles. It has antioxidant properties that also work as a detox for your hair and body. When your scalp gets enough blood, it increases its ability to produce more hair.
The silica in horsetail has been shown to encourage hair growth and hair thickness, two of the most sought-after horsetail benefits for people dealing with thinning or shedding hair. Using horsetail plant extract also impacts your collagen production in a positive way that will improve your hair health and overall look. Since it has been shown to help with hair growth and stimulating the follicles, horsetail has been used in cases of hair loss.
There isn’t a large amount of scientific evidence to back up horsetail benefits for hair, but many people swear by its effects in the way that silica interacts with keratin and improves its structure, making hair stronger.
To summarize, the key horsetail benefits for hair include:
- Improved scalp circulation for healthier hair follicles
- Silica content that strengthens hair and supports thickness
- Antioxidant properties that help detox the scalp
- Collagen support for better overall hair structure and appearance
- Potential benefit for hair loss through follicle stimulation
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How to Use Horsetail for Hair Growth
Now that you know what horsetail is good for, here are the most effective ways to incorporate it into your routine. If you’re looking to use horsetail for your hair, there are a couple of ways to go about it.
Capsules
The first one is in the form of a capsule. This is a straightforward and consistent way to get your daily dose of horsetail for hair growth without any additional prep.
Bottled Oil
Another way to incorporate horsetail extract into your routine is in a bottled oil. This is the preferred method for people looking to improve their hair loss because they can apply it directly to their heads, delivering the horsetail benefits right to the scalp and follicles.
Herbal Tea
This plant also comes in the form of a dried herb that can be used in tea. You can put a few teaspoons of horsetail herb in hot water and let it steep for 10 minutes before you drink it. Do this once a day, every day, to see results.
Hair Growth Supplements
A lot of hair growth supplements on the market contain vitamins and minerals as well as horsetail extract for added effect. This is probably the easiest way to use horsetail since it’s combined with other useful hair ingredients. In fact, it’s one of the ingredients in Root Source™, a custom hair supplement by Prose. If you’re looking for a convenient way to experience horsetail benefits alongside other science-backed hair nutrients, Root Source is a great place to start.
Is Horsetail Extract Meant for Horses?
We know the name might be confusing, but no, horsetail is not meant for horses. As we said, horsetail was given its name due to its resemblance to a horse’s mane and tail, but it is not designed for horses to ingest.
You also might be confusing horse shampoo with horsetail extract. There are shampoos on the market that were made for horses but are used by humans to promote healthy hair, but the two are unrelated and don’t contain any horsetail.
Special Precautions
Even though this plant is safe to use, it hasn’t been tested in pregnant or breastfeeding people. Please consult your doctor before taking it if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a medical condition (e.g. diabetes or low potassium).
Other Ingredients for Hair Health
So now you know what horsetail is good for, but it works even better alongside other natural hair-supporting ingredients. Here are a few worth knowing about.
- Grapeseed oil is known for keeping hair healthy and hydrated. It’s been used for its nutritional properties for over 6,000 years. Grapeseed oil may increase shine, softness, and silkiness. It’s great for mending split ends and preventing frizz. It also contains high levels of vitamin E, which can protect your hair color from fading. Grapeseed oil is found in our scalp mask.
- Quinoa extract is known for its protection against heat and breakage. Quinoa protein offers amino acids and lysine, which boost hydration in hair and lock in moisture. It helps smooth the hair cuticle and reduce the chances of split ends. This extract is found in our shampoo, curl cream, conditioner, gel, and leave-in.
Clean Ingredients at Prose
At Prose, we believe that the things you put in your hair matter. Every ingredient, including horsetail, is thoughtfully sourced and formulated with your hair health in mind. That’s why all of our formulas are free of harsh sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. We’re also cruelty-free because we think that you shouldn’t have to harm animals for healthy hair.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to completely revamp your hair routine, Prose is the place to start. We’re your one-stop-shop for all things hair, customized for your needs. Our products are freshly made to order so that all the ingredients are as potent as possible.
Every ingredient that we use in our hair care can be found here, along with where it’s sourced. We have a unique library of natural ingredients that are tested by our in-house chemists to ensure the best quality and efficacy for your hair.
Wrap Up
Horsetail is good for a lot more than its ancient medicinal roots, from stimulating hair growth and strengthening strands to improving scalp circulation and collagen production. Whichever way you decide to use it, this extract is bound to make your hair feel as healthy as a horse! Take Prose’s hair consultation to discover which custom formulas, including those featuring horsetail for hair growth, are right for your unique hair needs.
