Many people don’t know that horsehair is regularly used in wig-making because it looks and feels so similar to human hair. Horsehair grows on the tail and mane of a horse, can be styled easily, and is thusly a great stand-in for human hair.
Human hair wigs are more commonly seen today than horsehair wigs, and the reason for this is large because human hair does not cause any irritation to the scalp, whereas horsehair can cause this.
Human hair is also more expensive and time-consuming to source and style than horsehair.
Although horsehair wigs have their drawbacks, they are still a great alternative for those who want to look good but cannot afford or access human hair wigs.
The quality of horsehair depends on numerous factors such as the breed and management of the horse, diet, climate, and how it is processed once it has been collected from the horse.
How Horsehair Wigs Came Into Use
Horsehair wigs were all the rage in the 19th century, and they’re still popular today. The quality of the hair depends on where it’s sourced from – it can be soft and fine or thick and stiff, depending on the breed and its lifestyle.
The white judge wig used in courts is a very good and common example of wig made from horsehair. These wigs are made from a variety of materials, including crin and horsehair, and they’re styled to look like natural hair.
There are many other types of horsehair wigs that are used today, including those used in theater productions and dance recitals. These wigs are carefully styled and colored to look very realistic, which is why they’re so popular.
Both horsehair and human hair have many similarities, and that’s why they’re so often used interchangeably in wigs.
Types Of Wig Hairs
The best type of hair frequently used to make wigs nowadays is human hair. It is very versatile and can be changed from straight to curly hair and from curly hair to straight hair. The human hair used for making wigs can also be dyed to another color without damaging it.
The different types of wig hairs can be classified under the following:
- human hair,
- synthetic hair,
- wool,
- horsehair,
- feathers and
- buffalo hair.
Wool, feathers, and buffalo hairs are not used in making wigs anymore as they are less durable and cannot be easily styled. They are also more inconvenient and difficult to care for, compared to the other types of wig hairs.
Human hair and synthetic hair wigs are more commonly used today because they provide the most realistic, natural look and they are easier to style.
Horsehair wigs are still very popular because they offer a great alternative for those who want a realistic-looking wig but can’t afford or access human hair wigs.
Many wigs are also made from horsehair because it shares similar characteristics to human hair. Horsehair can be soft and fine or thick and coarse, making it a versatile material for wig-making. As mentioned earlier, some court officials in certain countries still wear traditional horsehair wigs.
Synthetic wigs are a close second to human hair, as they look and feel almost identical. They are also very affordable and easy to style, making them a great option for many people.
Synthetic wigs are made from man-made materials, so there’s a risk of damaging them with excessive heat or chemicals. To keep synthetic wigs in good condition for longer, avoid heat styling too frequently and use gentle shampoos and conditioners when washing them.
Human hair and synthetic wigs are the most popular choices for those looking for a realistic-looking wig. They are more durable and versatile, and they can be styled in many different ways.
However, if you’re looking for a high-quality wig that is more affordable but still looks great, horsehair wigs can be a good option. They are easy to care for and have many of the same properties as human hair, making them a great choice for those who want a realistic look without breaking the bank.
Other Uses Of Horsehair
Asides from being used in making wigs, horsehair also has many other uses and applications. Some of these uses include:
- Paintbrushes – Used in the making of paintbrushes that are used in the fine arts.
- Ropes – One of the most common uses of horsehair is in rope-making, where it is braided into thin strands and woven together to form durable.
- String – It is used in the making of strings of a violin and other musical instruments which are strung.
- Pottery – Horsehair is used in the pottery and weaving of baskets and mats.
- Cleaning – Horsehair is often used in cleaning, where it can be used to remove dust from delicate surfaces and objects.
- Fishing – Horsehair is also used in the making of fishing lines and netting, as it is a strong and durable material.
- DNA analysis – In recent times, a sample of the mane and tail hair of horses has been used in DNA analysis of equine specimens.
There are many other applications of horsehair in various industries, such as building and construction, automotive, and so on. Due to its versatility and durability, it is likely that we will continue to see horsehair being used in a variety of applications in the years to come.
