How to Dye Horsehair
All horse owners want their horse to look stunning on show day. Hours or even days before the event preparations such as clipping, brushing, polishing and primping will need to take place to ensure that the horse's overall look is outstanding. Black or dark brown horsehair, which is highly susceptible to bleaching in the sunlight, often becomes a burnt reddish color from sun exposure. Using hair dye can safely restore the horse's mane or tail to its original glossy, undamaged appearance for the show.
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Things You'll Need
- Equine hair dye or human permanent hair dye
- Hair clips (at least 20)
- Horsehair brush
- Horsehair comb
Instructions
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Purchase an equine horsehair dye kit from a local feed store or online. Regular commercial human permanent hair dye kits and all natural henna-based permanent human hair dye kits can also be used to successfully dye a horse's mane and tail.
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Brush and comb all snags and snarls out of the horse's mane and tail prior to applying the dye. Section the hair into manageable sections using hair clips.
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Wearing the protective gloves that come with the dye kit, mix a small amount of the dye according to the directions on the kit's label. Apply the dye according to the application instructions in the kit.
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Choose a test area to dye that is located out of plain sight. Clip all the extra horsehair back from the test area that is to be dyed using hairclips. Apply the dye to a 1 inch section of the horse's mane or tail. Follow the directions on the label to determine the length of time that the dye must be left on the hair to gain the desired color results. Rinse away the dye and dry the hair to determine if you are happy with the color of the dyed hair before dyeing the entire tail or mane.
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Dye the entire mane and tail or only the sections that have been lightened by the sunlight. Use hair clips to hold the mane hair away from the horse's eyes and ears so you do not inadvertently get dye into the animal's eyes or ears.
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Rinse the dye thoroughly from the horsehair after the specified time for the dying process has passed. Make sure the water runs clear and all dye has been successfully removed. Condition the horse's hair using the included conditioner that came in the dye package.
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Tips & Warnings
Check the rules of the horse show and horse breed club to make sure it is acceptable to dye the horses' hair prior to the show.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit black horse. image by Yuri Bizgaimer from Fotolia.com
