Do horses have hair or fur? Is horse hair expensive?

Have you ever seen some fashionable people on the street carrying a bag that can show a wild luster, modern coolness and structural aesthetics? This material is very likely to be made of horsehair.

Compared with the hair of other animals, horse hair has less ethical controversy because it is mostly a by-product of daily grooming or natural shedding and does not cause harm to the horse.

Horsehair is a special material for bag making. Its value does not lie in its softness, but in its ability to provide a lightweight structure, durable support, natural luster, and unique decoration for luxury accessories, especially for manufacturing high-end, handcrafted or traditional handbags.

This post will explore the characteristics of horsehair and the advantages of making bags, etc.

 

What is horse hair?

Horse hair is the hair derived from the mane and tail of a horse. It is a natural protein fiber, similar to human hair or wool, but with unique properties that make it valuable for specific uses. For centuries, it has been used in textiles, interior decoration, Musical Instruments, and even fashion.

Unlike the fur of animals such as minks, horses are not raised or killed for their hair. It is usually collected during regular combing or as a by-product of animals in the meat industry, which makes it a more sustainable and ethical material for many people.

The main characteristics of horsehair

• Durable and strong: It is one of the strongest natural fibers, resistant to breakage and wear.
• Hard and elastic: The fibers, especially those at the tail, are rough but have a natural “memory”, which means they can maintain their shape very well.
• Low elasticity: It does not stretch too much, which is ideal for applications that require stability.
• Good dyeing effect: It can be easily colored in a vibrant spectrum.
• Texture: Not as soft as cashmere or mink. It has a noticeably rough texture.

 

Summary of the feature of horse hair

Feature	Description
Source	Mane or tail of horses (tail hair is longer and coarser)
Texture	Coarse, strong, slightly stiff
Color	Naturally black, white, brown, or grey (can be dyed)
Collected from	Live animals (groomed and trimmed humanely) or post-mortem (less common)

 

The types of horsehair

• Tail hair: The thickest and strongest, often used to make bows, brushes and handicrafts.
• Mane: Soft and fine, sometimes used for ornaments.
• Body hair: Not very commonly used, but occasionally for specific purposes.

 

The common uses of horse hair

Unlike soft fibers such as wool or mink, horsehair is rigid and structured, making it highly suitable for applications that require support or elasticity. Due to the unique properties of horsehair, it has been used in various fields for centuries:

• Interior decoration and fabrics: This is one of its most famous uses. Woven horsehair fabric is used as a hard and durable lining in high-end suits and haute couture to provide structure and shape (for example, in collars and lapels). It is also used for luxurious interior decoration.
• Stringed instrument bows: The hair on a horse’s tail is particularly suitable for violin, cello and bass violin bows. The tiny marks on the hair grasp the strings, generating a clean and resonant sound when rubbed.
• Brush: Its hardness and durability make it highly suitable for high-quality brushes, artist brushes, and even hair brushes, all of which are important tools for distributing natural scalp oils.
• Jewelry and accessories: Thick, lustrous horsehair is often woven and knitted into durable and beautiful bracelets, necklaces and key chains.
• Wigs and hair extensions: Historically, it was the main material for wigs. Today, it is still used in some theatrical wigs and extensions because it can maintain a style.

 

Summary of the common uses of horse hair

Industry	Use
Textiles	Woven into fabric for stiff garments (e.g. crinolines, collars, canvas)
Upholstery	Used as stuffing or covering for high-end furniture
Fashion	Adds structure to garments, hats, and corsets (historically and occasionally today)
Musical Instruments	Bowstrings for violins, cellos, etc.
Brushes	Used in high-end brushes and brooms due to durability

 

What is the role of horsehair in making bags?

In the bag-making process, horsehair fabric (woven horsehair + cotton or silk) can be used for:

• Structural plate
• Decorative elements
• Luxurious details

 

It is not often used in mainstream or cheap bags because:

• It is expensive.
• It requires special handling.
• It has niche appeal.

 

Some ultra-premium or artisan brands (such as hermes) use horsehair in a limited range of products.

In conclusion, horsehair is a strong, hard and versatile natural fiber extracted from the mane and tail of horses. It is highly valued for its use in high-end tailoring, Musical Instruments, brushes, fashionable bags and various handicrafts. Most horsehair is obtained without harming the animal, but if you are concerned about ethical issues or want a vegetarian alternative, it is still worth verifying with the supplier.

 

Do horses have hair or fur?

Horses have hair, not fur.

However, the distinction between “hair” and “fur” is more about language and custom rather than a strict scientific difference. Biologically speaking, hair and fur are composed of the same main substance: keratin.

 

Scientific terminology

Hair: It refers to the coat of a horse, as well as that of other mammals such as humans, pigs and elephants. Hair is usually long, thick and grows in different strands, and it grows in a single hair follicle (for example, in horses and humans).

Fur: refers to the thick, soft and often shorter coats of animals such as cats, dogs and bears. The fur is often thick and has two layers (undercoat and protective coat), mainly used for insulation (such as mink fur and rabbit fur).

 

The difference between Hair and Fur

Feature	Fur (e.g., on Cats, Dogs, Mink, Rabbits, Bears)	Hair (e.g., on Horses, Humans, Primates, Pigs)
Growth Cycle	Often has a determinate growth cycle. It grows to a certain length, stops, and then is shed in a seasonal pattern.	Typically has an indeterminate growth cycle. It will continue to grow until it is cut or falls out naturally (e.g., a horse’s mane/tail, human head hair).
Density & Layers	Usually very dense with a pronounced double layer: a dense, soft undercoat for insulation and longer guard hairs for protection.	Generally consists of a single layer of coats that are less dense. Horses have a summer coat and a winter coat, but it’s not a distinct undercoat/guard hair system like in fur-bearing animals.
Texture & Purpose	“Fur” implies a primary function of thermoregulation (keeping warm).	“Hair” often serves additional or primary purposes beyond warmth, such as protection from the sun and insects (the horse’s forelock), sweat dispersal, and sensory input (vibrissae, or whiskers).

 

Applying this to Horses:

• Coat: The main body of a horse is covered in what we call a coat (winter coat, summer coat). While we say the horse is “shedding its coat,” we still refer to the individual fibers as hair.
• Mane and Tail: These are the clearest examples. They are long, continuously growing, and are always referred to as hair—the mane hair and the tail hair.
• Vibrissae: The stiff “whiskers” around their muzzle and eyes are specialized sensory hairs.

In summary: While biologically similar, we say horses have hair because its growth pattern (especially the continuously growing mane and tail) and structure align more closely with the common definition of “hair” than “fur.” Using “hair” is the correct and conventional term for equines.

 

Why do horses have hair?

A horse grows a layer of fur, which has several functions:

• Protection: Protect the skin from sunlight, insects and minor abrasions.
• Body temperature regulation: Helps to isolate in cold weather (although horses rely more on body fat and shelter than fur for warmth).
• Sensory function: The whiskers around the mouth, nose and eyes help horses perceive their surroundings.

 

Is horse hair soft?

Some parts of the hair are soft, while others are hard. So whether it is “soft” or “not”, the softness of a horse’s hair completely depends on which part of the horse it comes from.

Moreover, even though horsehair itself is not soft, after meticulous processing, it achieves a luxurious, elastic and soft texture, which is very popular in industries that require comfort and elasticity. Its unique “soft yet supportive” quality makes it an outstanding material for professional products.

 

The softness of the horsehair in all parts

1. Mane: Relatively soft

The mane (along the neck) is usually softer, finer and more flexible than the tail hair. It is often compared to human rough hair. Due to its texture, manes are usually more suitable for fine applications, such as:

• The hairs on the painter’s brush.
• Woven into luxurious fabrics.
• Certain types of jewelry and handicrafts.

 

2. Tail hair: Thick and sturdy

The hair on the tail is coarser, harder and firmer. It has a unique, filamentous texture, not the kind that people usually say feels “soft”. Its main advantages are durability and elasticity, making it highly suitable for:

• Bows for stringed instruments (violin, cello).
• Interior decoration fillers and reinforcement.
• Hard brushes (such as cleaning brushes or grooming brushes).

 

3. Body hair: Short and insulated

The hair that makes up a horse’s coat is very short and feels soft and fluffy, especially the thick winter fur. However, it is not used in commercial products like manes and tails.

 

“Softness comparison”

• In contrast to soft fibers: Horsehair lacks the softness of down, cashmere or silk. Some breeds (for example, curly-haired horses) may have slightly soft fur, but it is still not the general standard of “soft”.
• Softer than pig hair: Compared with pig hair, horse hair feels milder on the skin, which is why it is used in bath brushes and cosmetic tools.
• Not as soft as wool or mink: It lies between coarse fibers (such as untreated horsehair) and super-soft materials (such as cashmere or synthetic fibers)

 

The softness of horsehair after processing

Traditional processing methods, such as water washing, steam curing (120-150°C), and natural carbonization, can transform horsehair into a silky soft and elastic material.

Processed hair will form natural waves and become as soft as wool, making it an ideal material for high-end applications such as mattress fillings or luxury toothbrushes

 

Is horse hair strong?

Yes, horsehair is particularly sturdy. In fact, it is one of the strongest natural fibers, which is the main reason for its historical and continuous use in various products.

 

Why horsehair is considered strong?

• High tensile strength: Horse hair has a strong resistance to breakage under tensile force. Before breaking, a single chain can support a considerable weight.
• Durability and elasticity: Tough, keratin-based structure makes it highly wear-resistant. It will not wear out or be damaged by friction.
• Elasticity and elasticity: It has natural elasticity, which enables it to return to its original shape after bending or stretching, contributing to its service life.

 

Comparison with other materials

• Stronger than human hair: Stronger and more elastic than human hair.
• Unlike the strength of synthetic fibers: Although modern synthetic fibers like nylon can be designed to be stronger, horsehair is still cherished for its unique natural strength, elasticity and ability to maintain a specific shape, which is difficult to synthesize.

 

Applications that depend on their strength

Application	Property Leveraged
Luxury Mattresses	Resilience and springiness for lasting support.
Fine Upholstery Fabric	Durability and ability to resist wear for centuries.
Violin/Cello Bows	High tensile strength and stiffness to create friction.
Industrial Brushes	Stiffness and resistance to abrasion.
Concrete/Composite Reinforcement	High tensile strength to reinforce materials.

 

Horsehair is not merely strong; It features a unique combination of tensile strength, resilience and flexibility, making it irreplaceable in specific applications where these properties are indispensable.

 

Is horse hair ethical?

In most cases, the source of horse hair is moral, but there are also some immoral sources where horses are injured or killed for the sake of hair. In very rare cases, unscrupulous suppliers might purchase horsehair from animals specifically killed for their tails, especially in areas with less regulation.

 

How to collect horsehair?

Compared with other animal fibers, horsehair is often a more ethical choice, with the key factor being the collection method.

• By-products of grooming: Horses naturally shed their manes and tails. Much of the horse hair used commercially is collected during the daily grooming process, which does not harm the animals.
• Natural shedding: A horse’s shedding is seasonal (for example, shedding winter hair in spring), and this shedding can be collected without interacting with the animal.
• The hair comes from dead horses: Some ethical suppliers only collect the hair of horses that died naturally or were euthanized humanely, which gives this material a second life.
• Contrast with other materials: This is in sharp contrast to fibers such as the fur of minks or foxes, which usually require killing the animal or other practices that may harm the animal due to its hair or skin.

 

How can we ensure that the materials are ethical?

When you are considering products made from horse hair, asking a few key questions can help you make decisions that align with your values.

• Inquire about the source:Choose a reputable supplier or try to find out if the hair is collected as a by-product of beauty care. This is the least invasive method and is usually regarded as ethical.
• Seek transparency: Avoid unknown/untraceable sources. Brands committed to animal welfare are usually transparent about their sources. You can look for the company’s commitment to animal welfare, similar to other materials mentioned by H&M.
• Explore alternatives:If you’re not sure, you can explore high-quality vegetarian alternatives. The market for innovative, non-animal materials is growing, with options available from plants, mushrooms, and even materials made through biotechnology.

 

Ethical Sourcing Frameworks

Certification/Practice	Coverage	Impact
RMS (Responsible Mohair)	Animal welfare, land health, worker rights	Ensures humane treatment and sustainable farming (adapted for horse hair)
SN/T 4102-2015 (China)	Transportation, slaughter, feeding	Limits stress and injury during handling
Third-party Audits	Supply chain traceability	Verifies “farm-to-factory” transparency (e.g., Hästens mattresses)

 

Summary: Is horse hair ethical?

Aspect	Ethical If…	Unethical If…
Animal Welfare	Sourced from certified farms (RMS/SN standards)	Harvested from stressed or mistreated horses
Environmental	Sustainably harvested (e.g., Mongolian pastures)	Overexploitation of local ecosystems
Social Impact	Workers paid fair wages	Labor exploitation in processing regions

 

Is horse hair expensive?

Yes, horsehair is very expensive, but the price of horsehair varies greatly. It is not a single, unchanging expensive material. Its cost largely depends on the type, quality and sales form of the hair.

 

Tiered pricing based on quality and usage

Low-end industry/general use

Horse hair used for brushes, interior decoration or basic handicrafts is relatively inexpensive. For example:

• The price of bulk horse hair in the wholesale market is $7 to $15 per kilogram.
• The production cost for shorter lengths (such as 9 to 14 inches) is 6 to 11 US dollars per ounce.

This affordability stems from an abundant supply and minimal processing.

Mid-range application

Dyed or processed horsehair used for fashion (such as accessories, decoration) or equestrian equipment belongs to mid-range brackets.

• The price of dyed horsehair for wedding dresses or hats is $17 to $100 per roll (50-22 yards).
• Depending on the length and craftsmanship, the price of horsehair extensions or REINS ranges from 20 to 250 US dollars.

High-end professional use

High-quality horsehair, especially for classical Musical Instruments, is very expensive.

• The violin bow hair of stallions (especially Mongolian white stallions) is sold at a price of 50 to 450 US dollars per kilogram.
• A high-quality violin bow made of pure horsehair is priced at 100 to 300 US dollars.

This is due to strict quality standards (such as uniformity and tensile strength) and limited supply.

 

Summary of the prices

Product Form	Price Range / Examples	Key Details
Raw Horsehair (Bulk)	¥546.71/kg (Sample Price); $5.6 – $9.8/kg (Export Price)	Bulk, unprocessed material. Price varies by color, length, and processing (e.g., “double drawn”).
Processed Braid / Cord	$120 (Retail, 22-foot Mecate Rope)	Processed and manufactured goods for specific uses (e.g., equestrian equipment). Bulk inquiries for 2-inch braid exist.
High-End / Specialized	Information missing from search results	Includes specialty items like violin bows, luxury fabrics, or wigs. These are typically the most expensive category.

 

The prices of other animal fibers

• Wool: Cheap ($5- $10 per kilogram), but not durable.
• Alpaca wool: More expensive ($300- $500 per kilogram), but not used for similar purposes.
• Cowhide: The cost for general purposes is similar, but the uses are different.

 

Factors influencing the price of horsehair

Such a wide price range is caused by several key factors:

• Type and source: Manes are usually softer and finer, while tail hair is coarser and stronger. The specific breed and region of the horse can also affect quality and price.
• The processing level: Hair growth and shampooing are the most basic forms. When hair is classified, dyed or woven into finished products such as braids, fabrics or ropes and brushes, the price will increase significantly.
• Quality and grade: Terms like “double brushing” indicate that the length and thickness of the hair are uniform, and the price is higher.
• Intended use: Industrial use in brushes or interior decoration usually relies on low-cost large pieces of hair. Hair specifically designed for Musical Instruments (such as violin bows) or high-end fashion accessories requires the highest quality and is also the most expensive.

Horsehair is used in bag manufacturing

Horse hair is a unique and traditional material, and it is an excellent material for making bags, especially high-end, handcrafted or traditional handbags, which are highly praised for their unique aesthetic and structural characteristics.

 

Why use horsehair to make bags?

• Rigidity and flexibility: It provides rigid support without brittleness, allowing the bag to maintain its shape while still having some giving.
• Lightness: It adds structure without significantly increasing weight, which is a key factor for handbags.
• Durability: As one of the strongest natural fibers, it can ensure that the structure of the bag remains intact for decades.
• Luxurious and unique aesthetics: The texture of woven horsehair and the slightly lustrous appearance are associated with high-end handcrafting.

 

The classification of horsehair

1. Short horsehair

Animal short horsehair, with its natural fine luster, smooth touch and unique animal textures (such as zebra print, leopard print, colorful patterns, etc.), tends to be geometrically pieced together, color-blocked or used as local embellishments. It showcases a tough and modern fur texture.

Application of short horsehair style

• Style: Wild luster, modern coolness, structural aesthetics.
• Innovation & Application: The animal short horsehair bag showcases a low-key yet powerful style. Show a more modern and sharp sense of fashion. The design reference Diese perfectly interprets the brand’s rebelliousness and pragmatism. Introduce short horsehair versions in leopard or zebra print. The natural texture of the horsehair emphasizes its wildness and motor-like feel.

 

2. Original Long Horse Hair

• Concept: The original horsehair luggage showcases unadorned luxury brimming with primitive power. A direct expression of the wild aesthetics of nature and the primitive and rugged power. It retains the untrimmed length of the horsehair and its natural drape, making the bag visually more dynamic and voluminous.
• Style features: Original rhythm, fluffy, wild and free flow
• Innovation & Application: The design references the natural color series of horsehair from lost in echo to create a primitive yet artistic look, making the natural texture and feel of horsehair the design language of the bag itself. Nunoo, on the other hand, incorporates its original grown horse hair into its signature pragmatism and Nordic minimalist style.

 

Conclusion

Horse hair has the characteristics of high strength and tensile resistance, ensuring long-term durability and resistance to deformation. It is coarse and hard, easy to maintain, dust-proof and wear-resistant. As an ethically compliant animal by-product, it aligns with the concept of sustainability.

Horsehair is suitable for a variety of bag designs, including classic and individual ones. While balancing practicality and aesthetics, it infuses the bags with a unique texture.

The light luxury positioning and versatile nature of horsehair make it a practical item that enhances the quality of your look. It has been used in the production of high-end or handcrafted bags. If you are running your own bag business and want to use materials like horsehair to create your own brand of bags, please feel free to contact Gionar. We will work with you to create new high-quality products.