The Benefits of Horsetail for Hair and How to Use It Properly

The daily care of our hair is important to keep it in a good condition and that its appearance is splendid. To do this, we can use interesting formulas such as horsetail, which is just as beneficial for hair as it is for other parts of our body. For example, the skin.

Here we explain what is horsetail, what are its properties and why it is useful for our hair. In addition, we provide you with several ways of application. You can choose the one that is most comfortable for you.

What is horsetail

Originally from America, it is a medicinal plant in the form of a shrub of which there are up to 24 different species. Some of them have particular properties. From its elongated stems grow numerous short branches that characterize it.

As a curiosity, we note that it is one of the oldest plants in the world, with millions of years of existence. Using horsetail extracts in the hair has several benefits, which we review below. It also highlights its diuretic and depurative power.

Its properties

The relevance of this vegetable is, above all, in the high percentage of trace elements it contains such as:

    • Organic silicon. This is one of the components of our hair and one of the most important minerals. Our body needs it for cell regeneration and tissue repair.

    • Potassium. Another fundamental mineral for hair hydration, as it retains water. Remember that hair is made up of 70% of this liquid.

    • Calcium. Helps to modify the pH and moisturizes the hair. It also favors the correct absorption of other small nutrients for the scalp. Those that contribute to form the proteins that stimulate a strong and healthy hair growth.

    • Magnesium. It is also beneficial for our hair to grow well and to control oil production in the scalp. By improving blood circulation in our head, it also prevents hair aging.

    • Sodium. For natural exfoliation is key, as it removes dead cells and the remains of hair products. Something that allows to show off a clean mane, without dandruff.

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On the other hand, the plant has tannins, flavonoids and saponides, powerful antioxidants that fight the attacks of free radicals. These are molecules that steal oxygen, which accelerates aging. They are generated by stress, pollution, poor diet, and so on.

What does horsetail do to the hair?

Thanks to all these properties of horsetail on the hair, it strengthens it and improves its hydration, texture and shine. It also slows hair loss in times of stress, in seasons such as autumn or when certain nutrients are lacking. It also helps to prevent gray hair.

And as we have already advanced before, it serves to fight against the damage caused by radicals or external agents. By slowing down their activity, it protects hair from breakage, for example. In addition, it promotes the synthesis of collagen and calcium, important for the good appearance of our hair.

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How to use horsetail to grow hair?

You can take advantage of the benefits of horsetail on your hair in different ways. One is by drinking it in a tea, an easy and tasty method. All you need is a sachet of infusion of this plant or about 10 grams of its stems.

If you opt for the second option, heat about 250 milliliters of water and add the horsetail. Let the decoction brew for three or four minutes. After a rest of 10 minutes, you can drink.

Another way of application is directly on your mane, although you need more quantity of the plant: 30 grams. Mix in about 300 milliliters of hot water, let stand 15 minutes and start wetting your dry hair. After waiting 20 minutes for this solution to take effect, you should wash it out. You can repeat this twice a week.

A third and last formula of use is in capsules, format of presentation of some supplements. Because they also contain organic silicon, we especially recommend these products to maintain the health of your hair: G7 Beauty (with selenium and vitamin E, in addition) or G7 Siliplant, which precisely has horsetail.

In short, all this brings the horsetail in the hair, so consider using it in your hair care routine. Always without abusing the consumption of this plant, you will see the results to show off beautiful hair and reduce hair loss.



Dra. Maria del Mar Sabaté Martínez
Written by Dra. Maria del Mar Sabaté Martínez

PhD URV 2006, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia Tesis: Estudi fisiopatològic de l'acció d'anticossos IgM anti-GM2 d'un pacient sobre la unió neuromuscular Afiliación actual: URV, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques

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