Horsetail Herb for Hair & Skin

Benefits, Uses, and How to Take It

9/14/20251 min read

If you’ve ever come across horsetail , you’ll know it’s not the tail of a horse (thank goodness) but a fern-like plant that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It looks a bit like a green bottlebrush and is packed with minerals that your skin and hair will love.

Benefits of Horsetail for Hair

  • Stronger hair strands: Horsetail is rich in silica, a mineral that reinforces hair structure, making it less likely to snap or split.

  • Encourages growth: Improved scalp circulation helps deliver nutrients right to your follicles.

  • Shinier, healthier locks: With regular use, hair may appear thicker and more lustrous.

  • Scalp health: Its natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can soothe irritation and balance the scalp.

    Benefits of Horsetail for Skin

    • Boosts collagen: Silica helps the body produce collagen, which keeps skin firm and elastic.

    • Anti-aging: Antioxidants in horsetail fight free radicals, helping soften fine lines and slow visible aging.

    • Tightens pores: Its astringent qualities can tone skin and reduce oiliness, making it helpful for acne-prone types.

    • Healing: Used traditionally on scrapes, burns, and rashes to calm irritation and speed recovery.

      How to Take Horsetail

      1. Internally

        Tea: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried horsetail in hot water for 10 minutes. Drink up to 1–2 cups per day.

        • Capsules or tinctures: Follow the dosage on the product label (usually 300–500 mg capsules, or a few drops of tincture in water).

        • important: Take it in cycles (e.g., 3 weeks on, 1 week off) rather than continuously, since horsetail contains a compound called thiaminase which can deplete vitamin B1 with long-term use.

          2. Topically

          Hair rinse: Brew a strong horsetail tea, let it cool, and pour over your hair after shampooing. Leave for a few minutes, then rinse with cool water.

          Skin toner: Use cooled horsetail tea as a natural toner by applying it with a cotton pad.

          Infused oils/creams: Horsetail can be infused into oils (like jojoba or almond oil) and added to skincare products.