Is Horsetail Extract the Secret to Healthier, Fuller Hair?

When it comes to hair care, we’ve all heard it before: “This supplement will change your life.” From collagen powders to trendy oils, the market is full of promises. But what happens when a plant that looks more like a weed than a beauty secret suddenly gets attention?

The horsetail plant has been used in folk medicine for centuries, and today it’s marketed as a natural remedy for stronger hair and nails. Some call it the ultimate herb for healthy strands. Others say the evidence doesn’t hold up. So what’s the truth? Is horsetail for hair growth really worth the hype?

What Is the Horsetail Plant?

The horsetail plant (Equisetum arvense) is a perennial fern that tall, green, jointed stems appear from spring to fall. Traditionally, horsetail was used to support kidney function, wound healing, and bone strength. Today, it’s better known for its high silica and antioxidant content. Silica strengthens connective tissue, while antioxidants protect against free radical damage.

Why People Use Horsetail for Hair Growth

The horsetail plant is believed to support hair growth and strength through three main pathways: silicon, collagen support, and antioxidant.

1. Silicon

Silicon is the most talked-about benefit of horsetail. It’s a natural mineral that plays an important role in the structure of hair, nails, and skin. Researchers studied the effects of daily silicon supplementation over nine months. They found participants had stronger hair that was more resistant to breaking.

Another study tested tablets containing horsetail-derived silica and found that hair strength and growth both improved.

2. Collagen Support

Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein. It keeps skin firm, nails strong, and hair structured. Silicon from horsetail helps the body make more collagen. A study showed that silicon supported collagen biosynthesis, particularly in cartilage and bone tissue. While the research didn’t focus on hair, the same process may also benefit hair follicles by making strands stronger and less likely to break.

3. Antioxidant Protection

Hair follicles, like the rest of the body, are vulnerable to oxidative stress. Free radicals damage cells and speed up the aging process. A study suggested that certain types of stress may lead to weaker, thinner hair, especially in older people. Researchers also identified horsetail as a potential source of natural antioxidants and phytochemicals.

By reducing inflammation and protecting follicles from damage, horsetail extract may create a healthier scalp environment, one where hair can grow more easily.

Can Horsetail Stop Hair Loss?

Research on horsetail and hair loss is still limited, but a few studies have looked at its effects. Here are the most important findings so far:

1. Silicon May Strengthen Hair Fibers

Researchers observed that hair strands became stronger and less prone to breaking. This suggests that silicon, a key compound in the horsetail plant, may support hair quality at the structural level rather than directly regrowing new strands.

• Hair became more resistant to breakage
• Overall strand strength improved

2. Blended Supplements Improved Thinning Hair

In a three-month clinical trial, women consumed oral tablets that contained dried horsetail along with other natural ingredients. Participants who used the supplement saw more visible hair growth and stronger strands compared to participants who consumed placebo.

Since the supplement contained more than horsetail alone, it’s unclear if horsetail was the main driver of the results. Still, it highlights the potential role of horsetail when combined with other nutrients:

• Increased hair growth was reported in the treatment group
• Hair appeared thicker and healthier

3. Protect Follicles from Damage

Horsetail is naturally rich in antioxidants, which may help defend against this type of damage. Previously mentioned studies confirmed the role of free radicals in hair loss and suggested that oxidative stress could damage follicles, particularly in older adults.

• Free radical damage is linked to weaker, thinning hair
• Antioxidants in horsetail may reduce micro-inflammation in the scalp
• Protecting follicles could create a healthier environment for hair growth

Uses and Dosage

Horsetail is most commonly consumed as tea, made by steeping the dried stems, but it’s also available in capsules, tablets, and tinctures marketed for skin, hair, and nail health. 

Some studies have used up to 900 mg daily of horsetail extract capsules, but this may vary depending on the product. It’s best to talk with a healthcare provider before starting supplementation.

Side Effects and Precautions

Like most herbal supplements, horsetail has not been approved by the FDA. It may be safe in the short term, but there are risks:

• Kidney concerns can raise potassium levels
• Vitamin B1 deficiency
• Not safe for people with nicotine allergies or those trying to quit smoking
• May interfere with HIV medications
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding are not recommended

There are rare reports of serious side effects. In one case, a woman developed pancreatitis after drinking horsetail tea. Her symptoms stopped once she discontinued it.

The Bottom Line

The horsetail plant is rich in silica and antioxidants that may help strengthen hair, reduce breakage, and improve scalp health. While some early studies and user experiences suggest that horsetail for hair growth could be beneficial, the scientific evidence is still too limited to consider it a proven treatment for hair loss.

If you’re curious, horsetail may be a useful supplement to support overall hair health but it should never replace medical treatment for hair loss. Always consult your healthcare provider before adding it to your routine.