Horse Mane Shampoo and Care Basics
A horse's mane needs a wash that cleans the crest and roots without stripping the coarse hair bone-dry. Ferro's Reluxe Main&Tail Shampoo is built for exactly that hair type; follow up with the Refresh Main&Tail Cream or a mist of Release Spray Conditioner to keep the mane soft and tangle-free.
Why the mane needs a different approach
The mane sits right over the crest, where sweat, rug rubs, and scurf collect at the roots, while the lengths stay coarse and dry out fast. A body wash can strip it too hard. Reluxe cleans the roots and lengths with castor and jojoba oils without leaving the hair brittle — then conditioning keeps the mane flexible, so it lies well and doesn't snap under a rug or a browband.
A straightforward mane routine
- Wet the mane and work Reluxe into the crest and roots, then down the length, rinsing until the water runs clear.
- On a dry or breaking mane, apply Refresh, leave it a few minutes, then rinse.
- Towel gently, then mist Release through the length for slip and shine.
- Detangle with fingers or a wide-tooth comb, starting at the ends — never rip through from the roots.
- Scurf or dandruff at the crest — a gentle, thorough wash and full rinse lifts the flakes; work the lather into the roots, not just the hair.
- Rug and mane rubs — keep the hair conditioned and slick, so it slides instead of breaking, and check the rug's fit at the neck.
- Show manes — condition and detangle before plaiting. A clean, soft mane plaits far more neatly than a dry one ever will.
Recommended products
Frequently asked questions
Can I just use body shampoo on my horse's mane?
You can, but a mane-and-tail wash like Reluxe suits the coarse, dry-prone hair better. It cleans the crest without stripping the lengths, so the mane stays flexible instead of brittle.
How do I clear up dandruff and scurf in the mane?
Work the shampoo into the roots along the crest, not just the hair, and rinse thoroughly — it's residue and sweat at the roots that flake. Skin that stays persistent, itchy, or crusty is worth a vet's look.
How often should I wash my horse's mane?
Every week or two is plenty for most horses — over-washing dries out coarse hair. Between washes, a mist of Release keeps the mane clean-looking and tangle-free.
Will mane shampoo make the mane grow thicker?
No product grows hair faster. Washing and conditioning simply keep the mane from breaking, so it looks thicker over time because you're keeping the hair the horse already grows.