Horsetail extract and silica: building stronger hair from the root
Equisetum arvense is one of nature's richest sources of silica. Here is how silica relates to hair strength and what horsetail brings to scalp care.
The short answer
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a fern-like plant naturally rich in silica, a mineral associated with the strength and elasticity of hair, skin and nails. Silica supports the connective structures around the follicle and may reduce brittleness. Small studies using silica-containing supplements have reported improved hair thickness and strength in women with self-perceived thinning.
Key takeaways
- +Horsetail is among the most silica-rich plants known.
- +Silica is linked to hair tensile strength and elasticity rather than growth speed.
- +It targets the quality of the strand that emerges, complementing growth-focused actives.
- +Used at 3% in Neo Hair Lotion.
A living fossil
Horsetail is a descendant of plants that grew hundreds of millions of years ago. Its hollow, jointed stems accumulate silica from the soil, which gives the plant its rigid, slightly abrasive texture.
Why silica matters for hair
Silica, in the form of orthosilicic acid, is involved in the formation of collagen and connective tissue. Research links silicon status to hair tensile strength and elasticity. Stronger strands break less, which contributes to hair looking fuller over time.
What the research shows
A 2016 placebo-controlled study of a supplement containing horsetail-derived silica reported increased hair growth and thickness in women with self-perceived thinning over 90 and 180 days. Topical data for horsetail alone is limited; it is typically one active within a broader formula.
Its role in the Green Wealth system
In Neo Hair Lotion, horsetail addresses the structural axis — the quality of the strand — while ginseng, saw palmetto and false daisy work on the growth cycle and follicle environment.
Safety
Topical horsetail extract is generally well tolerated. Oral horsetail supplements are a different matter and should be discussed with a clinician, particularly for people with kidney conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Is horsetail good for hair?
Horsetail is rich in silica, which is associated with stronger, more elastic hair. Small supplement studies have reported improved hair thickness.
Does silica make hair grow faster?
Silica is linked more to strength and thickness than growth speed. Stronger hair breaks less, which helps hair look fuller.
Where this appears in Green Wealth products
- View product →Neo Hair Lotion
Horsetail extract, a natural source of silica, is included in the lotion's botanical complex.
This article is for education only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis or treatment of hair loss.
