1. Prepare the Tail First
Before you make any cuts, give the tail a thorough wash with shampoo and comb it out completely. Working with clean, detangled hair makes it much easier to measure the thickness of the bundle you are collecting and ensures your scissors clip the strands cleanly. Ensure the tail is completely dry before cutting.
2. Locate the Hidden Zone
Never cut from the top, sides, or the very bottom "switch" of the tail. Instead, lift the main skirt of the tail up to expose the dock (the tail bone).
Look at the very underside of the dock, down toward the lower half. The hair growing directly off the bottom of the tail bone is the longest and will be completely covered by the outer layers of the tail when it hangs naturally.
3. Gather and Cut in Small Batches
Instead of taking one large chunk, select a few small, pencil-thin sections from different spots along the underside of the lower dock.
- Separate a small section of hair.
- Pull it gently but taut away from the skin.
- Place your scissors right up close to the tail shaft (skin) and snip cleanly.
Repeat this in a few close spots until you have gathered the total amount required for your project.
4. Know Your Measurements
The amount of hair you need depends entirely on the keepsake you are planning to create:
- For Woven Bracelets: You need a substantial bundle. Gather enough hair to make a clump at least 2cm in diameter (roughly the thickness of a thumb) and at least 30cm long.
- For Small Keepsakes (Pendants, Keyrings, Earrings): These require much less. A small tuft about 5mm to 1cm thick and at least 5cm long is usually plenty.
5. Secure the Bundle Immediately
As soon as you finish cutting, align all the snipped ends together. Wrap a tight rubber band or a hair tie securely around the cut end. If you don't secure it immediately, the shortest hairs will slip out, and the bundle will quickly become unworkable.
6. Storage and Next Steps
Loosely roll the secured bundle of hair and place it into a clean Ziploc bag. If you are sending the hair to Rainbow Reins NZ for crafting, write your name, phone number, and your horse's name clearly on the outside of the bag. Or Keep named in the bag in a dry, cool place until you are ready to have it crafted.