Actually, I’m talking about growing Xena’s hair, not mine. Specifically, growing her mane and tail.

Secretly Xena is in competition with Tuen, Barb’s gelding, to see who will have the nicest mane and tail in 2010. I’d really like Xena to win, so I’m experimenting with a product called Mane-Tail-Groom, also known as MTG. Everyone around the barn raves about it.

Here’s a paraphrased description I found online:

“Since 1938, Original M-T-G has been an effective, time proven remedy…for fungus, rain rot, scratches, mud fever, greasy heel, girth itch, dandruff, itchy skin, and tail rubbing. M-T-G keeps the skin conditioned, creating a barrier against the elements…does not require washing or water…ideal for cold weather use.”

But most importantly, “M-T-G provides the optimal environment for visible hair growth in 3-5 days“.

And, the added benefit of having the lovely scent of bacon fat under your fingernails. Yes, it really does stink of bacon drippings.

Our Hair Growing Experiment

• Will MTG dramatically improve Xena’s mane and tail?

• The Hypothesis
  Approximately 42.53%* of the hair in Xena’s mane and tail is broken off. Which means it should be possible to improve length and quality of the hair.

• The breakage appears to be caused by:
  - snagging on loose screws in the walls of her stall
  - tangles with thistles, burrs and wind knots
  - mutual grooming by other horses
  - brushing / combing during grooming

• The Method
  - tighten all screws in Xena’s stall to prevent snagging her tail
  - apply Mane & Tail detangling conditioner when finger-combing
  - limit brushing to an infrequent basis
  - apply MTG weekly for 5 weeks, according to directions

• The Findings
  - assess progress and post results, i.e. our ‘After’ photos

Update
Growing Our Hair — Part 2

* I’m joking – even I draw the line at counting the hairs in Xena’s tail!