Heritage Hairs Co

For centuries, animal hair has been incorporated into lime plasters and renders as a proven reinforcement material. Its primary role is to improve the cohesion and tensile strength of the mix, helping to control shrinkage and reduce cracking as the plaster cures. Traditionally, ox (bovine) hair was the most widely used, often blended with shorter horsehair to improve distribution and workability.

Following the decline of UK tanneries in the 1980s, much of the hair used in lime work began to be imported from overseas, commonly from China. Many imported hairs are treated during processing, typically through boiling and/or steam sterilisation. In our experience, this treatment can reduce the hair’s resistance to degradation in the highly alkaline environment of lime. The sterilisation process is believed to strip away natural oils and protective keratin proteins, compromising durability. As the hair breaks down over time, reinforcement is lost, increasing the risk of cracking and structural failure within the plaster or render.

Heritage Hairs source and supply natural UK animal hair, specifically for traditional lime plasters and renders. Our hair is supplied directly from UK tanneries and is provided untreated and uncleaned, as has been the tradition in lime work. This helps preserve the hair’s natural properties, ensuring effective reinforcement, performance, and longevity within lime-based mixes. We supply deer, bovine, goat, and horsehair, available in 1 kg bags, with larger quantities available on request.

• Deer hair is clipped from the hide prior to the tanning process, leaving the hair clean and dry.

• Bovine hair is removed from the hide during the tanning process and may contain some lime residue; this does not affect the hair.

• Goat hair is removed from the hide during the tanning process. All efforts are made to remove the hide from the hair; however, some traces may be found.