In this post, I'll share how you know your bow needs to be rehaired, the source of violin bow hair, the different types of violin bow hair, and tips for getting it rehaired.

How do you know your bow needs to be rehaired?

• The hair is losing its grip on the string. This means that your bow is sliding around a lot and you're having to put more pressure into the bow to get a solid sound.

• The sound quality is degrading. The sound is unclear, scratchy, or grainy.

• You need to put rosin on the bow more frequently. If you are having to stop mid practice session and re-rosin your bow, it's time for a rehair!

• The bottom of your bow hair (towards the frog) is excessively dirty.

Where does bow hair come from?

• Bow hair is horse hair. The hair is taken from the tail, not the mane. Tail hair is longer, straighter, and stronger.

• Only stallions are typically used — mare hair can be contaminated with urine, which affects quality and texture.

• The hair is generally a byproduct of the horse industry — meaning it’s collected after grooming or processing for other purposes, not from harm to the animal.

• The hair is cleaned, sorted, and sometimes bleached or dyed (though high-end bow makers prefer natural, unbleached white hair).

• Black hair is coarser and often used for bass or cello bows.

• Salt-and-pepper hair (mixed white and black) is sometimes chosen for its extra grip.

There are two types of bow hair: natural and synthetic.

Natural Horsehair

✅ Pros:

• Superior grip and tone: The tiny natural scales on each strand help the hair hold rosin and “bite” the string, giving that rich, warm, complex sound most players love.

• Dynamic range: Responds beautifully to nuance — you can easily shape tone, articulation, and dynamics.

• Tradition: It’s what nearly all classical players and professional bows use.

⚠️ Cons:

• Sensitive to weather: Humidity and temperature can cause it to stretch, shrink, or lose tension.

• Requires more care: Needs regular rehairing (typically every 6–12 months, depending on playing).

• Ethical concerns: While most hair is a byproduct, some players prefer to avoid animal-derived materials altogether.

Synthetic Hair (e.g., Coruss, Zarelon, etc.)

✅ Pros:

• Vegan and cruelty-free: No animal products.

• Resistant to humidity and temperature: Great for outdoor performances or travel.

• Durable: Can last longer before needing replacement.

• Consistent quality: Manufactured to be uniform, so no weak strands or natural imperfections.

⚠️ Cons:

• Tone difference: Often produces a slightly brighter or thinner sound, and can feel less responsive or “grabby” under the bow.

• Less rosin adhesion: Some players need to use specific rosins formulated for synthetic hair.

• Different feel: It can feel more slippery and less “alive” to the touch compared to natural hair.

Tips for rehairing your violin bow

• Do NOT try to rehair it yourself. Take it into a violin shop, not a general music shop or Guitar Center.

• Prices vary, but expect to pay between 60-90 USD.

• Rehairs usually take 1-2 weeks, but you should be able to get a loaner bow to use while yours is in the shop.