Sending hair or ashes
Everything you need to know, written plainly. If anything here is unclear, please just ask — there is no such thing as a silly question about this.
Please do not post anything until we have spoken. Send an enquiry first and we will confirm the details, the price and the address.
Hair, at a glance
| From | How much | Where from |
|---|---|---|
| Horse | Pencil-thick bundle, 4in+ | Underneath the tail, or the mane |
| Dog | A pinch, cotton-ball sized | Brushings are fine |
| Cat | A pinch, cotton-ball sized | Brushings are fine |
| Person | A small lock | Wherever it was taken from |
We always ask for more than one piece strictly needs. Firing is never entirely predictable, and having a margin means a difficult kiln day never becomes a conversation about hair that cannot be replaced. Whatever is left over comes home with your piece.
Ashes
For ash-glazed work we need roughly a teaspoon. The ashes are blended into the glaze and fired onto the surface, so they become part of the piece rather than something sealed inside it.
We weigh what we use and write it down. You receive the remainder back with a note of exactly what went into the piece. We think you should never have to wonder about that.
Packing and posting
Hair
- Seal it in a small plastic bag and tape the opening shut.
- Write their name on the bag in permanent marker.
- Put it in a padded envelope with a note of your name and reference.
- Ordinary post is fine. Tracked post is reassuring but not essential.
Ashes
- Double-bag in two sealed plastic bags.
- Place inside a rigid screw-top container.
- Pad the container inside a small box so nothing moves.
- Use a tracked service. We confirm by email the moment it arrives.
Taking hair from a living animal
Plenty of people do this years before they need to, and we would gently encourage it. Cut rather than pull, take from underneath the tail where it will not show, and store it in a sealed bag somewhere dry and dark. It keeps for decades.
Questions
How much horse hair do you need?
A bundle about the thickness of a pencil and at least four inches long. That is far more than a single piece requires, which is deliberate: it leaves room for the firing not going to plan, and whatever is left comes back to you.
Where should I cut the hair from?
The tail gives the longest, strongest strands and is the easiest place to take from without it showing. Cut from underneath, near the middle of the tail. Mane hair works too and is often finer. For a living horse, cut rather than pull.
How much hair do you need from a dog or cat?
A small pinch, roughly the size of a cotton ball. Brushings are absolutely fine and are often easier than cutting.
How much ash do you need?
About a teaspoon for an ash-glazed piece. We weigh what we use, return the remainder, and send you a written note of exactly what went in.
How do I post hair safely?
Put it in a small sealed bag, tape the bag shut, and write their name on it. Put that inside a padded envelope with a note of your name and reference number. Ordinary post is fine for hair.
How do I post ashes safely?
Double-bag them in two sealed plastic bags, then place inside a small rigid container such as a screw-top tub. Pad it inside a box, and use a tracked service. We email you the moment it arrives.
What if my horse or pet is still alive?
Many people take hair while their animal is still with them, and we think that is a lovely thing to do. It keeps far better than you would expect in a sealed bag somewhere dry and dark.
What if the hair is very old?
Age is rarely a problem. Hair kept dry for decades usually still fires beautifully. If it is fragile or very short, send what you have and we will tell you honestly whether it will work.
Can I send hair from more than one animal?
Yes. Some people have us combine hair from several horses into one piece, or make a matching set. Just label each bundle separately.