Horsehair substitute?

[altivo]

I'm designing a costume that really needs a quantity of long horsehair for use in a mane and tail. I know I can buy real horsehair in suitable lengths and quantities, but most of that comes from slaughterhouse operations, something I do not want to support.

A synthetic or vegetable fiber with similar weight and drape, straight, and in lengths of 24 to 48 inches would do. I know there are imitation horsehair products made for brushes and push brooms, but can't find a source for small quantities (a pound or two, as opposed to a box car full). One brand name for that is Equestran(tm).

Some synthetics might work, if the fibers were long and heavy enough. Tencel perhaps? Line flax is the right length and close in texture, but I think it's too brittle to use and not very shiny. Any suggestions?

[cross-posted to several groups, please excuse duplications]

Comments

horse hair subsitute

[tamdrin.livejournal.com]

how about mono filiment fishing line

Re: horse hair subsitute

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Only as a last resort. In the quantity needed, it would be expensive. And though it does come in black, the colored line is much harder to find than the transparent kind.