Horsehair ceilings were commonly found in older, prominent homes and structures with significant value. However, this is not widely used anymore since this process was replaced with drywall back in the 1950s.

Horsehair ceilings, as the name suggests, means mixing horsehair (typically its mane and tail) because it is long and strong, offering structural strength and resiliency. The most common type of horsehair plaster is a mixture of horsehair, lime, sand, and plaster – although there are some variations of this.

Aside from its strength, horsehair was used because it is more flexible than any kind of animal hair. That means that it yields to any form, making it the best material for curved walls and ceilings.

However, other animal hair, like that of an ox or a donkey was also used as an alternative. In some structures, builders and architects used goat’s hair as well. Plant fibres were also used to replace animal hair, although the former was not that durable and strong. Nevertheless, the best thing about using plant life is that it is more sustainable than animal hair. And of course, this option is animal-friendly.

Sometimes referred to as horsehair ceilings, ornamental and decorative ceilings are actually made from plaster of Paris mixed with sisal.