Bow hair doesn’t last forever, and when it starts to wear out, your sound is usually the first thing that’s affected. Regular rehairing helps your bow continue to perform as it should, whether you’re at the beginning of your violin journey or putting in serious hours in the practice room. 

In this guide, we cover what a rehair is, when to get it done, and why professional service is often the best option. 

What Is a Bow Rehair?

Rehairing is the process of replacing the horsehair on your violin bow. Over time, bow hair wears out, stretches, breaks, gets dirty, loses grip, or stops holding rosin well — all of which affect how your instrument sounds. A rehair gives your bow fresh hair so it can grip the violin strings properly again. 

How Often to Rehair a Violin Bow

How often you need to rehair your violin bow usually comes down to how often you play. A casual player who practices a few times a week may only need a violin bow rehair once a year, while a professional orchestra member may need a bow rehaired every three to four months, sometimes sooner. 

For CodaBow players, we recommend getting your bow rehaired every six months to a year. 

When to Rehair a Violin Bow

If you aren’t sure when you last got a rehair, your bow will let you know if it’s time for one. Signs you may be due for a violin bow rehair include:

high quality carbon fiber bows
  • The bow hair has stretched so much that your bow no longer tightens correctly.
  • Many of the hairs have broken, especially on one side. (The ribbon may be uneven and pulling the stick out of balance.)
  • Your bow feels slippery even after applying rosin.
  • Your bow produces a weak or uneven sound. 
  • Your bow has become harder to control. 
  • You find yourself constantly reapplying rosin to get your bow to sound right. 

If you notice any of these signs, check the hair. If it’s overly loose (and tightening doesn’t fix it), visibly dirty, or noticeably fraying, it’s probably worth getting your bow rehaired. 

How Much Does It Cost to Rehair a Violin Bow?

A standard violin bow rehair often falls somewhere between $65 and $120. Prices vary by region, the quality of hair used, the bow type, turnaround time, and whether the bow needs additional repair. Rush service, premium hair, or additional repairs can add to the cost.

CodaBow’s rehair services start at $89. When purchasing a new CodaBow, you can also choose to add a prepaid rehair and save 10%. 

Can You Rehair a Violin Bow Yourself?

Technically, yes. Practically, it’s not usually recommended.

A proper violin bow rehair is skilled benchwork. It involves removing the old hair, precisely measuring the new bow hair, securely tying it, combing it into an even ribbon, and fitting it into the frog and tip with small plugs and wedges. You have to ensure the tension is even, the length is just right, and the ribbon sits cleanly.

A poor DIY rehair can leave your bow lopsided, over-tight, under-tight, twisted, or uneven. You also risk damaging the frog, tip, or stick. 

Why Get a Professional Violin Bow Rehair Service

A professional rehair service, especially if done by the bow manufacturer, means putting your bow in the care of someone who understands it and all its intricacies. A professional bow technician has the craftsmanship and knowledge needed to choose the appropriate hair, remove weak or damaged strands, install it evenly, and ensure it takes rosin properly. They can also spot issues like a warped stick or frog problems while your bow is apart and offer repairs. 

If you’re worried about being separated from your bow, CodaBow offers an Exploratory Service Program so there’s no disruption to your practice or performance routine. For a small fee ($25, covering the round-trip shipping), you can receive up to three CodaBow models to use during your rehair service. You can choose the model you already use or experiment with other models you may be interested in purchasing in the future.

Request Your CodaBow Rehair Service Today

Rehairing your bow at the right time keeps your sound responsive, clear, and consistent. CodaBow offers professional rehair services designed specifically for our carbon fiber bows, ensuring expert craftsmanship and proper balance every time. If your bow is due for maintenance, schedule a rehair with CodaBow and keep playing at your best.