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Seaweed has long been recognized for its numerous health benefits, but did you know it can also work wonders on your hair?
This nutrient-rich marine plant is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help nourish and strengthen your hair from the inside out.
Whether you’re looking to improve hair growth, add shine, or repair damage, incorporating seaweed into your hair care routine could be just what you need for healthier, more beautiful tresses.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of seaweed for hair and talk about the best hair products with seaweed on the market.
What Is Seaweed?
Seaweed, also known as marine macroalgae, is the general term for a diverse group of aquatic plants that grow in the ocean, along coastlines, and in other bodies of saltwater.
They can be classified into three main groups: brown (such as kelp and bladder wrack), red (such as dulse and nori), and green (such as sea lettuce).
Aside from being consumed as food and in supplements, seaweed is now popularly used in skincare and hair care products.
Benefits of Seaweed for Hair
When it comes to hair care ingredients, seaweed isn’t the first thing that pops into many people’s heads. So you may wonder: is seaweed good for hair? Does seaweed help hair growth?
The answer to both questions is yes! Thanks to the wide range of nutrients it contains, seaweed helps you achieve fuller, healthier, and stronger hair.
So how is seaweed good for your hair? Let’s discuss the many seaweed benefits for hair in detail.
Stimulates Hair Growth
Seaweed is a rich source of vitamins A and C, iron, zinc, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids — all of which nourish hair follicles to stimulate healthy hair growth. Kelp, in particular, has been shown to alleviate hair loss by abundant anecdotal evidence.
Additionally, a clinical study in 2016 attests to the hair growth capabilities of Ecklonia cava, a type of brown seaweed, revealing that it worked by increasing the proliferation of hair cells and increasing blood flow to the scalp.
Strengthens Hair
Seaweed contains amino acids and minerals that strengthen hair from root to tip, helping prevent breakage and shedding.
Additionally, these nutrients improve hair elasticity for stronger, bouncier tresses.
Reduces Inflammation
Scalp inflammation and folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles) are among the most common causes of hair loss and thinning hair.
Seaweed contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce signs of inflammation and thus promote hair growth.
Nourishes and Hydrates Hair
Seaweed is good for hair in that it nourishes each strand from the inside out, helping hydrate hair, reduce breakage, and prevent split ends.
Plus, because seaweed promotes healthy circulation in the scalp, it improves the delivery of nutrients to the hair follicles.
Protects Hair from Damage
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss, lack of volume, dullness, and other hair-related problems.
Luckily, seaweed is rich in antioxidants that can help protect hair from damage caused by free radicals.
Best Hair Products with Seaweed
Now that you know how seaweed benefits hair, the next step is to choose high-quality products that contain pure and potent seaweed extracts. This will allow you to reap this amazing ingredient’s perks to the fullest.
Below are some of our highly recommended hair products with seaweed for hair growth and other hair concerns.
Want a no-hassle, no-frills way to introduce seaweed into your hair care routine? Pick a shampoo with a seaweed-infused formula!
Key benefits: Cleanses and nourishes; restores shine to dull hair; hydrates dry strands
Features:
- Deep hydration with natural and marine-derived ingredients
- Unscented formula; suitable for sensitive scalps
- Free of parabens and sulfates
Our favorite seaweed shampoo!
Using the combined moisturizing powers of Atlantic seaweed, aloe, and argan oil, the Seaweed Bath Co. Gentle Shampoo delivers intense hydration to your strands and scalp.
It also provides gentle cleansing without the use of harsh chemicals or fragrances. For ultra-soft hair, pair it with the Seaweed Bath Co. Gentle Conditioner.
Pro tip: When using a new shampoo, it’s always a good idea to patch-test it on a small area of your skin before using it on your entire head to ensure that you don’t have an allergic reaction to it.
Give your hair extra nourishment and hydration with this hair mask.
Key benefits: Repairs and strengthens hair; protects against damage; moisturizes strands
Features:
- Combines seaweed with other hair-loving natural ingredients to boost hair health
- Easy application; can be washed off in a few minutes
- Vegan, cruelty-, paraben-, and sulfate-free formula
Suitable for all hair types!
This damage repair mask uses seaweed to stimulate the scalp to encourage hair growth and promote healthier strands.
Other natural ingredients in its hair-loving recipe include sea salt, algae, coconut oil, and coffee, all of which replenish lost nutrients and restore shine.
While it’s targeted toward individuals with curly hair, anyone with dry tresses can benefit from its moisturizing formula.
Pro tip: After applying this hair mask, cover your head with a shower cap. This will allow your strands to soak up all the active ingredients in its formula. Leave the mask on for at least 30 minutes for deep conditioning.
If hair products and DIY hair treatments aren’t enough for you, go for this seaweed supplement to nourish hair from within.
Key benefits: Supports hair growth; promotes scalp health; defends against damage
Features:
- Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Proprietary blend of algae and sea kelp
- Third party-tested for cleanliness and quality control
Take care of your hair and body with this supplement!
Taking oral seaweed supplements like this product can help you reap seaweed’s hair health-boosting benefits to the fullest.
With kelp as its the second ingredient in its recipe, it uses high-quality ingredients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to encourage healthy hair growth and defend hair against damage.
Pro tip: Remember to take this supplement with a meal to help your body and your hair absorb its nutrients more effectively. Follow the recommended dosage on the packaging to avoid excess iodine intake from seaweed.
Monitor your body’s response to the supplement. Stop using it immediately if you experience any adverse effects, such as nausea or skin rash.
More Ways to Use Seaweed for Hair
Besides getting store-bought shampoos and hair masks with seaweed, you can also find creative ways to use it to improve the condition of your hair!
Consider the methods below.
DIY Seaweed Hair Mask
Creating a seaweed hair mask from scratch gives you full control over the ingredients you use for your hair! It also allows you to customize the recipe according to your needs.
Follow these steps to create your very own seaweed hair mask.
- Start with dry or damp hair. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your hairline, ears, and the nape of your neck to protect your skin from any potential staining or irritation.
- Mix seaweed powder like the Herbaila 100% Pure & Natural Kelp Powder with water or your choice of carrier oil (such as coconut or argan oil) in a bowl until it forms a smooth, thick paste. The consistency should be similar to that of a hair conditioner.
- Apply the seaweed paste to your hair, Make sure to start at the roots and work your way down to the ends. Then cover your hair thoroughly and evenly with the paste.
- Gently massage your scalp for a few minutes. This will help stimulate blood flow and encourage the nutrients to penetrate the hair follicles.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap. You can also use plastic wrap for this step.
- Leave the mask on for 20 to 30 minutes. You can leave the mask on for up to an hour for a deeper treatment.
- Wash it off with warm water until all the seaweed paste is removed. Follow up with shampoo and conditioner.
- Rinse your hair with cool water thoroughly to seal your hair cuticles and add shine.
- Towel-dry your hair gently.
DIY Seaweed Rinse
You can also make a seaweed rinse to make sure your hair absorbs nutrients straight from the ingredient. This will help improve shine and volume.
Follow these steps to concoct and use a DIY seaweed rinse.
How to make:
- Place 1/4 cup of dried seaweed (such as kelp or nori) in a bowl.
- Add 4 cups of warm water to the bowl and let it soak for 20 to 30 minutes until the water turns dark and the seaweed softens.
- Strain the seaweed and discard the solids, keeping only the liquid.
- Transfer the liquid to a spray bottle or jar and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
How to use:
- Start with clean, damp hair.
- Shake your seaweed mixture well before using.
- Spray or pour the seaweed hair rinse onto your hair, making sure it saturates your scalp and hair thoroughly.
- Massage your scalp for a few minutes to help stimulate blood flow and encourage the nutrients to penetrate the hair follicles.
- Leave the mixture on for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until all traces of the mixture are removed.
- Towel-dry your hair and make sure not to rub too forcefully and cause excess friction.
Edible Seaweed
In addition to taking supplements, eating more seaweed can also provide important nutrients for hair and overall health.
You can add seaweed to soups, salads, or stir-fry dishes. For a healthy and tasty snack, try snacking on roasted seaweed.
Who Should Use Seaweed for Hair?
Everyone who wants voluminous, lusciously shiny hair can enjoy the perks of using seaweed!
That said, here are some specific groups of people who may get the most out of the benefits of seaweed for hair:
People with Thin or Thinning Hair
Seaweed contains several nutrients that facilitate hair growth, strengthen hair follicles, and reduce scalp inflammation that contributes to hair thinning.
People with Dry or Damaged Hair
Seaweed is rich in vitamins and minerals that can help repair and rehydrate dry or damaged hair. The antioxidants in this ingredient can also help protect hair from further damage.
People with Oily Hair
Seaweed has natural cleansing properties that can help remove dirt, buildup, and excess oil from the scalp without stripping the hair of its natural oils.
This can help balance the scalp’s oil production and improve the overall health of the hair.
People with Dandruff or Scalp Conditions
The antifungal and antibacterial properties of seaweed can help combat yeast overgrowth that leads to dandruff. It can also soothe an itchy, irritated scalp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wash hair with seaweed?
Yes! You can wash your hair either with a store-bought seaweed shampoo or a DIY seaweed hair rinse mixture.
Another option is to combine seaweed powder with bentonite clay or apple cider vinegar for deeper cleansing.
Does seaweed grow hair faster?
As of now, there’s no evidence to support the claim that seaweed makes hair grow faster. However, it is chock-full of fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that promote healthy hair growth.
Does seaweed make your hair darker?
While seaweed contains vitamins A and C, which can contribute to increased melanin production, there’s currently no research to prove it can make hair darker.
That said, seaweed can combat other signs of hair aging, including dullness and thinness.
Incorporate Seaweed into Your Hair Care Routine
There are several benefits of seaweed for hair. As a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it can help promote hair and scalp health.
This means seaweed can be a valuable addition to your hair care routine, whether used in store-bought hair products or DIY treatments.
This way, you can get healthier, stronger, and more vibrant-looking hair with an all-natural ingredient!
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