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Sea Moss For Hair: What Is It? Benefits & How To Use 2024
Updated on
- Written by Susan Adeosun, Dr.
Medically reviewed by
Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN
You might have heard of various hair care products and treatments, but have you ever encountered the unusual and intriguing ingredient known as sea moss? If not, let us introduce you to the wonderful world of sea moss for hair.
This unique, nutrient-packed underwater gem originates in the rocky coastlines of the Atlantic Ocean, and it’s been making waves in the beauty industry for its numerous benefits, including how it can strengthen hair.
Does sea moss work as a hair supplement? In this article, we’ll answer, “Is sea moss good for hair?” We will dive deep into what sea moss is, the fantastic benefits it offers for your hair, and how you can incorporate it into your hair care routine. We will also see if there are any side effects to look for.
5 Sea Moss Benefits For Hair
Is sea moss good for hair? Yes, sea moss for hair is quite beneficial. It helps by:
- Stimulating hair growth.
- Improving the scalp.
- Improves circulation
- Strengthens hair.
- Moisture retention.
So, if you want to revitalize your locks and achieve healthy, luscious hair, sea moss might just be your magical solution.
Sea Moss For Hair: 5 Benefits
If you want to enhance the length and thickness of your hair, sea moss is the natural solution you’ve been searching for. Let’s explore how sea moss can benefit thinning hair and how to use it to promote hair growth. Here are added benefits of sea moss:
Promotes Hair Growth
Sea moss is a powerhouse of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can benefit you internally and externally. These nutrients, including iodine, iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and E, are necessary for healthy hair growth. They nourish the hair follicles, strengthening them and promoting optimal conditions for new hair growth.
Improves Scalp Health
A healthy scalp is essential for promoting hair growth. Sea moss has natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties[1] that help maintain a balanced scalp environment. Topical application of sea moss preparations can soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, and prevent conditions like dandruff and itchiness, which can hinder hair growth. Due to its high vitamin A content, oral intake of sea moss fosters moisturizing[2] and hydrating properties on the scalp and in hair.
Improves Circulation
Proper blood circulation is vital for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. Oral sea moss can help improve blood circulation thanks to its iron content and ability to support cardiovascular health. Meanwhile, topical sea moss oil[3] helps enhance blood flow to the scalp, nourishes the hair follicles, and stimulates hair growth.
Strengthens Hair
Weak and brittle hair is prone to breakage, hindering hair growth progress. Sea moss contains vitamins, such as vitamins E and C, that offer antioxidant properties[4] when consumed orally to the hair strands to promote elasticity. This property helps minimize breakage, allowing your hair to grow longer and thicker.
Moisture Retention
Dry, dehydrated hair can hinder healthy hair growth. Sea moss is known for its excellent moisturizing properties,[5] and it helps to hydrate the hair and retain moisture. Sea moss also prevents dryness and breakage, creating an optimal environment for growth.
What Is Sea Moss?
Sea moss is a type of algae that grows in the ocean. It is a marine plant that belongs to the red algae family and is commonly found in coastal regions along the Atlantic Ocean, including Ireland, Scotland, and parts of North America. Sea moss grown in Ireland is appropriately termed Irish moss.
Despite its name, sea moss is not a moss but a form of seaweed. Sea moss has a unique appearance with its fan-shaped fronds and comes in various colors, such as red, purple, yellow, and green. The coloration depends on the specific species and environmental conditions.
Over the centuries, It has been used in traditional Irish and Caribbean cuisines as a natural thickening and gelling agent in soups, stews, and desserts.
General Benefits Of Sea Moss
This marine plant is not only valued for its culinary uses but also for its rich nutritional profile.[6] Sea moss is packed with many vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. It contains essential minerals like:
- Iron.
- Iodine.
- Magnesium.
- Potassium.
- Calcium.
- Vitamins A, C, E, and K.
It also contains amino acids, antioxidants, and various polysaccharides, contributing to its health-promoting properties.
Due to its nutrient density, sea moss has become a superfood in recent years. It is believed to offer numerous health benefits,[7] such as supporting immune function, aiding digestion, promoting healthy skin, and improving cellular health. Additionally, sea moss has gained attention for its potential health benefits for hair and scalp.
Sea moss can be consumed in various forms. Some people prefer raw sea moss that requires soaking and processing before use, while others choose sea moss gel, capsules, or powders for convenience. Sea moss also comes in topical forms, such as a gel, a nourishing hair mask, or in other products designed to repair and moisturize each hair strand.
It can be incorporated into your diet, taken as a dietary supplement, or applied topically to better condition and protect your shiny locks.
How To Use Sea Moss For Your Hair
As seen above, using sea moss in your hair can provide numerous benefits. You would see sea moss hair growth before and after. Here are a few simple methods you can try to use sea moss in your hair:
Sea Moss Hair Mask
Create DIY hair masks by blending soaked sea moss (previously soaked overnight) with water or aloe vera gel to form a smooth paste. Apply the mask generously to your clean, damp hair, from roots to ends. Massage it into your scalp and distribute it evenly throughout your hair.
Leave it on for about 30 minutes to an hour, then rinse thoroughly with water and follow up with your regular shampoo and conditioner routine.
Sea Moss-Infused Hair Oil
Prepare a sea moss-infused hair oil by blending soaked sea moss with a carrier of your choice, such as coconut or olive oil. Store the mixture in a clean, airtight container and place it in a cool, dark place for a few weeks to allow the oil to absorb the beneficial properties of sea moss.
Once infused, strain the oil and apply a small amount to your scalp and hair, gently massaging through the strands of each hair. Cover with a shower cap. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight for deep nourishment, then wash it with a gentle shampoo.
Sea Moss-Infused Hair Products
Look for hair products that contain sea moss extract or sea moss gel as an ingredient. These products, such as shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments, are specifically formulated to provide sea moss benefits conveniently. You can also incorporate them into your hair growth devices. Ensure you follow the instructions on the product labels for best results.
Sea Moss Supplements
Sea moss is packed with essential minerals and vitamins, a versatile ingredient that has gained recognition for its potential health benefits, including its role in supporting hair and scalp health. You can add it to smoothies, oatmeal, salads, soup, pudding, waffles, yogurt, or nut milk!
Sea moss supplements, extracts, and gels are also available to supplement your diet to promote hair growth.
Side Effects Of Sea Moss
There are numerous benefits of sea moss. Still, is it all good?
There are a few side effects of using sea moss. Firstly, consuming too much sea moss can lead to excessive iodine intake. Sea moss contains high iodine content,[8] and this may hurt your thyroid.
Additionally, sea moss may contain toxic metals like arsenic, mercury, and lead.[9] These metals can be harmful to your health. To this effect, people may also experience gastrointestinal issues after consuming sea moss, such as:
- Stomach upset.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
Remember, doing a patch test before using any new product or ingredient on your hair or scalp is essential. This is to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions or allergies. Additionally, if you have any specific hair or scalp concerns, it’s always a good idea to consult your hair care professional for personalized advice.
The Bottom Line
We have seen how sea moss for hair growth works. Genetics, diet, and hair care practices influence healthy hair growth. While sea moss can be a valuable addition to your hair care routine, maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle is crucial for achieving your hair growth goals.
+ 9 sources
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- Jesumani, V., Du, H., Aslam, M., Pei, P. and Huang, N. (2019). Potential Use of Seaweed Bioactive Compounds in Skincare—A Review. Marine Drugs, [online] 17(12), pp.688–688. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/md17120688.
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Written by:
Susan Adeosun, Dr.
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
