Sea moss, also known as Irish moss, is a type of red algae that grows along the rocky shores of the Atlantic and Caribbean. This nutrient-packed seaweed has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its various health benefits.
But did you know that sea moss can also help nourish your hair? Let’s discover 8 impressive sea moss benefits for hair and learn how to use it in various ways.
What Is Sea Moss?
Sea moss, also known as Irish sea moss or Irish moss, is a type of seaweed that grows on rocky coastlines in the British Isles, the Atlantic coast, and other parts of Europe and North America. This tufted seaweed has thin, fan-like fronds that range in size from 2 to 10 inches and come in colors ranging from dark purple to greenish-yellow. When sun-dried and bleached, it takes on a yellowish hue.
Sea moss has been used for centuries to provide nourishment for the body and is more powerful than you might think. It's a popular ingredient in hair products, but it's also used in soaps, gels, lotions, and even in the kitchen. Among other countries, Ireland has also used sea moss as folk medicine. It contains a lot of nutritional elements such as
- Amino acids.
- B-vitamins.
- Folate.
- Calcium.
- Bromine.
- Iron.
- Magnesium.
- Manganese.
- Iodine.
- Protein.
- Vitamins A.
- Vitamin B2, B12.
- Vitamin C.
- Vitamin E.
- Vitamin K.
8 Amazing Benefits of Irish Sea Moss for Hair
Let’s dive into these impressive benefits of sea moss for your hair.
Helps To Thicken Hair
If you have thin hair or feel like your hair needs more volume, sea moss can be a fantastic option for you. It's rich in protein, which helps thicken your hair and provides numerous benefits. This is why you'll often find sea moss as a featured ingredient in shampoos and conditioners.
Strengthens Hair
Sea moss can be beneficial for your hair, especially if you're experiencing weakness. With a few treatments of sea moss, you'll likely notice an improvement in the strength of your hair. This is because sea moss contains protein that helps rebuild the hair shaft and repair any damage that may have occurred.
So, if you've noticed that your hair is more prone to breakage lately, using sea moss could be a great solution to help with that.
Promotes Hair Growth
We're always on the lookout for ways to promote hair growth, but let's face it - there's no magic formula that will make your hair grow faster. However, you can take steps to help your hair grow properly and reach its maximum growth potential.
Sea moss can be a useful tool in promoting hair growth, as it contains vitamins like A, C, D, and E, as well as essential fatty acids. These nutrients nourish the hair follicles and encourage healthy hair growth.
Makes Your Hair Shinier
If you're searching for ways to add some extra shine to your hair, sea moss is definitely a great option. Sea moss can help give your hair that glossy shine you're after by smoothing down the hair shaft. This creates a protective layer around each strand of hair, which not only makes your hair look healthier but also adds that much-desired shine.
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Makes Hair Soft And More Manageable
Everyone wants their hair to be soft and easy to manage, right? Well, good news - sea moss can help with that! The nutrients in sea moss work to restore moisture to your hair, which in turn makes it softer and more manageable.
Keeps Your Scalp Healthy
Sea moss is a great way to maintain a healthy scalp. It helps to eliminate any toxins that may be lingering on your scalp, which can cause itchiness and other issues. If you've been struggling with an itchy scalp, incorporating sea moss into your hair care routine and products is definitely worth a try.
Provides Hydration
Hair needs moisture to survive, and sea moss is an excellent source of hydration for your hair. It contains high levels of water that can keep your hair healthy, shiny, and full of life.
Sea moss also plays a role in the production of sebum, which is a natural oil that our scalp produces to protect both our hair and scalp. In addition to safeguarding our hair, sebum also prevents moisture loss, which helps to retain hydration.
Protects Your Scalp from Bad Bacteria
Just like any other part of your body, your scalp can harbor harmful bacteria if not properly maintained. If your hair is undernourished, it can become a breeding ground for these harmful bacteria, leading to further damage and an even drier scalp.
If your scalp is irritated and dry, it can be challenging for your hair to grow properly. That's where sea moss comes in - it's an excellent natural remedy for fighting harmful bacteria. Sea moss contains anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in sulfur, making it a powerful defense against harmful agents on your scalp. This can help promote a healthier scalp and ultimately lead to healthier, stronger hair.
How to Use Sea Moss on Your Hair
Here are some ways you can use sea moss on your hair.
Sea Moss Gel
Start by cleaning the sea moss thoroughly to remove any dirt, particles, or debris. It's essential to handle the sea moss with clean hands to prevent contamination. Avoid using tap water to clean it and try one of these alternatives instead:
- Alkaline water.
- Springwater.
- Filtered water.
Place the sea moss in a large bowl and then cover it with water. Give it a gentle massage and you'll notice it starting to expand as it absorbs the liquid. Then, transfer the sea moss to a clean plate, but don't get rid of the water just yet.
Next, add the sea moss to a high-powered blender and pour in some of the water you set aside earlier. Blend for about 1 to 3 minutes until you reach your desired consistency. Once you're happy with the texture, transfer the gel to an airtight mason jar and pop it in the fridge. It'll thicken up after a few hours.
Pre-shower Mask
To use sea moss gel as a pre-shower mask, first detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb and separate it into sections. Apply the gel to each section, making sure to cover your scalp and every strand of hair. Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour, then rinse it off in the shower.
Post-Shower Mask
Go through your regular hair care routine, then apply the gel to your damp hair and scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it with water.
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Styling Product
If you're looking to use sea moss gel as a styling product, start by shampooing and conditioning your hair, then detangle it with a wide-toothed comb. Apply the gel to your hair, but avoid your scalp. And your can style your hair as desired using a blow dryer.
Consume It Orally
Sea moss gel can also be consumed orally by adding it to your morning smoothie. This is a great way to experience the benefits beyond just your hair.
Using a Hair Product With Sea Moss
If you want a simpler way to incorporate sea moss into your hair care routine, you can buy hair products that already contain this ingredient. There are many options available, such as conditioners, leave-in products, hair masks, and sprays. Consistent use of these products can lead to thicker and shinier hair.
Potential Side Effects
While sea moss offers many benefits for hair, it's important to consider a few things before adding it to your wellness routine.
Contains Iodine
Sea moss is a great source of iodine, but it can cause issues for people with autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's. Consuming too much iodine(1) can also lead to hypothyroidism, goiter, inflammation, and even cancer.
Some people may also experience a burning sensation in their stomach, throat, and mouth, as well as vomiting, nausea, and fever. To stay within safe limits, the FDA recommends(2) a daily intake of no more than 150 mcg of iodine.
It's important to keep this in mind if you plan on consuming sea moss gel orally. However, sea moss can still be a great source of iodine for those dealing with iodine deficiency, especially for women who are fitness enthusiasts.
May Cause Allergies
Sea moss may also cause allergies, although this is rare. If you're allergic to seafood or have sensitive skin, it's best to do a patch test before applying sea moss gel to your hair and scalp. Allergic reactions to sea moss can cause a stinging sensation on the skin.
If you have a history of allergic reactions, it's best to consult with a doctor before adding sea moss to your hair care routine. Despite the potential downsides, the benefits of sea moss for hair may still be worth it.
So, Is Sea Moss Good for Your Hair?
Sea moss is packed with various vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, C, E, iron, zinc, and iodine, all of which can support hair growth and strengthen hair follicles. The amino acids found in sea moss can also aid in promoting hair growth and strengthening hair.
Moreover, it may possess anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that are beneficial for overall scalp and hair health. While sea moss can be a great addition to a healthy hair care routine, more research is needed to understand its full impact on hair. It's always wise to consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or supplement regimen.
References
1. Nih.gov. (2022). Office of Dietary Supplements - Iodine. {online} Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-Consumer/.
2. Nih.gov. (2019). Office of Dietary Supplements - Iodine. {online} Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-HealthProfessional/.
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