Superfood packed with nutrients improves the texture and shine of hair - 'Like a protein shake for locks'
Seaweed has a unique nutritional profile
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There appears to be more and more use of seaweed in the beauty industry as the ingredient's popularity grows.
This is because seaweed contains a unique array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that benefit hair and skin in different ways.
The Cornish Seaweed Bath Company, which produces their products with seaweed off the coast of Cornwall, explained: “Seaweed is packed with vitamins (A, C, E and K), minerals (Iodine, Calcium, Iron, and Zinc,) and amino acids that nourish the scalp and hair, promoting healthy hair growth.”
The superfood also supports scalp health thanks to anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that soothe and cleanse.
Seaweed has several properties that soothe and cleanse the scalp
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These ultimately target the skin concerns that become increasingly common as we enter the colder months.
One of the key advantages is moisture, which comes from the natural polysaccharides in algae.
“The natural polysaccharides in seaweed help retain moisture, which can make hair softer, smoother and more manageable,” explained the Cornish Seaweed Bath Company.
To date, seaweed has been extensively studied in nutritional research, providing evidence of the benefits of ingesting it.
Recent studies show the powerful properties of seaweed’s bioactive compounds aren't limited to the hair and skin.
It directly supports the function of the thyroid gland, which releases hormones to help control growth, energy production and the repair of damaged cells.
One study that looked specifically into the use of seaweed-derived products was published in 2021.
Published in the Journal of Marine Drugs, researchers concluded that seaweed is a valuable component for the formulation of products due to its biological properties.
When using the ingredient topically you minimise the risk of destroying the enzymes inside the seaweed that are beneficial for hair.
“A diverse group of biologically active compounds including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, carbohydrates and lipids, can be extracted from seaweeds to develop conventional and novel cosmeceutical products,” the researchers concluded.
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Seaweed helps exfoliate and moisturise the scalp
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The Irish Marine Institute states: "Just as skin drinks in seaweed's fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, so does hair.
"Like a protein shake for your locks, seaweed works wonders on our strands and scalp.
"Easily absorbed, seaweed extra work to intensive repair and rebuild the hair by infusing each strand with all those fatty acids and nutrients.
"But it's not just the inner structure of hair that seaweed addresses, it also works to improve texture and shine too, giving you a mermaid-worthy mane."