What Is Irish Sea Moss?
Irish sea moss or Chondrus crispus is a red edible seaweed (red algae) primarily found in the North Atlantic ocean. Its cell walls contain carrageenan, an additive used as a thickening, emulsifying, and stabilizing agent in the food industry(1). What Are Its Benefits? It stimulates hair growth, strengthens it, reduces breakage and makes it shiny. Who Can Use It? All except pregnant women or nursing mothers. How Often? Weekly if used topically. Caution People with a hypersensitive scalp should avoid its topical application.
Seaweed extract is widely used in skin care and hair care products for its nourishing and moisturizing benefits. However, Irish sea moss is also claimed to promote hair growth. While there is no evidence to support this claim, Irish sea moss may help promote scalp health, thus improving your overall hair health. Let’s find out how.
Irish Sea Moss And Hair Growth: Is There Any Link?
Irish sea moss has several benefits that may affect your scalp health (2):
1. Wound Healing
Animal studies found that carrageenan could minimize the skin’s inflammatory process, improve extracellular matrix deposition (a 3D network consisting of collagen and other macromolecules), and promote wound healing (3). This property may also help keep your scalp healthy and maintain hair health.
2. May Prevent UV Damage
Irish sea moss contains mycosporine-like amino acids (MAA) that protect marine organisms from UV exposure . MAAs are used in cosmetic products to shield the skin from UV rays and promote cell proliferation(2). When used in hair care products, these ingredients may help protect your scalp and hair from UV damage.
3. May Hydrate The Scalp
Hydration is crucial for maintaining the overall scalp and hair health. Dehydrated hair can be brittle and breakage-prone. Red algae (Chondrus) can nourish and rehydrate the skin when used topically and improve cell elasticity (2).
4. May Promote Hair Growth
An animal study revealed that a hair tonic made of seaweed extract might promote hair regrowth (4). However, the study did not specify the type of seaweed used for the experiment. According to a study that analyzed a survey conducted by the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, which included 1,327 participants diagnosed with alopecia areata, the average age of the participants was 39.7 years, and 58.4% of them identified as female. The participants reported varying degrees of severity in their current scalp hair loss, with 2.6% reporting no hair loss, 39.8% reporting hair loss ranging from 1% to 20%, 26.2% reporting hair loss between 21% and 49%, 10.2% reporting hair loss between 50% and 94%, and 21.3% reporting hair loss between 95% and 100%. Thus, these patients may benefit from the seaweed tonic as it has the potential to enhance their hair growth.
5. May Improve Hair Shine
Fucoidan is a component found in all seaweeds, including Irish sea moss. This component can eliminate harmful free radicals, reduce inflammation, improve hair health, and make your tresses glossy (2). Oxidative stress (caused by free radicals) can affect scalp health and cause hair loss. Fucoidan may help reduce hair loss. Melanie Thompson, a beauty and lifestyle content creator, used Irish sea moss and saw tremendous results. She said, “My hair feels incredibly moisturized. Look it’s got some shine to it but there’s no frizz (i).”
How To Use Irish Sea Moss
1. As Pre-Poo
Detangle your tresses with a wide-toothed comb. Divide your hair into multiple sections and clip them. Apply a generous amount of the Irish sea moss hair gel to the sections. Coat each strand evenly from root to tip. Apply the gel to the scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse the gel and follow your regular hair wash routine.
2. As Post-Wash Mask
Shampoo and condition your hair. Rinse thoroughly. Squeeze the excess water and section your hair. Apply a dollop of the gel to the damp hair section and scalp. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes and wash off with regular water.
Note: For the best results, use the gel as a deep conditioner at least once a week.
3. As A Styling Product Or Leave-In Conditioner
Shampoo and condition your hair. Squeeze the excess water and detangle with a wide-toothed comb. Apply the Irish sea moss gel to your hair from mid-length to the ends. Avoid the scalp. Blow dry and style your hair as per your preference.
Instead of buying Irish sea moss gel, you can prepare it easily at home. DIY recipes do not contain preservatives and are less damaging. Check out the recipe below.
Homemade Irish Sea Moss Gel Recipe
One of the easiest ways to get the maximum benefits of sea moss is by applying it directly to your hair. Use this hair mask 1-2 times a day and follow healthy hair care tips and tricks, such as oiling your hair from time to time, doing a gentle massage while shampooing, etc., along with it to get fuller, shinier hair.
Ingredients
1 cup of dried sea moss 2 teaspoons of avocado oil 2 teaspoons of olive oil 2 cups of water
There are two parts to the recipe. First, you have to prepare the seaweed gel and then prepare the hair gel.
Method
For Preparing Seaweed Gel For The Seaweed Hair Gel Always buy wild harvested and organic sea moss to prepare the gel. You can store the gel for 4 weeks.
To Conclude
Seaweed or sea moss is a common ingredient in skin and hair care products. Irish sea moss can promote natural hair care, soothe scalp irritation, provide hair nourishment, help in hair strengthening, curb hair fall, and improve hair shine. It may also promote hair growth but requires further studies to prove the claim. If you want to give it a try, follow the recipe to prepare the hair gel. How long does it take sea moss to grow your hair? Anecdotal evidence suggests that sea moss can stimulate hair growth within 4-5 weeks of consistent use. Does sea moss have biotin? Yes. Sea moss contains biotin, which is very beneficial for your hair. Can I leave sea moss in my hair? Yes, sea moss is a natural ingredient that can be left on your hair to improve its health and appearance.
Illustration: Does Irish Sea Moss Help Hair Growth? How To Use It
Searching for natural ways to promote hair growth? Dive into this video to explore the potential benefits of Irish sea moss and if this superfood holds the secret to luscious, vibrant hair.
