Irish Sea Moss For Hair Growth: Does It Work?

Word on hair care street is that you can use Irish sea moss for hair growth. But sadly, there is barely any evidence supporting this claim. However, there are other ways you can use Irish sea moss to promote hair health. You may have even noticed this edible red algae seaweed in quite a few cosmetic products. In this article, we explain how you can use Irish moss to your hair’s advantage and make the most of its potential hair care benefits. Read on to know more.

Know Your Ingredient: Irish Moss

What Is It?
A type of tufted seaweed and red algae commonly found in rocky terrains, tidepools, and inlets.

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.

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).

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).”

Quick Tip

Consuming Irish sea moss and its supplements can maximize its hair benefits. You may take 4 grams of sea moss daily, thrice a week.

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

1. Soak the dried sea moss in water. Let it rest overnight.
2. The next morning, strain the water and set the soaked sea moss aside.
3. Boil the seaweed in a cup of water. Keep stirring until the texture turns creamy.
4. Blend the creamy seaweed with half a cup of water for a minute. Add another half cup of water and blend again.
5. Transfer the seaweed gel to a glass jar and refrigerate for 3-4 hours.

For The Seaweed Hair Gel

1. Scoop out 2-3 tablespoons of the seaweed gel and boil it with half a cup of water for 2-3 minutes.
2. Transfer the melted gel to a container and add the oils. Mix it well.
3. You may add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance. However, it is optional.
4. Store the sea moss gel in the fridge and use it to style your hair.

Always buy wild harvested and organic sea moss to prepare the gel. You can store the gel for 4 weeks.

While Irish sea moss is good for hair health and growth, you should be mindful when applying it. It may lead to potential side effects, such as allergic reactions, iodine overdose, and possible heavy metal contamination. Always do a patch test before use and consult a professional if you notice any redness, allergic reactions, or irritation.

Infographic: 5 Amazing Benefits Of Irish Sea Moss For Hair

Irish sea moss is a popular hair loss prevention ingredient that is said to influence the health of your scalp, encouraging hair regrowth and supporting the overall health of your hair in the process. It is a widely used ingredient in numerous hair care products for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. Check out the infographic below to learn about its benefits for the hair.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Irish sea moss benefit your hair nutritionally?

Yes, Irish sea moss is rich in vitamins A, E, and K, along with essential minerals such as zinc and iron (5). These nutrients play a vital role in keeping your hair strong, promoting growth, and maintaining a healthy scalp.

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

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Rinky KapoorMBBS, DDV, MD

     

Dr. Rinky Kapoor is the co-founder and director of The Esthetic Clinics and has 12 years of experience as a cosmetic dermatologist. She is also the co-founder of a patented FDA approved hair rejuvenating therapy - QR678 Neo.

Read full bio of Dr. Rinky Kapoor

Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

Read full bio of Monomita Chakraborty