From shea butter and coconut oil to banana-based products and rice water treatments, consumers crave natural hair care ingredients that make them look and feel good – without the threat of harmful side effects. Historically, the mainstream hair care industry has responded to that demand in fits and starts, but what if your brand could get ahead of the next craze?
A growing body of research suggests that products containing seaweed can improve the sheen and strength of hair without hurting your profits or the environment. Though seaweed has been used as a spa treatment for hundreds of years, not as many people are aware of its hair care potency. Here’s what you need to know about seaweed’s potential for hair care – and how fucoidan benefits hair growth.
Supplying Nutrients in Necessary Amounts
Ask most consumers about ingredients that are bad for hair growth and they’ll be quick to rattle off a list of unsafe chemicals like sulfates, parabens, or DMDM hydantoin. Though many consumers are aware of ingredients that benefit (coconut oil, avocado oil, tea tree oil, etc.) their hair health, they might be less likely to try something new unless they are certain that it is safe and effective in maintaining hair growth.
That said, hair care brands will likely have better luck experimenting with ingredients if those compounds are proven in other types of beauty care products. For example, seaweed skincare products are already gaining recognition for their ability to keep skin hydrated and UV radiation resistant. Use seaweed extract for hair care provides similar benefits as well as a multitude of essential nutrients:
- Iodine
- Biotin
- Iron
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Vanadium
- Magnesium
- Vitamin C
The prevalence of these nutrients within different seaweed species can help to achieve anything from oxygen availability to great amino acid production and thicker hair. Furthermore, seaweed isn’t just good for existing hair patterns, but also for regrowing hair that has been lost.
Can Seaweed Decrease Hair Loss?
Those men and women who are suffering from thinning hair or hair loss are often desperate to try any measure to regain thick and healthy hair. In the past, that meant caustic chemicals or even natural products with undesirable side effects. But the growing interest in all-natural hair care products has revealed some healthy and cost-effective alternatives.
For those who are suffering from hair loss due to bacteria-related scalp inflammation, algae extract can provide some relief. Seaweed antiviral and antimicrobial properties can reduce inflammation while providing nutrients that replenish damaged scalps. Other early studies have shown that patterned hair loss can be combatted with specific seaweed species. Fucoidan, a complex polysaccharide found in brown seaweed species like Ascophyllum nodosum, is already used to increase blood as a thrombolytic treatment for people with ischemic heart disease, and is theorized to work in increasing blood flow to the scalp. More research needs to be done into how fucoidan benefits hair growth, but the early results are promising – especially with seaweed powder for hair growth.
That’s only the beginning. New research is being conducted all the time showing incredible breakthroughs with seaweed ranging from nutraceuticals to cosmetic products. Though trends might change, results never go out of style.
Want to learn more about how fucoidan benefits hair growth, as well as some of the other uses of seaweed? Check out our webinar to get insight into the latest trends.
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