Spirulina is a cyanobacteria (or in simpler terms, natural algae) obtained from two plant species: Arthrospira maxima and Arthrospira platensis. Instead of growing in the soil like the majority of other plants do, Spirulina exists as a blue-green algae in both salt water and fresh water. It occurs in the wild and has high content of nutrients and protein.
Harvested and manufactured into flake, powder, or tablet form, Spirulina is eaten as food and used as a dietary supplement, and is especially beneficial for vegetarians because it has a high protein and amino acids content.
Beyond its use as a food or a dietary supplement, Spirulina has also been found to provide spectacular benefits for your hair, because it contains beta-carotene, vitamin A, amino acids, and essential fatty acids, all of which are great for hair.
Here are some ways that spirulina helps your hair to be at its best:
It boosts hair growth: Spirulina promotes hair growth when used eternally on the hair. In fact, you will find that quite a number of conditioners and shampoos have spirulina as an active ingredient that helps in hair growth and re-growth. One of the ways it helps your hair to grow faster is by improving blood circulation in your scalp.
It treats hair loss: If you suffer from hair loss, you know just how harrowing this experience can be. Alopecia, for one, often occurs at an alarming rate, not just restricted to the scalp alone but all across the face and body. Spirulina, however, has been scientifically proven to be an alternative medication that stops further hair loss in alopecia sufferers. It has also been found to facilitate hair renewal. To get faster result when it comes to hair growth and regrowth, combine the spirulina with wheat germ or brewer's yeast.
It helps you get rid of dandruff: Acting as an antioxidant compound, it’s been found that taking Spirulina religiously for about four weeks helps to get rid of dandruff, leaving your hair stronger and glossier. And not only does spirulina help with dandruff, it also helps to relieve sensitive scalp.
It strengthens your hair: If you have dry, brittle hair and you are on a quest to strengthen your hair so that it doesn’t break as much, you may want to try spirulina. It strengthens hair from the shaft outwards and helps to revive split or damaged hair.
Great for almost all kinds of hair: If you have fine hair, Spirulina can help you to revitalise, fortify and restore volume and texture. If you have curly hair, it will help you redefine your curls. If you have thick coily hair, spirulina will help you with detangling and styling.
It protects your hair from external aggression: We all know the kind of stress we put our hairs through. We use heat to style our hair. We colour the hair. And then there is the weather. Through all of this stress, spirulina provides a constant source of protection, working to avert and/or repair the damage these external factors do to your hair.
How to use spirulina for your hair
As a hair mask: Using spirulina as a hair mask will help to deeply nourish your hair while stimulating hair growth. To use for this purpose, mix two to three tablespoons of spirulina powder, two tablespoons of castor oil, and a brick of coconut milk. Apply this paste to your hair, leave for one to two hours, then rinse. You also have the choice of adding aloe Vera gel, coconut oil, avocado oil, argan oil or jojoba oil to your hair mask. If you are looking for deeper action, wear a cellophane or a hot towel over your hair, and leave the mask all night instead of for two hours.
As an anti-dandruff spray: If you have a dandruff problem, mix a teaspoon of spirulina to 40ml of mineral water. Shake together very well and spray on your hair. Do this often. You can also use this mixture to add a little spring to your natural curls.
In shampoo or conditioner: You can add some Spirulina powder to your shampoo and/or conditioner, whether store bought or homemade. You can also add spirulina directly to a mask base or a washing base.
Spirulina components
Spirulina is made up of:
Vitamins B (required for the formation of red blood cells and the production of energy), Vitamin, K, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and Vitamin A.
At least 60 per cent protein, a vital nutrient for healthy growth.
Beta-Carotene, widely known for its antioxidant properties.
Essential Fatty Acids, also known as good fats, and great for improving the body’s immunity.
Minerals such as phosphorus, selenium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, zinc, calcium, and iron that help to maintain water balance amongst several other functions.
In conclusion
It has been scientifically proven that spirulina offers a collaboration of nutrients needed to promote hair growth. If your basic reason for using spirulina is to promote hair growth, be rest assured that you will gain length and volume. Beyond length and volume, you will also enjoy a health scalp and strengthened hair, no matter the texture of your hair.
So, go ahead and use it in hair masks, as an addition to your shampoo/conditioner or in a spray. And if you are adventurous, why not add some spirulina supplements to your basic healthcare regimen? Trust me, your hair (and skin) will thank you.