Learn how to make a sea moss shampoo and its benefits by reading all about it in the article below!
What is Sea Moss?
Sea moss, known scientifically as Chondrus crispus, is a species of spiny, edible red algae that is found growing along the rocky coast of the Atlantic Ocean bordering Europe and North America.
Also known as Irish moss, carrageen moss, it has been used in countries like Ireland, Scotland and Jamaica as food and folk medicine for hundreds of years. It is commercially used in cosmetic products like lotions, soaps, gels, and a culinary thickening agent. It is sold commercially as a dietary supplement and for topical application in a powder or gel form.
Nutritional Profile
100gms of sea moss contains:
- Calories 49
- Carbohydrate 12.3g
- Protein 1.5g
- Has antioxidants, vitamins A, B, C, K, E, and minerals like iron, zinc, calcium, chromium, potassium, sodium and dietary fiber, iodine, and water.
Sea moss is touted as a superfood as it is vegan, gluten-free, and full of health-promoting nutrients. It boosts your immune system, prevents bacterial infections, helps slow the progression of Parkinson’s
disease.It maintains thyroid health by keeping the thyroid levels in check. Basides, it aids weight loss and promotes proper digestion. Sea moss also reduces the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and balances blood sugar levels.
Sea Moss Benefits for Hair
It is great for your hair when consumed orally or used topically. Industries use it as an emulsifier in hair products to strengthen and conditioning hair and shine. It improves hair growth as it is rich in vitamin E. Its iron content prevents anemia and hair fall, and vitamin A increases sebum production on the scalp, thereby preventing hair conditions caused by a dry scalp.
It moisturizes the scalp and clears problems like dandruff. Vitamin E also helps fight oxidative stress, which is one of the prime causes of hair fall. Its anti-inflammatory property helps prevent inflammatory conditions of
the scalp and promotes hair health. Sea moss prevents UV damage to your skin and hair.
It helps hydrate your scalp and hair to prevent hair brittleness and breakage and improve cell elasticity. Fucoidan, a component of sea moss, can make your hair glossy. Its antimicrobial anti-fungal properties fight the growth of harmful bacteria and fungus on the scalp.
How to Make a Sea Moss Shampoo
Things You Need
- Dried Sea Moss
- Water
- Sea Moss Soap
- Almond Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Castor Oil
- Rosehip Seed Oil
- Black Jamaican Castor Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Rose Water
- Cheesecloth
- Container for Final Product
Procedure
- Wash the dried sea moss under running water and soak it in a cup of water for 24 hours or until it absorbs the water and becomes soft.
- Now, grate 1/3rd of a sea moss soap into tiny pieces. Use double boiler to melt the soap and strain it afterwards.
- In a separate bowl, mix ½ tbsp each of almond oil, coconut oil, castor oil, rosehip seed oil, black Jamaican castor oil, avocado oil, and 1 tbsp of rose water.
- Add the soap and soaked sea moss to the blend of oils and rose water. Blend all the ingredients to mix them well.
- Strain through a cheesecloth and store in a bottle.
This shampoo lasts for 3 to 4 weeks if stored in the refrigerator. Use it once a week to shampoo your hair and reap the benefits of sea moss.
Precautions
- If you are allergic to seafood or have sensitive skin, avoid using sea moss.
- The ideal daily serving of sea moss is only 4g per day.
- Excess consumption can affect thyroid functioning, cause goiter, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and an itchy throat.
- Sea moss contamination with heavy metals like arsenic, mercury, and lead, which can cause serious health problems.
- Consult your doctor before using sea moss and do a patch test before applying it to the skin and hair to rule out possible side effects.