Spirulina for Hair

by Vorst Canada May 03, 2022

spirulina for hair

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment

Spirulina is best-known as a green superfood and very few people are aware of the benefits of spirulina for hair. It offers a synergy of micronutrients including antioxidants, zinc, B vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids as well as others that play vital roles in promoting hair growth, cleansing and purifying the scalp, and fighting dandruff. But how does spirulina work for hair? Let’s try to find out.

In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of spirulina for hair that are backed by evidence. But before we get into the hair benefits of spirulina, it’s worth knowing the basics of spirulina a little bit more. So, let’s dig a little deeper.

What is spirulina?
Nutritional value of spirulina
Benefits of spirulina for hair
How to use spirulina
Precautions and side effects
Final words

What is spirulina?

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that lives in both saltwater as well as freshwater, especially in an alkaline environment. It’s considered one of the most powerful superfoods due to its dense nutritional content. It has been used since the time of Ancient Aztec and African civilizations for its diverse health benefits.

Spirulina offers a wide range of hair benefits with its loaded hair and scalp-beneficial nutrients. It’s packed with zinc, an essential nutrient for hair and scalp health, and vitamin F, a combination of two fats - alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA), that help to keep both hair and scalp skin hydrated and supple, and therefore, enhancing the elasticity of both which is important for maintaining strong and healthy hair.

Nutritional value of spirulina

Spirulina is truly a superfood in the world of dietary supplements. It possesses tremendous nutritional value because of its loaded vital nutrients that offer a wide range of health benefits in the human body inside-out ranging from hair and skin benefits to promoting weight loss to preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Some of the major nutritional components that spirulina contains may include, but aren’t limited to:

Protein - Spirulina contains large amounts of proteins that are comparable with protein amounts found in eggs.
Vitamins - It contains various important vitamins including vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, and various B vitamins such as niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin.
Minerals - It contains zinc, iron, magnesium, copper, calcium, manganese, and more.
Antioxidants - It is rich in various antioxidants particularly “phycocyanin” which gives spirulina its natural vibrant blue-green color and acts as a tremendous anti-inflammatory agent.
Essential amino acids - Spirulina is a complete source of amino acids. Apart from different omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, it contains eight essential amino acids that the human body can’t produce naturally on its own. They include isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.

Benefits of spirulina for hair

Spirulina and the antioxidant components it contains have been found highly beneficial for hair and associated conditions. It works wonders on all types of hair and scalp conditions. With its dense nutritional compounds, spirulina shows various therapeutic properties on both hair and scalp, making it one of the most sought-after ingredients in modern hair care products.

Spirulina benefits hair in a range of ways. It may help repair damaged hair, thicken thin hair, cleanse and purify the scalp, combat dandruff, fight against infections, and promote hair growth. Let’s discuss the benefits of spirulina for hair in a little bit more detail.

Treats and prevents hair loss and facilitates hair regeneration

One of the most prevalent causes of hair loss and age-dependent alopecia is oxidative stress. Oxidative stress happens when there are too many free radicals in your body and your body’s antioxidant levels are so low that they aren’t able to neutralize them. Spirulina has the ability to deliver huge antioxidants that can help counteract oxidative stress and repair oxidative damages, thus new hair regeneration takes place.

A 2009 study published in the International Journal of Trichology concluded that oxidative stress might be the pivotal mechanism contributing to the aging of hair, hair loss, and age-dependent alopecia and supplementation therapy to prevent oxidative stress can be an effective strategy for intervention and reversal of hair loss, hair graying, and alopecia caused by oxidative stress.

Promotes hair growth

Spirulina is high in protein content (around 70%), iron, zinc, beta-carotene, various fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that can deliver all nutrients required to promote hair growth.

Hydrates and moisturizes the scalp

Spirulina has hygroscopic content that can absorb moisture from the air or surrounding environments and deliver them to the body. When consumed or applied to the scalp, it helps to keep the scalp hydrated and moisturized.

Assists dandruff treatment

Spirulina possesses significant antimicrobial properties. Besides, it contains significant amounts of zinc content. These two things make spirulina a great agent for fighting dandruff.

Helps to keep sebum production in control

The combination of proteins, fibers, and polysaccharides can create a natural protective film on the scalp that can help to keep sebum production in check.

Supports healthy and shiny hair

The high amount of good quality antioxidants found in spirulina can help make your hair healthier, stronger, shinier, and more glossy.

How to use spirulina

You can take spirulina supplements to reap its benefits for hair. Alternatively, you can consider adding spirulina powder to your favorite hair mask, shampoo, or conditioners.

In general, one to two teaspoons of spirulina powder two to three times a day have been found safe for oral use. However, it’s best to consult a certified naturopathic doctor to determine the best dose for your specific condition.

Precautions and side effects

Spirulina is generally considered safe and well-tolerable for most people. People with allergies particularly to seaweed, seafood, or any type of sea vegetable should avoid spirulina.

Always chose organic spirulina supplements to avoid adverse effects of pesticides and other types of contaminants. It’s recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before starting to take spirulina so that he or she can determine whether it is right for you.

Final words

Spirulina is packed with numerous hair-beneficial nutrients and thus, offers diverse hair benefits. The most common benefits of spirulina for hair include promoting hair growth, fighting dandruff, preventing hair loss and age-dependent alopecia, and supporting more glossy and stronger hair. Consult with your healthcare specialist prior to using spirulina for hair to avoid any adverse effects.

Here you can check out Vorst’s Organic Spirulina Powder with Chlorella and Matcha.

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