Sea Algae - Good For Hair Growth

One wouldn't think it possible for sea algae to increase hair growth, but according to my supplier, Channelled Wrack (INCI: Pelvetia Canaliculata), combined with Oarweed (INCI: Laminaria Digitata) can not only increase hair growth by up to 27%, but it can (over a 2 month period) increase the number of hairs by up to 10%.

And, before you get too excited, don't expect that it can just keep on and on until you have a major-sized wig on your head. It will, however, help to optimize your own hair-growing potential and then, with continued use, keep it at its best. 

Basically, this sea algae combo is a natural, plant-based remedy for hair thinning and hair loss that really works. Isn't that just the coolest thing ever?

Yes. But Now I Want to Know Why

When I started using this hair-strengthening mix a few years ago, I bought it in good faith from my (trustworthy) supplier and added it to hair products at the maximum recommended dose.

Even without advanced hair-measuring equipment, there was a notable increase in my own hair – enough to where I was sold on sea algae as a hair-bulking and strengthening active ingredient. The fact that I am still using it faithfully should really be enough. But now I really want to know why it works.

Initial Search on Channelled Wrack: Same Same Everywhere

The claims I found on the initial search into Channelled Wrack were pretty much identical – leading me to believe that everybody is copying everybody else in their 'documented information'. The claims: Channelled Wrack contains isoflavins and has anti-oxidant properties.

Ok.

But how exactly is that bulking up my hair? I may be searching incorrectly (it's happened – although I'm not happy about admitting it), but I'm finding absolutely no scientific studies on Pelvetia Canaliculata and its amazing abilities for hair. Weird, since I can really feel the difference on my own hair.

Hormone Copy Cat?

The closest I have gotten to an explanation of how it works is this claim: Channelled Wrack inhibits testosterone-binding factors that can lead to hair loss in women. So, apparantly, it can 'mimic' hormone activity.

Maybe this is why it is also such a popular ingredient in some of the commercial age-defense super creams I am seeing on the market. And, even though I still haven't found a study in my (still ongoing) search, I have run across some other interesting tidbits of info about this seaweed.

Other Stuff Channelled Wrack Can Do

• grow in abundance all along the Atlantic European coastlines (all the way to Iceland). It's a cheap and plentiful product. 
• lose up to 90% of it's water and still rehydrate within 25 minutes of being submerged in water (this is a pretty cool abilty) 
• function as sustenance for the Irish (during the famine)

The Other One: Oarweed

The other magic sea algae ingredient that loves human scalps and hair by nature is commonly known as Oarweed (INCI: Laminaria Digitatis). A member of the kelp family, Oarweed has a slew of minerals, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron, as well as vitamins A, B3, B6, B12, C and E.

Cleans and Energizes

Oarweed even functions as a natural cleanser because of a built-in ability to bind oils and dirt. Its content of fucoidan (a sulphated polysaccharide) makes it a popular ingredient for dietary supplements, performing as a potential viral inhibitor.

Still Used Hospitals Today

Check the INCI name of the Oarweed and you will know what a laminaria stick is made of. More interesting is what it can do: help deliver babies by dialating the cervix. A laminaria stick (or a couple of them) is (are) inserted into the cervix and will slowly absorb moisture and expand, assisting the labor process. This effective method – still used today – has been around for over 100 years.

What Else is Good For Hair?

Below is a short-list of additional extras I use in my hair care products that I have written about on this blog.

Jojoba
Panthenol
Silk protein
Rosemary
Keratin

For More Hair Fun on this blog, check The Rest of The Shampoo Series

What's in Shampoo - Should We Care?
What's in Shampoo - About Surfactants
What's in Shampoo - Surfactant Guide
What's in Shampoo - About Silicones
What's in Shampoo - the Plant-based Alternative to Silicones