Updated: February 25, 2022
In this article, we’re going to be talking about the many benefits of Irish Sea Moss gel for natural hair growth and health.
We’re going to be talking about why this ingredient is so powerful, as well as the many ways it can be included in a natural hair growth routine.
Sea moss gel works both when applied to the surface of the hair, and when consumed internally!
What Exactly is Sea Moss?
Sea moss is a red alga that experts have found could be the new superfood solution to our skin and hair problems. This is because of the many known benefits of sea moss for natural hair! It is also commonly known as carrageenan.
Irish Sea moss is rich in vitamins A, C, E, K, and B as well as Calcium, Folate, Iron, Zinc, Potassium, Sodium, as well as omegas 3s ad omega 6s. These micronutrients are why experts and scientists consider Sea Moss such an incredible superfood!
Sea moss has been in existence for centuries and can be found in many edible products (as a digestive aid), and many beauty products for its benefits in Ireland, Scotland, and Jamaica.
Traditionally, we consume sea moss in gel form. However, these days, you can find sea moss in pill or powder form for easy consumption.
Related: Benefits of Flaxseed Gel for Natural Hair + Easy Ayurvedic Recipe!
Benefits of Irish Sea Moss Gel for Natural Hair
1. Gets rid of toxins and free-radicals
It’s always great to see that an ingredient is an antioxidant. This means that the Irish sea moss draws out toxins and free radicals from the scalp. These toxins would otherwise cause damage and buildup on the scalp which prevents the growth of healthy hair.
2. Kills bacteria
Similarly, knowing Irish Sea moss is antimicrobial means that it combats and prevents the growth of harmful bacteria on the scalp. These bacteria or microbes are often responsible for scalp irritation and inflammation. When the scalp is inflamed, it cannot grow hair.
3. Provides slip and manageability
Irish sea moss gel provides incredible slip — especially for thick and coily (or 4C) natural hair. In turn, this “slip” makes sure that the hair is manageable and conditioned.
4. Strengthens the hair strands
Sea moss provides the benefit of reinforcement and strength to natural hair strands. When hair is strengthened, it is less likely to break off during its natural growth cycle. This promotes length-retention aka long healthy hair.
5. Promotes hair shine
Sea moss gel promotes a great amount of shine in natural hair. It revives dull and dry-looking natural hair for a better overall appearance!
6. Promotes overall scalp health
In addition to being anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, AND anti-fungal, sea moss encourages the production of sebum on the scalp! This makes sure that the scalp stays moisturized, dandruff-free, and ready to grow healthy hair!
How to Make a Simple Irish Sea Moss Gel Recipe
This is the simplest sea moss gel recipe and it requires only a few ingredients.
As usual, you can also add 6-10 drops of your favorite essential oils to the mix. You can equally find suggestions for essential oils in our Ayurvedic herbs and oils glossary here.
This recipe is intended for topical use only, on natural hair.
What You Will Need
- 1 Cup Dried Sea Moss
- 2 tsp Avocado Oil
- 2 tsp Olive Oil or Ayurvedic Oil Blend
- Blender
- Glass Jar for Storage
Instructions
- First, soak the sea moss in a bowl of water overnight
- After the 8-12 hours, strain the water out of the sea moss
- Then pour the sea moss into your blender with 2 cups of water
- Blend until you get a creamy, white gel with no lumps
- Melt this white gel down using the double boiler method*
- Add the oils (avocado, olive or Ayurvedic oil blend) in and mix well with a spoon
- Pour it into a glass jar for storage
- Store in the fridge for 3-4 weeks
*double boiler method, explained:
1. Bring water to a boil on the stove inside a pot
2. Place the bowl which contains the mixture you would like to melt, inside the pot of water from step one
3. Stir gently and occasionally to encourage melting
Disclaimer:
Here at Hibiscus Roots, we only ever recommend recipes and tips for external use. In an article, we may refer to the benefits of Ayurvedic herbs and ingredients when consumed internally.
We do this to give you a clearer image of the full benefits of the ingredients. However, we recommend that you consult a medical professional before attempting to consume any of these ingredients.
Here’s a YouTuber we love making and using Irish Sea Moss gel in her own type 4 Hair!
Does Irish Sea Moss Gel Make Hair Grow?
Irish Sea moss will not make your hair strands grow at a rate much faster than its current growth rate. However, Irish Sea moss encourages a healthy scalp and a healthy environment for hair growth. This is the most we can ask for any natural hair ingredient.
For example, if your hair grows at ½ an inch a month, then it will not all of a sudden start growing 2 inches a month. Indeed, sea moss will improve the condition of your scalp and hair, so your hair will grow out healthier. And of course, healthier hair is less likely to break off – leading to better length retention!
So in an indirect way, yes Irish Sea moss promotes hair growth on natural hair.
How to Use Sea Moss Gel for Hair
To use the sea moss gel from the recipe above, and reap all of its benefits, we recommend the following:
1. Pre-poo (pre-shampoo)
Apply the sea-moss gel to your hair in sections before shampooing it.
Use it as a detangler, to ensure that your hair is knot and tangle-free before washing it.
This also ensures that hair is protected from the harsh nature of shampoo.
We go into detail about the benefits of pre-poo treatments on natural hair here.
2. Deep-conditioner
The sea moss gel can be applied to freshly washed hair as a deep conditioner.
You would simply need to apply generous amounts of the sea moss gel to your clean hair.
Then, cover it with a shower cap for 30-45 minutes.
Rinse it off and continue your wash day as usual.
3. Hair Styler
Sea moss gel can be applied as the fourth step in your LOC method or LCO method.
This adds a lot of moisture, and a little hold as a healthy boost to all your natural hairstyles!
As usual, don’t forget to let us know in the comments if you decide to try Sea Moss Gel and how it works out for you. You can also write down your experience with the ingredient in this free Hibiscus Roots Hair Journal.
Read Next: Shocking Benefits of Ambunu Leaves for Hair!
For obvious reasons your content on this page hits the nail in the head for so many reasons. Thank you so much!
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
How often can you use sea moss in your hair? Can it be used daily?
If you’re using it as a prepoo or deep conditioner, then you can use it as often as you wash your hair. However, if you use it as a styler or gel you wouldn’t need to use it every day because your hair would stay moisturized longer than that! 🙂
I’ve learnt a lot from your article it’s good and straight forward
Glad to hear it! 🙂