The benefits of spirulina for hair

Spirulina, a superfood that’s also good for hair

A highly nutritious microalga

Spirulina hardly needs an introduction. It is one of the most nutritionally interesting foods and has many recognized health benefits. This microalga is a cyanobacterium (a microorganism capable of photosynthesis) with a blue-green color. It is consumed as a food or dietary supplement in various regions of the world.

Vegetarians appreciate it for its high protein content, and people who are iron-deficient consume it to replenish their stores. Athletes consume it for its energizing and anti-fatigue properties.

It is even recommended as a food to combat malnutrition in certain UN food relief programs.

Read also What you need to know before buying spirulina

Spirulina, a superfood with well-known benefits

Spirulina is one of the foods richest in protein, while being low in calories (about 3 grams of protein per 5 grams of spirulina powder). It is also exceptionally rich in iron.

It is a food that contains many essential fatty acids of the omega-6 type and amino acids, as well as carotenoids (mainly beta-carotene, which supplies provitamin A). Finally, it owes its blue-green color to a pigment, phycocyanin, one of the most powerful natural antioxidants.

This incredibly nutritious cocktail is therefore excellent for combating temporary fatigue, providing physical and mental energy, and addressing deficiencies in the case of an unbalanced diet.

Thanks to its antioxidant properties, spirulina helps fight cellular aging, and strengthens the body overall. Spirulina is therefore also excellent from a cosmetic standpoint for the body. And particularly for the hair!

Why is spirulina good for hair?

Factors such as pollution, poor diet, or lack of exercise can be responsible for hair fragility.

To have beautiful hair, what does the body need? Vitamins, minerals, iron, and proteins. Nutrients supplied by a balanced diet, supplemented if necessary with superfoods as short-term treatments or on a regular basis throughout the year.

The exceptional richness of spirulina in proteins and iron will help the body produce keratin, the basic substance that makes up hair. Hair will therefore be stronger and grow faster thanks to this microalga. Its antioxidant properties help delay hair loss, the development of dandruff, and the appearance of gray hair by stimulating cellular renewal in the scalp.

Spirulina also contains B-group vitamins (notably B6 and B12), the ultimate vitamins for hair. Indeed, a supply of B vitamins helps fight hair loss and strengthen hair.

Vitamin B12 is very important for the body, but it is only present in animal-derived products and in some plants such as spirulina, so it’s necessary to take vitamin B12 supplements if you’re vegetarian. Note that the bioavailability of vitamin B12 in spirulina is still debated.

Very dry and damaged hair also needs vitamin A, which allows for cell renewal. Spirulina contains 12 times more provitamin A than carrots! An exceptional source, therefore, perfect for helping to repair your hair and also good for the skin and nails.

Finally, spirulina is rich in zinc, a trace element essential for hair, as it enables the synthesis of keratin and collagen, two proteins that form the hair fiber. Zinc improves hair strength and thus limits breakage and hair loss.

Also read the The best natural dietary supplements for hair healthx

Buying organic spirulina: my selection

I recommend Nutri&Co’s organic spirulina. It is AB organic certified and traced back to its cultivation farm.

I recommend this spirulina in particular because the quality/price ratio is particularly attractive (4 cents per tablet, which is below the market average).

It contains 17% phycocyanin and is R.A.W.™ guaranteed (dried and cold-compressed).

We really like Nutri&Co because this French brand is truly an expert (see their blog in particular). By cutting out all intermediaries, the company can offer high-quality products at an affordable price.

How to use spirulina for hair?

Spirulina for hair, for internal use

Spirulina can be used in two ways: internally as a food or dietary supplement, and externally applied directly to the hair.

Spirulina is generally available in dried, freeze-dried, powdered, flake, or tablet form. Tablets should be taken as a course every morning to strengthen the body. In powder form, it can be consumed as is, or mixed into a smoothie or juice for breakfast.

You can also consume fresh spirulina. More expensive and harder to find (often sold directly by the producers), it is used in small amounts in culinary preparations.

A three-week spirulina course will strengthen your hair and help limit hair loss. The course can preferably be taken at seasonal changes, in autumn for example when hair loss is greater. Results are often visible after about ten days.

Even though it’s a natural food, avoid overdosing by following the dosage recommended by the manufacturers.

Spirulina for hair, for external use

Spirulina powder is ideal for external use: it is used directly on the skin and hair by mixing it with water or natural cosmetic products.

For external use of spirulina, you can prepare a hair mask or add it to a shampoo. Use organic cleansing bases sold on natural cosmetics websites to make your own mixtures.

For example, for a spirulina shampoo, mix one teaspoon of spirulina powder with a dose of cleansing base for a shampoo to be used once or twice a week.

Spirulina hair mask recipes

Damaged hair: a restorative mask

• 1 tablespoon of spirulina powder
• 1 organic yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of agave syrup or honey

Mix everything in a bowl, apply it to the entire hair, massage the scalp and leave it on for one to two hours. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a normal shampoo to remove any residue. Your hair will be much stronger and shinier!

Dry or curly hair : an ultra-nourishing mask

• 4 tablespoons of coconut oil or coconut cream
• 1 tablespoon of spirulina powder
• 1 teaspoon of castor oil
• 1/2 avocado (optional)

Mix all the ingredients: if you add avocado, use a blender for a smoother texture and also apply it to the whole hair. Thanks to this ultra-nourishing mask, your curly hair will regain its bounce, its vitality, and you will have beautifully defined curls.

All hair types: a moisturizing oat cream

• 1 teaspoon of spirulina
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 150 g of homemade oat cream (to make yourself)

To make the oat cream, mix 2 tablespoons of rolled oats with 250 mL of water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, and when the mixture boils, turn off the heat after 1 minute. Then wait about 5 minutes for the mixture to thicken. Finally, pour the mixture into a chinois set over a container and press the oats against the sides to extract the cream.

Finally add the honey, then the spirulina, and mix everything well! You can keep this cream in the fridge for 2 weeks.

These spirulina masks should be done twice a month, no more to avoid tiring the scalp. The rest of the time, wash your hair with a neutral or gentle shampoo and take care of your diet.