The benefits of spirulina for the hair

Spirulina is a microscopic cyanobacterium, often classified as a micro-algae because of its similar characteristics. It is one of the first photosynthetic organisms to appear on Earth, dating back over 3.5 billion years. Spirulina, as a source of nutrition, goes as far back as ancient times, and has been used traditionally by various different cultures.

Where does it come from?

Spirulina takes its name from its spiral shape. It belongs to the family of cyanobacteria, more specifically to the genera Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima. These organisms have thrived in extreme conditions thanks to their ability to photosynthesise.

Spirulina is found in alkaline lakes in Africa, Asia and Central and South America. Famous sites include Lake Texcoco in Mexico and Lake Chad in Africa.

For starters, spirulina is suitable for all hair types: fine, thick, oily, dry, straight, wavy, curly, frizzy, whatever its initial nature and evolution over time.

It's a superfood, packed with nutrients in its raw, unprocessed state.

The benefits of spirulina for hair are primarily nutritional:

• With a high concentration of proteins (and in particular the amino acids methionine and cysteine), it promotes the synthesis of keratin, the basic material that makes up your hair.

• Rich in **B-group vitamins (**including B3, B6, B8 and B12), it also contains zinc and Iron, nutrients whose deficiencies make hair particularly dry, rough and brittle or prone to falling out.

• Powerfully anti-oxidant thanks to its blue pigment phycocyanine, it combats the harmful effects of external damage and plays a protective role in the hair fibre.

Spirulina is considered to be a hair growth promoter and acts on several levels to combat hair loss:

• By strengthening the hair fibre it helps to prevent hair loss.

• In cases of established alopecia, it contains all the micronutrients essential for hair growth and strengthening (proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants).

This makes it an ideal choice for periodic or long-term hair loss.

To find out more about the benefits of spirulina, read our guide.

Nothing could be simpler!

1. Mix a dose of organic spirulina powder with water until you reach the desired consistency.

2. Apply the resulting paste generously to the scalp and lengths to stimulate cell renewal and improve hair quality.

3. If you want a more nourishing consistency, you can also mix it with organic coconut oil or organic castor oil, which have hair-growth benefits.

4. Leave on for 10-20 minutes,

5. Rinse thoroughly and shampoo as usual.

You can repeat this treatment once or twice a week until your hair looks better, for soft, silky, revitalised hair.

• Keep out of reach of children.

• Not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.

• Only suitable for adults.

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should first seek medical advice.

• Spirulina is not recommended for people suffering from phenylketonuria, haemochromatosis, excess uric acid or muscular or hepatic pathologies.

• The presence of phycocyanine may cause an allergic reaction.