Kelp for Hair Growth: Benefits, Types & How to Use

Kelp is a brown algae that grows along the northern coastlines of the world. Commonly referred to as seaweed, kelp is rich in vitamins and minerals and has been promoted as a hair growth aid.

Ingredients

• Kelp is especially high in iodine and also contains iron, sodium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Kelp is a source of vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D and E, and amino acids.

Types

• Kelp is used in several forms to help promote healthy hair, including shampoo, conditioners, tablets and capsules.

Theories/Speculation

• Kelp contains laminaria angustata, which is believed to thicken hair by increasing the outer root sheath cell growth. Iodine, found in abundance in kelp, is also essential for healthy hair.

Expert Insight

• A 2007 study of herbal kelp supplements led by University of California-Davis public health expert Marc Schenker concluded that they may cause arsenic poisoning, particularly when overused.

Warning

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has limited control over dietary supplements. Consult your doctor to discuss potential side effects before using a kelp supplement for hair growth.