Japanese seaweed for hair: Funori

**Othala** · August 8th, 2012, 02:52 PM

There is a type of seaweed or algae that was traditionally used as a shampoo or hair pack by wealthy Japanese women in the past (apparently poor women could not afford it).

The seaweed is called Funori and the botanical name for it is Gloiopeltis furcata.

I have found some for sale, marketed as "Organic Japanese Seaweed Hair care powder" at a price I am not going to pay, but the website provides some interesting details about how this powder can be used.

Here are links:

https://wawaza.com/products/Organic-...re-Powder.html

https://wawaza.com/pages/How-to-Use-...air-Care-.html

So, has anyone at LHC used it? If so, please let me know how you found it.

I'm going to try and find some of the dried Funori via seaweed suppliers and use it to make my own seaweed hair shampoo rather than purchase this expensive stuff.

**Aeris** · August 8th, 2012, 03:59 PM

I have never used seaweed myself, but have heard that it is amazing for the hair when eaten (especially when it comes to increasing growth rate). I would definitely love to try a homemade hair mask with it - when I get some spare money, I'll make one. I feel like ground up dried seaweed could be mixed easily into henna, or maybe added to a SMT.

Will keep my eye on this thread!

**Othala** · August 8th, 2012, 04:14 PM

Originally Posted by Aeris

I feel like ground up dried seaweed could be mixed easily into henna

Aeris, that is a fantastic idea. I have Bladderwrack powder and some Kombu (dried kelp). I will definitely add these to my next henna treatment in a couple of weeks time.

I'm happily researching all the different types of algae (seaweeds) at the moment

.

**lastnite** · August 9th, 2012, 08:51 PM

I second it would be better to eat it, there's supposed to be alot of good vitamin, mineral and iodine for hair growth. I eat seaweed sometimes, but I don't think I eat it enough to see the results - so I've been thinking of using chlorella, kelp and spirulina powders in a smoothie

**Othala** · August 10th, 2012, 07:46 AM

Originally Posted by lastnite

I second it would be better to eat it, there's supposed to be alot of good vitamin, mineral and iodine for hair growth. I eat seaweed sometimes, but I don't think I eat it enough to see the results - so I've been thinking of using chlorella, kelp and spirulina powders in a smoothie

The thing with eating it is...iodine...which affects the thyroid. Anyone with thyroid issues should not eat it. Those without a thyroid problem can of course benefit from the nutritious qualities of seaweed.

The "ancient" Japanese used seaweed as a shampoo so that is what I am exploring. I am more and more intrigued by the fact that this 100% seaweed shampoo is available to buy today.

I might just bite the bullet and order it from Japan...oh what the heck, off I go to eBay to spend some money, LOL.

**Luminaria** · August 28th, 2012, 02:57 AM

Originally Posted by Othala

The thing with eating it is...iodine...which affects the thyroid. Anyone with thyroid issues should not eat it. Those without a thyroid problem can of course benefit from the nutritious qualities of seaweed.

The "ancient" Japanese used seaweed as a shampoo so that is what I am exploring. I am more and more intrigued by the fact that this 100% seaweed shampoo is available to buy today.

I might just bite the bullet and order it from Japan...oh what the heck, off I go to eBay to spend some money, LOL.

Did the funori work? I was thinking about using it to wash my hair.

**Othala** · August 28th, 2012, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by Luminaria

Did the funori work? I was thinking about using it to wash my hair.

Yes, it cleaned gently and I didn't need to use conditioner afterwards. I think this is something that one could use exclusively for a few months with good results. My scalp was very happy with the treatment and some got onto my facial skin and it was lovely.

I don't think FuNori would work if you use conditioners, serums, hairsprays and other products that may build up.

**Luminaria** · August 29th, 2012, 11:20 PM

Originally Posted by Othala

Yes, it cleaned gently and I didn't need to use conditioner afterwards. I think this is something that one could use exclusively for a few months with good results. My scalp was very happy with the treatment and some got onto my facial skin and it was lovely.

I don't think FuNori would work if you use conditioners, serums, hairsprays and other products that may build up.

Would it be okay if you use oils as leave-in?

**spirals** · August 29th, 2012, 11:49 AM

Originally Posted by lastnite

...so I've been thinking of using chlorella, kelp and spirulina powders in a smoothie

Yes to Carrots body butter has spriulina. I use it for a facial moisturizer and my skin loves it. It's the absolute best moisturizer I have ever used. Whenever I have a bit of extra money I stock up because I'm afraid they'll discontinue it.

So I suppose spirulina would be great for the insides and hair, too.

**Luminaria** · August 29th, 2012, 11:22 PM

Originally Posted by spirals

Yes to Carrots body butter has spriulina. I use it for a facial moisturizer and my skin loves it. It's the absolute best moisturizer I have ever used. Whenever I have a bit of extra money I stock up because I'm afraid they'll discontinue it.

So I suppose spirulina would be great for the insides and hair, too.

I bought some spirulina recently...I wonder if I can use it to wash hair? I tried wakame before.