Summer is long gone. But you can still reap the benefits of this nourishing masque made with seaweed.
A quick history of Japanese seaweed
In traditional Japanese culture (during the 8th century Heian period, according to WAWAZA Japanese Traditional Beauty & Wellness“>, seaweed and marine algae is used in some homemade treatments to maintain a fuller, thicker head of hair that reaps the benefits well into old age. It is often called Funori. Its botanical name is Gioiopeitis furcata, and can be purchased online under the name “organic Japanese seaweed hair care powder”.
What Funori should look and feel like
Funori comes in a fine powder form and should feel like a pliable jelly, when used with the right amount of water. Traditionally, it is used as a conditioning cleanser, aiding it slowing down hair loss. For those who haven’t had much luck with ancient Ayurvedic treatments like henna as a conditioner, this masque works to promote softer and thicker hair.
Depending on your hair length, 5 total uses should be enough over a period of a year (for ear to shoulder-length natural hair”>. If you want lather, add a little bit of a sudsy shampoo to your mix. Get Funori seaweed powder on Amazon.
Prep
Add 1 teaspoon of Funori to 1 cup of hot water in a mixing bowl. Stir well till you get the jelly-like consistency. Let the mixture cool before using. When it is cool, add the Funori mix into a squeezable container that can be taken in the shower (preferably with a nozzle for easier application”>.
How to use it
1. Wet your hair with lukewarm water.
2. Apply the mix directly to your scalp or problem areas (edges, temple, nape”>.
3. Work the mix down to the lengths of your hair, gently massaging it for deeper penetration.
4. Rinse the mix out of your hair completely after letting it sit for 2 to 3 minutes.