In many Asian nations, beautiful healthy hair, skin, and nails are attributed to the regular use of seaweed in food, soap and shampoo. It’s thought that a combination of factors including an abundance of organic colloidal minerals, particularly calcium, silica, iron and phosphorous;  emulsifying alginates (fibers that become mucilaginous when moistened) that cleanse surface toxins, emulsify oils and de-acidify; and the abundance of iodine, amino acids, active enzymes, beta carotenes, and B-vitamins all contribute to this effect.
If you want to experiment, try mixing 1 tsp. of our powdered rockweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) with 3/4 cup of warm water, wait about 30 minutes until the alginate gels fully develop, and then strain out any remaining particles. The remaining viscous liquid can be used as a shampoo or simple hand soap for cleansing and moisturizing. Or, add some whole kelp (or alaria, bladderwrack, or irish moss) to your bath. A cheesecloth bag keeps the seaweed from clogging the drain but still allow it to release the mucilaginous polysaccharides and minerals that are so beneficial for skin and hair.
For more detailed information, please read our cookbook and resource guide Sea Vegetable Celebration, pp 35-38.