For the last few years, everybody has been raving about superfoods. Some of these are leafy greens, some are seeds and grains, and some— like quinoa— are a mix of things
Of course we all know that superfoods are good for our bodies when we eat them regularly, but what if we told you that they could also help you get the hair of your dreams?
Yes, according to hair experts, quinoa seeds, their extract, is considered a complete protein, meaning it features all the vital amino acids that give your hair extra strength and protection.
If you double back a little, you know that healthy hair requires a balanced diet with enough protein and amino acids. And since your hair is mainly made of keratin, a protein, reinforcing it with extra proteins and amino acids adds strength and even volume.
So, if you’ve been struggling with dry and weak hair, quinoa seed extract might be the miracle ingredient you’ve been looking for, and here’s why:
Quinoa is High In Protein and Amino Acids
Quinoa is currently trendy due to its high protein content. Protein is one of the macronutrients your body needs to survive and thrive.
The protein and amino acids in the grain help form a protective layer around the hair strands. This means that even if you are exposed to harsh weather conditions, your hair will not be as prone to breakage.
It’s Hydrating
In most cases, you’ll be applying the quinoa seed extract in oil form. This oil contains humectants that work to draw moisture from the air and into your hair strands.
Additionally, fatty acids like linoleic acid found in the extract reduce moisture loss. So essentially, the extract will draw and lock the moisture from the air into your strands.
Quinoa Repels Free Radicals
There’s a lot of chatter these days about free radicals and their effects on our health. One thing not mentioned enough is that exposure to high levels of free radicals—like the ones caused by air pollution, smoking, or fried foods—has damaging effects on your hair.
They cause your hair to age faster and also hair loss due to stress on the scalp. This is where quinoa comes to your rescue. The extract is rich in vitamin E, which is excellent at repelling those nasty free radicals.
It Works Wonders for Your Scalp
Strong hair all starts with a healthy scalp. Quinoa extract helps you achieve and maintain this by keeping your scalp hydrated while helping to regulate the amount of sebum produced. Too much sebum production can lead to scalp acne, which you don’t want to combat.
Another fantastic advantage to using this product is the presence of vitamin B3. Commonly called niacin, this ingredient is known for dilating blood vessels. This means healthy blood flow means your follicles get enough oxygen and nutrients to thrive.
Quinoa Preserves Hair Color
Since the ingredient consists of high protein content, it helps preserves color-treated hair. It can also safeguard your strands from the harmful effects of heat styling.
How to Use It
You can find quinoa extract in conditioners, shampoos, and leave-in conditioning treatments. It’s usually found in products as “hydrolyzed quinoa protein.” Like other proteins, the seed extract goes through hydrolysis, which allows the extract’s molecules to penetrate below the cuticle layer, giving your hair significant hydrating benefits.
You can also ground the seeds and form a paste, but the process can be messy, time-consuming, and expensive.
Another alternative would be to fill a container with quinoa, some lukewarm water, and a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar, and then allow it to ferment before using it as a hair rinse for longer, stronger, and healthier hair.
