Seaweed could be the secret to allergen-free hair dye
Scientists have launched a project to create non-allergenic, environmentally friendly hair dyes and cosmetics using seaweed. A team from the University of Leeds hopes to extract chemical compounds from different species of seaweed growing off the Shetland Islands that may be used to create substitutes for synthetic ingredients, some of which have been known to pose adverse health effects.
Scientists have launched a project to create non-allergenic, environmentally friendly hair dyes and cosmetics using seaweed. A team from the University of Leeds hopes to extract chemical compounds from different species of seaweed growing off the Shetland Islands that may be used to create substitutes for synthetic ingredients, some of which have been known to pose adverse health effects.
“We can make a range of colours using these natural compounds because the variety of British seaweed species is so diverse,” commented Christopher Rayner, a participant in the study. Potential colours include blonde, brown, red and black.
In addition, scientists believe that a study of the seaweed may present interesting anti-ageing effects. “Seaweed is especially suited to being used in cosmetics because it has evolved very clever techniques to protect itself from weathering,” said project leader Richard Blackburn.
The two-year study costs £500,000, including an investment of £300,000 from the Technology Strategy Board. Project partners include The Body Shop and Böd Ayre, a Shetland-based company involved in the farming and processing of seaweed.