If you’re wondering if marshmallow root got its name from marshmallows, you might be surprised to find out that it’s actually the other way around. Over 2000 years ago, ancient Egyptians were boiling the Althaea officinalis plant to create sugary confections that were the precursor to the modern marshmallow.1
These days, marshmallows are made from gelatin, but the healing properties of the extraordinary Althea officinalis or marshmallow root are still utilized for all kinds of purposes, from skin care & heart health to helping relieve the common cold.2
Today, we’re going to focus specifically on marshmallow root benefits for hair & which hair products for curly hair are packed with this moisturizing marshmallow root to support all different pattern types.
#1 It May Provide Hydration & Moisturization
We all aspire to achieve healthy, moisturized hair day in & day out, & products formulated with marshmallow root can help. This ingredient gets its moisturizing prowess from its high mucilage content.3 Mucilage is a thick substance made up of protein & polysaccharides that’s chock full of antioxidants & great at locking in moisture.
When you apply silicone free curl mousse containing marshmallow root to your hair, its humectant—or moisture-preserving—properties can help keep your curls from drying out. This is one reason why so many manufacturers are adding marshmallow root to conditioners.
#2 It Can Deliver Smoothness, Volume & Shine
Seeing signs of natural hair breakage or thinning hair? Marshmallow root is full of vitamins & nutrients that nourish hair strands & help your hair maintain a soft, smooth texture. These effects are long-lasting & do not lead to a greasy texture, as some conditioning ingredients tend to do over time.
In addition, when this ingredient comes into contact with hair, its high mucilage content can bind with the hair shaft to create:
- Thickness
- Volume
- Lusciousness
That’s why it’s a key ingredient in our Curl Mousse, which is specifically formulated to give curls & coils a good deal of weightless body & radiant shine. This product can be applied to damp, conditioned hair & styled as desired or combined with argan oil or jojoba oil for extra lusciousness.
#3 It Can Be a Perfect Detangler
When added to hair care products, marshmallow root provides a good deal of slip, a term your fingers no doubt know very well, even if you don’t use the technical term that often.
Hair slip is a phrase that refers to how smooth or lubricated your hair feels. While hair naturally produces lipids that provide lubrication, products with more slip are super useful when it comes to navigating tangles & knots. This is because these products reduce friction between your curly hair strands, making detangling that much easier & saving time on wash day.
This is why marshmallow root is sometimes added to detangling sprays & nectars. Other ingredients that achieve a similar effect include:
- Sea moss
- Aloe vera
Both aloe vera and sea moss for hair are highly effective when combing through independence-seeking knots & coils.
#4 It May Soothe Hair Ailments like Psoriasis, Dry Scalp & Eczema
Wondering how to get rid of dandruff? Most of us know what it’s like to experience little dandruff from time to time, especially with dramatic changes in weather that seem to occur in those quick weeks of transition between seasons. If you’re looking for a solution that soothes symptoms associated with dry scalp, styling products containing marshmallow root may provide some relief.
This ingredient can also calm discomfort that may crop up with skin irritations such as:
- Psoriasis
- Furunculosis
- Eczema
- Dermatitis
This is because marshmallow root contains antibacterial & anti-inflammatory properties that can treat sites of irritation acting as a scalp exfoliation and lead to healthier skin & better-looking hair.
#5 It May Prevent Breakage
Growing healthy hair isn’t just about adding inches & volume. It’s also about reducing breakage since hair that doesn’t make it past a certain length won’t help you achieve your desired hair goals.
Here, again, we are singing the praises of the high amounts of mucilage content found in marshmallow root. Not only does this ingredient help promote healthy hair growth, strength & help to thicken the individual strands, but it’s also packed with antioxidants & amino acids, both of which can help to protect curl pattern.
If you’ve noticed that your hair seems damaged or has frayed ends, that just means it may need a little more of the attention it always deserves. Look for a conditioner that contains marshmallow root or use products containing this superstar ingredient for a boost of moisturization & nourishment.
Enjoy the Benefits of Marshmallow Root with PATTERN
Everyone deserves to achieve gorgeous, voluminous, healthy hair & products formulated with marshmallow root can certainly help. It’s moisturizing & packed with nutrients & antioxidants, making the benefits of marshmallow root for hair abundant.
If you’re looking for a product that’s hydrating, easy to incorporate in your routine & helpful when rocking the beautiful hair you’ve been blessed with, check out our Curl Mousse. It’s formulated with marshmallow root & can help your curls stay moisturized & bouncy while providing a lightweight hold.
Give your curls & coils the bounce they deserve with PATTERN.
Sources:
- "Marshmallows." National Confectioners Association. https://candyusa.com/marshmallows
- Sendker, Jandirk et al. “Phytochemical Characterization of Low Molecular Weight Constituents from Marshmallow Roots (Althaea officinalis) and Inhibiting Effects of the Aqueous Extract on Human Hyaluronidase-1.” Journal of natural products vol. 80,2 (2017): 290-297. doi:10.1021/acs.jnatprod.6b00670
- Loggins, Brittany. "Why Marshmallow Root Needs to Be In Your Hair- and Skin-Care Routine — and 10 Products to Buy." Shape. 8 September, 2021. https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/marshmallow-root-benefits-skin-care
