In connection with June 8—World Oceans Day, announced at the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro (1992), in the following article we bring you some interesting facts about sea salt spray.
Sea salt spray has become a go-to product for effortless, textured hair. In addition to creating beachy waves, it can be used to add volume and refresh hair. It holds like hairspray and refreshes like dry shampoo. Plus, it smells like a vacation in a bottle. He is a superhero with many functions.
Does sea salt spray harm your hair? Salt is drying after all, so is it really a good idea to put it in your hair? If you use sea salt spray, here’s everything you need to know about it, including the pros, cons and top tips for using sea salt spray effectively.
Benefits of using a sea salt spray
Sea salt spray is one of the most versatile styling products. Below are some of its benefits:
- creates beachy waves on straight or fine hair.
- highlights waves and curls in naturally curly hair
- adds texture to all hair types
- adds volume to all hair types
- reduces hair frizz
- revives lifeless and thinning hair
- absorbs oil and refreshes oily hair
- adds grip for better hold of hairstyles and braids
- tames even thick hair
- It can be used instead of wax or pomade when styling short hair.
If you overdo it with the sea salt spray,
Sea salt spray is a hairspray that contains sea salt or salt water. Salt absorbs moisture and gets trapped inside the cuticles of the hair. This gives the hair volume and structure. At the same time, it dries them. So although there is no evidence that sea salt spray is harmful to your hair, it can have the following negative effects if you use it too often:
- Depletes moisture. Salt disrupts the structure of the hair by depriving it of its water content. Because hair is made up mostly of water (and protein), there are structural changes to the hair shaft that you see as bent beach waves. This also leads to brittle strands that are prone to breakage. Moisture is essential for strong and healthy hair.
- Color fades. Dehydrated hair is not only rougher, more difficult to manage, and prone to breakage, but it also cannot retain color. The salt removes the natural moisture from the hair and, at the same time, pulls out the pigment. Salt also acts as an exfoliant, which directly affects hair color.
- It disrupts the cuticle. Salt pulls moisture from the spring and disrupts the cuticle in the process. This roughening of the cuticle makes the strands more susceptible to environmental and styling damage. This leads to frizz, split ends, and breakage, especially for curly hair.
How to use sea salt spray effectively
To prevent drying out your hair when using salt spray, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Switch to a clarifying shampoo once a week to prevent salt buildup on your hair and scalp. Since you’re depleting moisture, replenish it with a hydrating hair mask. To enhance your natural curls and avoid over-drying your strands, follow these other tips when using sea salt spray.
- Use sparingly. Since salt is drying, don’t overuse sea salt spray and use it sparingly; just a little goes a long way with this product!
- Wet your hair. Start with freshly washed or re-moisturized hair before treating your hair with sea salt spray. It works best on wet hair
- Remove ponytails and tangled hair. Removing ponytails and tangles will allow the salt to penetrate the hair shaft more easily.
- Shake before use. Sea salt sprays contain sands of salt that can build up over time. Before you start spraying, shake the spray to make sure the formula is mixed properly.
- It’s a good idea to combine the sea salt spray with a conditioner, detangling product, or hair serum so that you don’t strip your hair of moisture and shine too much.
- Apply it correctly. Section your hair and focus on the roots and mid-lengths. Avoid the ends, as they are more likely to be dried out.
- Spray from a distance. Unlike using dry shampoo, spraying too close to the scalp can cause residue to build up and strands to stick together.
- Do not use excessive heat. Avoid using heating tools too often, and use heat protectants when doing so.
- Try a diffuser. If you must blow-dry your hair, use a diffuser to minimize heat damage to your hair. Place the diffuser at the roots and gently massage the tips of the diffuser on the hair.
- Add coconut oil to your routine. In addition to the hair mask, lather your hair with coconut oil every week and leave it on for at least 20 minutes, or cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on overnight.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking 2-3 liters of water a day hydrates your strands from the inside.
Final thoughts on sea salt spray
Sea salt spray is a reliable styling product for beachy waves and textured hairstyles. It’s great for instantly adding texture and volume to hair, highlighting the natural curl pattern, and even refreshing second- and third-day styles. It’s one of the most versatile hair products you should have in your collection, but sea salt spray can dry out your hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to damage.
If your hair tends to be very dry to begin with, a sea salt spray may not be the best product for you. However, most hair types can benefit from using a sea salt spray, and in most cases, the benefits far outweigh the very minor drawbacks that can be remedied with proper moisturizing and conditioning care.
