Everyone loves the effortless waves and windswept look that comes after a day at the beach. But how do you get that same look without driving to the shore and spending hours under the sun and breeze? The answer is a natural sea salt spray and it comes in many varieties.
The reason your hair is so luxuriously malleable after a day at the beach actually has several factors. For one, the salt acts as an adhesive in your hair. The light moisture of the spray creates humidity that makes your hair pull up in gentle waves or curls and then the salt sets it in place like a natural hair spray.
Amazing beach hair is also aided by, believe it or not, the grit from the water! Little bits of plant particles and sand actually help to add volume and texture to your hair, giving it something to hold on to as you style it. So the purpose of a sea salt spray is to mimic those circumstances to get you the same look.
What is in a Sea Salt Spray?
The base of any sea salt spray is, you guessed it, salt. But the type of salt and concentration has multiple variations and it can affect the spray’s overall results.
A regular table salt, scientifically called sodium chloride, without any additives, would draw moisture and oils out of your hair, making it dry and frizzy, easily cracking and breaking and forming those dreaded split ends. However, sea salt naturally contains trace minerals that nourish hair and keep it from sucking out all of the moisture, as well as providing grit to help with that texturizing aspect of beach hair. Many sprays actually take it a step further than the ocean and switch out the sodium chloride for magnesium sulphate, commonly known as Epsom Salt. Epsom Salt is more moisturizing on your hair and has less of a stripping effect.
In addition to the salt and whatever minerals come with it, many companies add small pieces of seaweed! This provides natural texture, as well as healthy vitamins for your hair. Other brands add moisturizers such as aloe or coconut oil, and some even throw in a fragrance.
How to use a Sea Salt Spray
To get the look, start with a spray that you like. It’s best if you apply it to damp hair, but you can also apply it dry hair because the mist will add moisture. However, if you do apply it dry you will need to take into account that you will have to use a bit more of it than you do on damp hair. Spray it into your hair, at the roots if you’re going just for volume, or all over if you want the waves. Scrunch your hair up with your fingers and let it set.
If you have particularly straight or limp hair, then you can mist it onto your damp hair and then either braid or wrap your hair up in one or more buns on the top of your head. Wait until your hair has dried and then let down the curls, spraying a little more mist to set it. The salt acts as its own light hairspray and can hold your natural waves for the whole day.
Some people also use the moisture sucking properties of a salt spray to keep their hair from looking greasy! Just spritz a little in at the roots on a greasy day or on any particularly shiny places and let the salt soak up the extra moisture. A salt spray can keep your hair looking good even with an extra day off from shampooing.
Whatever your preference for style or use, there are great options for getting you out of the box and into the styling ocean.
Top Brands
Here are some of the best brands for an all day, windswept look:
1. Bumble and Bumble
This surf spray is one of the most popular products for an authentic beach feel. It’s made with Epsom salt, kelp and algae extract so you’ve got a potent dose of the ocean working for you. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray works very well on fine hair to add texture and to prime your hair to hold a style without feeling dirty.
If you’re planning on using the spray for a daily look, you might need a regular clarifying shampoo in your schedule or a good apple cider vinegar rinse to cut any build up. The point of the spray is to make you feel like you’ve been to the beach after all!
2. Olivine Atelier
Another great option is Olivine Atelier’s Love and Salt Beach Hair and Body Mist. As the name describes, this mist is hydrating and gentle enough to use on both hair and skin. It will give you those beachy waves without the heaviness that some salt sprays come with.
Made with Himalayan Salt, Epsom salt, and French grey sea salt, this is one of the most mineral-rich sprays on the market. It’s not only wonderful for your hair and skin, but your body is actually able to absorb a lot of those necessary minerals for internal use!
This mist also has coconut oil to add a smooth shimmer and powerful moisturizer to your hair and skin and comes in an attractive glass bottle. The product is fragrance free, so it’s great for those who are sensitive to added fragrances or who prefer their scent to come from their own perfume and not their products’.
3. John Master Organics
This product is purity at its highest. It contains three ingredients: water, sea salt, and lavender oil- all certified organic. The lavender has a wonderful fresh smell and acts as a moisturizer to counteract the saltiness.
John Master Organics Sea Mist Salt Spray is great for those with curly hair and is safe to use on color-treated hair, although it may cause mild lightening if worn often outside in the sun.
The spray bottle is easy and long-lasting. It doesn’t get clogged, unlike many bottles that do, which is one more reason that it’s a great tool in your hair styling repertoire.
Conclusion
So whether you are a hair-styling aficionado or someone who likes a minimalist routine, a natural sea salt spray is a great option. It’s one of the simplest things you can do for a classic, stylish look that isn’t overproduced or chemical-laced. And it’s easy to employ fresh out of the shower or after a whole day of wear and tear.
So whether it’s summer or winter or you’re in Miami or Denver, beachy, windswept waves are only a hairsbreadth away.