What Does Sea Salt Spray Do?

We’ve all seen the look before: those effortless, and yet completely flawless, beachy waves that appear after a long day at the coast. Just the right balance between loose, textured hair with a gentle hold that persists throughout the day.

Luckily, the answer to getting that beach-day-inspired look is contained in a single styling product bottle, no matter how far away you are from the actual ocean.

Sea salt spray has carved a loyal (and well-deserved) following among men after natural texture without the shine or heaviness of most traditional creams, gels, and styling products. It doesn’t dry your hair, it won't strip away natural oils, it doesn’t irritate your skin, takes less than a minute to apply, and works on almost all types of hair.

It doesn’t get better than that. Here’s all you need to know about sea salt spray.

What Is Sea Salt Spray? 

Sea salt spray is a lightweight, water-based styling product designed to mimic the natural texture salt water leaves on your hair after a day at the beach. It comes in a simple spray bottle and enhances natural waves to give you amazing beach hair.

Salt makes styling easier by enhancing natural curls while reducing frizz and building volume. Yet, it’s unlike most other hair products, as it’s barely a mist instead of heavy cream or a gel. You just spray it on, work it in, and let the salt create beachy waves.

The core ingredient is… well, sea salt. However, our Texturizing Sea Salt Spray for Men also packs in:

• Vitamin E to reduce oxidative stress
• Hydrolyzed proteins to encourage moisture retention and natural waves
• Argan oil to add natural shine and prevent damage to your hair's natural curl
• Green Tea to nourish and strengthen the hair

How Should I Use Sea Salt Spray?

You should use sea salt spray on damp hair. Apply 4 to 6 sprays directly to the hair with the bottle several inches away. Getting the most out of sea salt spray comes down to timing and technique. Fortunately, neither is complicated in this case.

How Much Should I Use?

For most people, four to six pumps of sea salt hair spray distributed evenly across the head should do the trick. The exact amount of sea salt spray needed can vary widely depending on hair type and length, as well as the desired result.

• You can always add more from there, so starting with less is best.
• Overloading the hair will leave it feeling stiff instead of with a naturally textured curl pattern.
• Don’t add too many sprays at once.

When Should I Apply the Spray?

Sea salt spray works best on damp hair: use them immediately after a shower or after some light towel-drying. Applying it on dry hair also works, though — just keep in mind that the drier the hair, the more matte the finish.

How Should I Apply Salt Spray?

Hold the bottle about eight inches from your head and mist the product evenly across the hair. As mentioned, about four to six sprays should be enough, so take that into account to avoid spraying one area more than others.

Once you’re done spraying, choose what's best for you:

• Use your fingers to scrunch, tousle, or rake (or whatever you usually do) through your hair. You’ll notice that this has a large impact on how the end result looks.
• Scrunching, for example, encourages waves to form, while raking adds texture and volume throughout.
• Or just shake your head as most of us do on our lazy days — we aren’t here to judge.

What Should I Avoid During Application?

You can’t really go wrong with sea salt spray, but there are still some things that aren’t ideal if you want the best results.

• If you use a dryer, you may want to try a diffuser attachment instead of the usual one. Otherwise, it could flatten the waves you’re going for.
• For those who don’t use dryers, avoid over-touching your hair while it’s drying.
• Try to shape your hair after applying the product and then let it air dry.

Though, again, this all depends on what you want to achieve out of sea salt sprays. What doesn’t work for other people’s hair may work for yours, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

What Does Sea Salt Spray Do to Your Hair?

Sea salt spray enhances the natural curls you already have. Unlike creams or gels, it doesn’t necessarily shape up your hair. Its effects are discreet, but make a world of difference if you aren’t using any products.

• The first noticeable benefit is the gentle, flexible hold.
• Sea salt spray doesn’t lock hair into a fixed shape, but rather keeps it manageable and stylish throughout the day.
• Your hair will still look and feel pretty similar to how it does without anything on it, but a bit stiffer and less unruly.

At the same time, it enhances waves and curl definition. Salt naturally drains some moisture from your hair, allowing the strands to coil or wave more than they usually would. If you have wavy or slightly curly hair, sea salt spray will amplify the patterns you already have. Even men with straighter hair will probably notice some added movement and dimension.

That same salt also causes the hair to look fuller and thicker, as the strands will be further away from each other. It’s a subtle effect, but one that is definitely noticeable if you have fine hair. And, unlike most volumizing products, sea salt spray doesn’t make it look puffy or overdone.

Last but not least, sea salt spray can leave a distinct matte finish — this means no shine and no glossy cast. The look ends up feeling completely natural, which is exactly what most of us want out of our hair products.

Does Sea Salt Spray Damage Hair?

No, it does not damage your hair. The salt content, which is lower than that of the actual sea, won’t strip the hair or compromise its structure over time. Plus, formulas like our Texturizing Sea Salt Spray are specifically designed to retain some degree of extra moisture to avoid this with aloe vera and conditioning agents.

That said, you should have a solid hair care routine regardless. Regular conditioning and a strengthening shampoo always help avoid flakes and scalp irritation. Our Daily Revitalizing Men’s Haircare Routine pairs perfectly with sea salt sprays without involving more than two products.

Is Sea Salt Spray Good for Hair?

Sea salt spray can absolutely be good for your hair, and even more so if you’re after texture, volume, control, and wave definition without resorting to heavier products.

• Men with wavy or naturally textured hair get the most out of it, since the spray puts the spotlight on patterns that are already there.
• Men with straight hair will also notice better grip and volume, giving it more dimension and making it easier to style.

Not all sea salt sprays are necessarily “good” for the hair besides aesthetics. However, our Texturizing Sea Salt Spray includes natural products to promote hair growth, encourage moisture retention, restore elasticity, and balance pH levels.

It’s just as easy and low-maintenance as hair products get. No complicated techniques involved, no overdone results you can spot from a mile away. Just apply it, scrunch or tousle your hair, let it air dry, and you’re pretty much there.

But, if you’re willing to put a little bit more time into your hair routine and looks, our Natural Hair Care product line has got you covered.

Sea Salt Spray FAQs

Is it okay to put sea salt spray in your hair every day?

Yes! You can use sea salt spray every day without damaging your hair or losing the texture it creates. Ideally, you’d pair it with high-quality shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair hydrated and in the best shape possible.

Do I spray sea salt spray on wet or dry hair?

Part of the beauty of sea salt spray is its versatility: you can use it on wet and dry hair alike and get (relatively) similar results. Wet tends to work best for most hair types, but men looking to exaggerate that matte finish may want to try it on dry hair.

Most people, however, tend to use sea salt spray on damp hair. Step out of the shower, lightly dry your hair with a towel, apply the product, and let it air dry or use a dryer.

What hair type should not use sea salt spray?

Every hair type can use sea salt spray.

• Wavy and curly hair will probably see the most noticeable results.
• Fine hair will benefit from some extra volume
• Coarse and thick hair may want to layer sea salt spray with a stronger hold product to keep everything together.

Do you need to rinse sea salt spray out?

No, you don’t need to rinse sea salt spray out. It should dry alongside your hair, and it will come off the next time you shower. Sea salt comes off extremely easy with a bit of water and shampoo — if you feel like you’ve put too much product at once, you can simply rinse it out and try again.