After a Day of resting at the beach, we all saw ourselves in the water and were amazed by how perfectly waved our hair looked. You cannot achieve The kind of waves at home with even the best curling Iron or the most expensive hair products. It is a sad and happy time. Those waves might look great, but getting them naturally by letting your hair wet in salt water could be bad for its health.
This guide will talk about how saltwater affects your hair, the risks of long-term contact, and, most importantly, how to enjoy beach days without hurting your beautiful locks. Professional hairstylists Aaron Genia (co-founder of IGK Hair Care) and Ashley Streicher (celebrity stylist and Ricco Collective member) have given us their advice to help you find the best mix between beach beauty and hair health.
How does saltwater work?
This is the word for the water in oceans, seas, and rivers. It differs from freshwater because it is very salty, with an average salt content of 3.5%. Some pools use salt water, but the amount of salt in the water is much less than in the ocean. We will talk about the effects of regular exposure to ocean saltwater on hair growth.
The Two-Edged Sword of SaltWater
Even though saltwater can give you those beautiful beach waves, it is not so great for your hair in the long run. This is what experts say:
Damage and Lack of Water
“Saltwater can make your hair dry,” says Grenia. “It pulls water out, making things dry and break.” Most likely, the ends of your hair will feel rough or “crunchy” after swimming in the ocean. This happens because salt soaks up water, leaving your hair dry and weak.
Taking away natural oils
Streicher also says that saltwater can remove the natural oils that your skin makes that keep your hair moist and shiny. By creating a barrier of protection, these oils keep hair’s elasticity and wetness. Hair gets weaker and more likely to get damaged without them.
Speeded-up color fading
There are even more risks for people whose hair has been dyed. “Salt water can fade your color faster,” says Grenia. Bright colors or expensive balayage treatments may lose their shine if you keep salt on your hair.
Hair That Is Tangled and Unruly
The surface layer of hair gets rougher when it comes in contact with saltwater. This makes hair more likely to get tangled. This can cause annoying knots and split ends if your hair is long or dry.
How to Keep Your Hair Safe in Saltwater
There are ways to enjoy the ocean without hurting your hair, though. These tips, approved by professionals, can help protect your hair from the drying effects of saltwater and give it life again after a trip to the beach.
1. Wash your face before and after swimming
Rinsing your hair with fresh water before and after swimming is one of the easiest and most effective ways to eliminate chlorine. “Rinsing your hair first makes it soak up less saltwater,” says Grenia. “Then rinse again to get rid of any salt left over.”
Bringing a spray bottle of fresh water to the beach can save your hair, especially if it is wavy or textured, which is more likely to get dry.
2. Use a hair product before going to the beach
Another way to protect your hair from saltwater is to use a leave-in conditioner or hair mask. Streicher says to focus on the ends of your hair, which are more likely to get damaged and choose a moisturizer product that is safe for the ocean. Argan oil, shea butter, and aloe vera are some of the things that can help keep wetness in.
3. Pick hairstyles that protect your head.
“Putting your hair up in braids or buns keeps it out of the way and keeps it from getting tangled,” says Grenia. Protective styles reduce the surface area exposed to saltwater and stop friction that could cause breaking.
4. Put on a swim cap
If you swim a lot or train in saltwater, getting a swim cap can protect your hair from damage that will last for a long time. Nowadays, swim caps come in many styles and materials, so you can choose one that fits your needs and looks good.
5. Never skip care after the beach
Taking care of your hair after going to the beach is just as important as getting ready. Grenia suggests adding deep conditioning treatments or hair creams to your routine. “These treatments help restore hair health by replacing nutrients and moisture that have been lost,” he says.
Hormones, coconut oil, and hyaluronic acid in hair products can help fix harm and make hair stronger. If your hair feels dry, you might want to use a nighttime mask to moisturize it.
Extra Advice for Hair Lovers Who Love the Beach
Refrain from washing your hair too much. Daily washing takes away natural oils, which makes dry hair worse. Wash your hair every two or three days and use a shampoo that contains no sulfates.
Detangle gently: Start at the ends of your wet hair and work your way up with a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush. This makes it less likely that it will break.
Hydrate From The Inside Out: Drinking water helps keep your hair moist. Eat foods high in biotin and omega-3 fatty acids for extra health benefits.
Protect your hair from UV rays. The sun can make salt-damaged hair even weaker. Use hair products with UV screens, or wear a hat with a wide brim for extra defense.
What You Should Do Now
Beach days are a great way to have summer fun, but they suit your hair. Saltwater is a natural way to style hair, but if you fail to take care of it properly, it can dry out your hair and make it look dull and rigid. You can get the best of both worlds: beautiful beach waves and healthy hair by taking easy precautions like rinsing with freshwater, hydrating products, and wearing protective styles.
Remember that care after the beach is just as important. Regular trims, deep conditioning treatments, and gentle detangling can help keep your hair strong and shiny so you can enjoy the summer to the fullest without feeling guilty.
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