Laidback, summer vibes in a bottle
Real talk: who doesn’t love that effortlessly cool, beach hair vibe? You know the one. Those imperfectly textured waves, the sun-kissed texture, the au-naturel look that’s equal parts glam. Think Zoë Kravitz or Blake Lively—there’s no doubt they have a sea salt spray up their sleeve (or at least, their stylists do).
Perfect for on-the-go styling and low-maintenance days, sea salt spray for hair is the ultimate hack for creating texture and volume. It's a blend of salt (naturally!), water, and often other ingredients like nourishing oils and texturizing polymers. Trust us when we say this styling MVP has you covered for various occasions, whether you’re chasing year-round summer vibes or just looking to skip a wash.
Intrigued? Scroll down to learn about what sea salt spray exactly does, who it’s best for, what products are out there, and how to use it to nail that perfectly undone, fresh-off-the-beach look.
What does sea salt spray do for hair?
Sea salt spray is like bottling up a day at the beach but with control over the chaos. It works by adding texture and grit, giving hair that slightly tousled look without feeling overstyled. The salt absorbs excess oil and creates a weightless lift that transforms even the flattest strands into something full of character.
Here’s what it brings to the table.
✔ Adds texture. Perfect for creating natural-looking waves or soft, undone styles.
✔ Boosts volume. Gives fine or flat hair a noticeable lift without teasing.
✔ Defines natural movement. Enhances existing waves or curls for a low-maintenance finish.
✔ Matte finish. Dials down shine for a relaxed, fresh look.
✔ Quick styling fix. Ideal for second-day hair when you’re skipping the wash.
The result? Hair that looks lived-in but intentional, like you spent the day under the sun—minus the sand and UV damage.
Is sea salt spray ever bad for hair?
Sea salt spray is a styling savior for many, but it’s not without its downsides. While it delivers texture and volume, the salt can also pull moisture from your strands, leaving them dry or brittle with overuse. The key? Knowing when and how to use it based on your hair type.
Who will love it
– Flat, fine hair: Adds texture and movement without weighing it down.
– Straight or slightly wavy hair: Enhances movement, making it easier to style.
– Oily hair: Helps absorb excess oil, leaving hair fresher for longer.
Who might not
– Dry or brittle hair: Salt can exacerbate dryness, leading to breakage.
– Color-treated hair: Frequent use might strip moisture, making dyed hair fade faster.
– Curly or coily hair: While it can enhance texture, it may also cause frizz without proper hydration.
The trick is balance. If your hair leans toward dryness, pair sea salt spray with a nourishing leave-in conditioner or a few drops of lightweight oil to lock in moisture. Don’t spray with reckless abandon—target mid-lengths and ends instead of roots to avoid buildup. Used thoughtfully, sea salt spray can elevate your styling game without sacrificing hair health.
How to use sea salt for hair
Sea salt spray is the Swiss Army knife of hairstyling. It’s versatile, quick, and makes a statement. Soft waves, a textured updo, or just a little oomph, here’s how to put it to work.
Use #1: Create soft, beachy waves
Sea salt spray is your go-to for that casual, windswept look that screams "vacation mode." It enhances natural texture, making waves appear fuller and more defined.
1. Towel-dry hair after a wash or lightly mist with water.
2. Hold the spray 8–10 inches away and focus on mid-lengths and ends. Avoid overloading the roots.
3. Use your hands to scrunch sections of your hair upward.
4. Let it air dry for a soft finish or diffuse for extra volume.
Use #2: Add volume to flat hair
Fine or lifeless hair? Sea salt spray can provide that much-needed lift and grip, perfect for creating the illusion of thickness.
1. Divide hair into layers to ensure even application.
2. Apply a light mist directly at the roots for instant lift.
3. Blow-dry upside down, using a round brush or your fingers to add extra height while drying.
Use #3: Texturize for messy updos
Messy buns and loose twists get a serious upgrade with the added grip of sea salt spray.
1. Mist lightly over dry mid-lengths and ends to add texture and reduce slip.
2. Build your bun, braid, or twist. The added texture will hold the style together.
3. Finish with a spritz of sea salt spray to secure the look without stiffness.
Use #4: Sea salt for hair spray
If you’re after a lightweight alternative to traditional hairspray, sea salt spray can keep your style in place while maintaining flexibility.
1. Whether it’s waves, curls, or a sleek ponytail, get your hair how you want it.
2. Hold the bottle 8–10 inches away and spray a light layer over your hair.
3. Let it dry naturally to lock in texture and hold, or use a blow dryer for added staying power.
Use #5: Refresh second-day hair
No time for a full wash? Sea salt spray can give flat, second-day hair a quick pick-me-up by adding volume and texture.
1. Lightly mist sea salt spray over dry hair, concentrating on roots and mid-lengths.
2. Use your fingers to tousle and lift the hair, creating a more lived-in, effortless texture.
3. For added body, hit your roots with a blow dryer on low heat for a minute or two.
4. Bonus: Pair with dry shampoo for extra freshness!
Use #6: Enhance natural curls
Sea salt spray is a game-changer for reviving natural curls, adding definition without weighing them down.
1. Start with damp hair or spritz dry curls lightly with water.
2. Apply sea salt spray evenly through your curls, focusing on mid-lengths and ends.
3. Scrunch your curls gently with your hands to encourage definition.
4. Air dry or diffuse for bouncy, refreshed curls that look like you just stepped out of a magazine spread.
Use #7: Boost braided styles
Want your braids to stand out with added texture and hold? Sea salt spray is the perfect pre-braiding tool.
1. Start with dry or slightly damp hair and mist evenly with sea salt spray.
2. Work the product in with your fingers to create grip and reduce slippage.
3. Create your braid, whether it’s a fishtail, Dutch, or classic style.
4. Finish by gently pulling apart sections of the braid for an effortless, textured look.
5 stylist-approved sea salt sprays to try
These five top picks deliver everything from volume and hydration to touchable hold, taking your hair game to the next level—in the most effortlessly cool way possible.
Moroccanoil Volumizing Mist
Key ingredients: Argan Oil, Rice Amino Acids, Dead Sea Salt
Looking to breathe life into fine or dull hair? This weightless mist delivers up to 50% more fullness while keeping your locks touchably soft. Infused with argan oil to nourish and Dead Sea salt to add bouncy volume, it’s perfect for maintaining movement and texture for up to 72 hours. Bonus: Rice Amino Acids strengthen strands for healthier-looking hair.
Bumble and bumble Surf Spray
Key ingredients: Seaweed Extract, Kelp Extract, Magnesium Sulfate
This matte-finish spray is your shortcut to wind-styled texture, no beach trip required. Designed for fine to medium hair, it adds volume at the roots and effortlessly enhances waves. Seaweed and kelp extracts boost moisture, while magnesium sulfate creates lightweight hold. Ideal for wavy and straight patterns, it also features a subtle marine-inspired fragrance.
Not Your Mother’s Texturizing Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray
Key ingredients: Sea Salt, Aloe Leaf Juice, UV Protectants
Best budget pick. Achieve that tousled, textured beachy look with this tropical vanilla-coconut scented styling spray. Infused with sea salt for natural separation and body, it delivers a matte finish that screams “just left the beach.” Plus, UV protection helps guard your hair from sun damage. Cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free, it’s a wallet-friendly choice for effortless waves with no guilt.
Guava Beach Waves
Key ingredients: Pink Bolivian Salt, Guava Fruit & Leaf Extract, Aloe Vera Powder
Guava Beach Waves brings tropical vibes to your curly and coily hair with a lightweight mist that delivers texture and definition. Infused with Pink Bolivian Salt and Guava Extracts, it enhances waves while protecting hair from UV damage and environmental stressors. Ideal for adding volume without drying out coily strands, this spray keeps your hair looking healthy and styled with ease.
Blind Barber 40 Proof Sea Salt Textured Hold Spray
Key ingredients: Sea Salt, Hops Extract, Vitamin B5
This 40 Proof Sea Salt Spray offers flexible, lasting hold while maintaining a natural finish. It’s praised for its ability to create textured, lived-in styles without stiffness, it’s formulated with hops extract for added volume and Vitamin B5 for hydration. Whether you’re sculpting a sleek pony or messy waves, it locks in your look while keeping hair touchable and soft.
Perfect your sea-salt waves with TYME
Sea salt spray for hair is great for adding texture and a quick refresh to locks that are past their best, but pairing it with the TYME Style Iron Pro takes your look to a whole new level of beach goddess. Use the iron to create effortless waves, then finish with a spritz of salt spray for added hold. Your dream hair? Nailed it.
