Sunny days call for the beach , but before you dive headfirst into the salt water , have you considered what it might do to your hair? Find out why it's crucial to take care of your hair during the summer .

The effects of salt water on hair

How does salt water affect your hair?

The contact of sea water with your hair causes many changes which will impact its condition.

First, salt, with its hygrophobic properties , will absorb the moisture present on your scalp and under the scales of your hair. This will have the effect of drying them out.

Sea salt on the hair will also tend to crystallize on the shaft . The friction will then tend to open the scales of the latter and thus damage it and make it more brittle .

Then, the difference in pH between seawater (around 8) and the natural pH of your scalp (around 5.5) can disrupt the balance and cause sensitization of the latter.

Finally, salt water contains a range of mineral salts that can actually be beneficial! So, not all of these changes are bad for your mane.

But then? Seawater: good or dangerous ?

It all depends on your hair type !

To provide a complete assessment of your hair and scalp, LAO has combined its knowledge to create a holistic diagnosis that takes just 1 minute. It's your turn!

MAKE THE DIAGNOSIS

Different hair types and salt water

If you have damaged or dry hair , seawater is not your friend. As mentioned above, contact with salt will dry it out and damage it further .

After a seaside holiday , you will notice that your hair is duller, brittle with more split ends .

If you have oily hair , you will be delighted with the purifying properties of salt water . Thanks to iodine and magnesium , sea water will cleanse your scalp , regulate its sebum production and thus reduce itching and dandruff .

Be careful, however, not to fall into the trap of believing that you are immune to the dangers of salt !

Whether you have dry or oily hair, it is essential to adopt a suitable care routine during your beach vacation to protect your hair .

Our tips for protecting your hair at the sea

Recommended products for salt water protection

Even before you dive into the water, you can protect your hair by applying a product that will act as a protective shield against salt water .

We recommend using an oil such as raspberry seed oil or wheat germ oil which are effective and are produced in France.

Once you're done swimming, rinse your hair with fresh water to remove excess salt. This will help limit the damage !

Minimize Damage with These Hairstyling Techniques

Tying your hair up is a simple solution that you might not necessarily think of to limit the harmful effects of sea water. However, styling your hair will limit the contact of your hair with salt water and thus protect it during your vacation!

At LAO, we're fans of the braided crown and the bubble ponytail, but there are plenty of other hairstyles perfect for a day at the beach that we've listed here .

The plus? Your hairstyle will also protect you from tangles caused by the wind and damage caused by UV rays ! If you want to know more about the effects of the sun, click here .

The benefits of salt water for hair

Minerals in seawater and their beneficial effects

The many mineral salts and trace elements present in sea water have beneficial properties for your hair .

Iodine in particular, in addition to its previously mentioned cleansing properties , has the effect of promoting blood circulation. Thus, it will tend to boost your hair growth.

Similarly, zinc , also present in seawater, is involved in the production of keratin and collagen . Its action will therefore bring density and shine to your hair . This is why you may feel like your hair is shinier than ever after a week at the sea.

Salt water as a natural hair treatment

Salt water has been making its way into our cosmetic products for several years now!

In fact, some brands have created salt water-based sprays . The goal is often aesthetic : to give the wavy effect that we appreciate so much, to define curls , to add volume , to lighten hair , etc.

If you have colored hair , however, keep in mind that these products can help your color fade faster. Seawater tends to open the scales of your hair , causing the pigments to leak out !

After-Beach Care: How to Soften Your Hair?

Cleaning and care after exposure to salt water

After your day at the beach, wash your hair using gentle shampoos and conditioners . This will remove any remaining salt residue from your hair.

At LAO Care, we have developed shampoos with gentle cleansing agents , without stripping sulfates . 2 formulas are available: the purifying shampoo and the nourishing shampoo for a wash adapted to your hair type.

The result of 2 years of research, our naturally sourced products cleanse, while protecting and revitalizing your scalp and hair.

After rinsing your hair thoroughly, let it air dry ! No more using a hairdryer, which can damage and weaken your hair. Especially when it's 35°C outside!

To conclude…

Salt water isn't just bad for your hair, but its effect depends largely on your hair type ! Whatever your situation, it's essential to adopt the right habits and a suitable hair care routine during your beach vacation. This will preserve the health of your hair ... and even enhance it !

Frequently asked questions about the effects of salt water on hair

What is the effect of salt on hair?

Sea salt absorbs moisture from beneath the scales of your hair shaft. For dry or already damaged hair, this can lead to further damage and dryness. For oily hair, on the other hand, salt will cleanse the scalp and thus reduce sebum, itching, and dandruff.

Is sea water on hair good?

Seawater can be dangerous, especially for dry or damaged hair, as the salt increases dehydration, making it more brittle and prone to split ends. However, seawater contains minerals that have purifying properties for oily hair, as well as beneficial effects such as adding shine, density, and stimulating hair growth.

Does salt water damage hair?

Salt water doesn't damage healthy or oily hair. However, it can further damage already damaged hair and further dry out dry hair. That's why it's essential to protect your hair during a beach vacation with a proper hair care routine (protective oil, gentle shampoo, revitalizing mask).

Does salt water make hair curly?

Sea salt on hair can promote waves. It's responsible for the wavy effect you get after a day at the beach. Many salt water sprays have emerged that can help create waves in your hair.

Sources

• C. Piérard-Franchimont, GE Piérard, Hair and the Environment (2015). https://orbi.uliege.be/bitstream/2268/183999/1/CHEVEUX%20ET%20ENVIRONNEMENT.pdf
  
  
• Roberto Danovaro, Lucia Bongiorni, Antonio Puscedd, Sunscreen causes coral bleaching by promoting viral infections (2008), NCBI
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• Ana Carolina, Santos Nogueira, Hair color changes and protein damage caused by ultraviolet radiation (2004), Pub Med
  To discover this article, click here