Is Salt Water Beneficial for Hair?

While swimming in the sea can definitely make your hair look effortlessly beautiful (they're called beach waves for a reason), is salt water actually good for your hair? Or should you be rinsing it out as soon as you leave the beach? In this article, we’ll explain the benefits and drawbacks of using salt water in your hair (plus, how to prevent hair damage in the long run). Let's dive in!

Things You Should Know

Salt water can be good for your hair. It removes excess oils and naturally exfoliates the scalp.
However, too much salt water can damage your hair. Salt draws moisture away from your hair, so try to limit your seawater exposure to 1-2 times a week.
If you swim in salt water more than 1-2 times a week, protect your hair by pre-soaking it in fresh water and coating it with a reef-friendly hair oil.

Section 1 of 4:

Benefits of Salt Water For Your Hair

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Salt water contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, which are known to make your strands stronger and shinier. Rinsing your hair with salt water also reduces the level of harmful elements like mercury, promoting a healthier hair environment overall. ^{[1]
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Removes excess oil and sebum. Some people claim salt water works as a natural clarifying shampoo because it can regulate oil production in the hair and scalp. It’s a particularly good treatment if you have greasy hair because it may strip away excess oil and product buildup, detoxifying your hair and leaving your strands smoother.^{[2]
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Minimizes fungal dandruff. Salt water has antifungal properties, so some people have found that it prevents pesky flakes from fungus-induced dandruff. It works by absorbing excess moisture and oil on your scalp, which eliminates the environment fungi need to survive.^{[3]
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- Many commercial anti-dandruff shampoos include salt, selenium sulfide, and sulfur.^{[4]
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Soothes the scalp. Salt water also has antibacterial properties, which can help treat scalp conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Salt is naturally anti-inflammatory and antioxidative, so it works to repair your skin barrier and retain moisture in your scalp.^{[5]
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- Many people soak in baths filled with Dead Sea salt to prevent psoriasis flare ups.^{[6]
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Exfoliates the scalp. Salt is one of the most popular ingredients in scalp and body exfoliators because it instantly removes dead skin cells. Because it’s a physical exfoliant, the salt crystals in seawater may remove product build up at your roots, alleviate itchiness on your scalp, and get rid of any flakes or dandruff.^{[7]
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May stimulate hair growth. Since salt water acts as a natural exfoliant, massaging it into the scalp is believed by some to increase blood flow and circulation. This promotes more oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicle, which may encourage faster hair growth and fuller-looking strands.^{[8]
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- In fact, regular scalp massages can reduce hair shedding and minimize certain yeasts that damage your hair follicles.^{[9]
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Boosts hair volume. When you soak your hair in salt water, the salt swells the hair shaft and cuticle, making your hair appear more voluminous and textured. Too much swelling can create excess tangles, but just the right amount gives you an effortless beachy look.^{[10]
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- If you're not near the beach, use a sea salt spray to add more texture and volume to your hair before styling it.

Section 2 of 4:

Can salt water be bad for your hair?

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Too much salt water can damage your hair, especially if it’s color-treated. While salt water has many benefits, it can harm your scalp and strands if you use it every day. Salt water draws water away from the hair shaft, leaving your hair dehydrated, tangled, and more prone to breakage. This is especially harmful if your hair is dyed or bleached since chemical treatments strip the hair of nutrients; using salt water further damages your hair and may even fade the color.^{[11]
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- Hair damage can occur from swimming in the ocean or applying sea salt sprays, so only use salt water 1-2 times a week and take precautions to protect your hair.
- Salt water can dry out and discolor your hair if you leave it on for too long, so make sure you rinse it off before heading to sleep.

Section 3 of 4:

How to Prevent Salt Water Damage

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Wet your hair with fresh water before swimming in salt water. When you submerge dry hair into salt water, more salt can absorb into your hair follicles. Rinsing your hair with clean water provides an extra layer of protection and prevents too much salt from entering your hair shaft and cuticle.^{[12]
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Coat your hair with oil before salt water exposure. To prevent water from leaving your hair shaft, apply a reef-friendly hair oil all over your strands. Use enough oil to coat your entire head, then wait 10 minutes before entering the water. This gives your hair enough time to fully absorb the oil.^{[13]
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- The oil keeps your hair protected and hydrated, while letting your scalp enjoy all the benefits of the salt water.
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Wash your hair immediately after seawater exposure. Salt crystals can remain in your hair if you don’t rinse them out thoroughly, drying out your strands and damaging the cuticle. To prevent this from happening, rinse your hair with clean, fresh water as soon as you leave the beach, and wash your hair with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to restore moisture.^{[14]
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- Look for hair products with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, jojoba oil, argan oil, coconut oil, and honey.

Section 4 of 4:

How to Use Salt Water on Your Hair

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1
Cleanse your hair with a homemade sea salt shampoo. Mix 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of castile soap with 3 tablespoons (42.5 g) of sea salt in a small bowl. Wash your hair with this mixture like a regular shampoo, then rinse your hair with clean water to remove any remaining salt crystals.^{[15]
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- You can make as much shampoo as you like and store it in a sealed container, but the ratio is 2 parts castile soap with 3 parts sea salt.
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Massage your scalp with a sea salt solution. In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons (42.5 g) of sea salt into 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water. Once the salt dissolves, use a spoon to pour the solution over your scalp, then massage the area for 10 minutes to let the nutrients absorb into your skin.^{[16]
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- This solution cleanses the scalp and removes product build up, so it's especially useful if you style your hair frequently.
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Make a soothing scalp treatment with salt, coconut oil, and leave-in conditioner. In a small spray bottle, dissolve 1 tablespoon (21.3 g) of sea salt into 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of warm water. Then, add 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of leave-in conditioner into the salt water solution. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined, and spray it directly over your scalp to relieve any itchiness or irritation.^{[17]
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- Sea salt spray and other texturizing or dry shampoo sprays can help add a little bit of grip to your hair. They help to keep your hair in place and also create beach waves.
- You can use a spray after bathing when your hair is wet. Do not rub your hair. Squeeze out the water and blot your hair with a towel. After applying the spray, do not touch your hair. Let the sea spray work.
- The salt will dry the parts where it is applied. If you scratch your hair, it can lead to frizzing.

Community Q&A

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Question

Does this lighten your hair?

Sara

Community Answer

No, it doesn't. It does help the scalp and hair follicles yet can't change hair pigment.

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Soaking in a Dead Sea salt bath can improve your skin barrier function, boost skin hydration, and reduce inflammation if you have dry skin.^{[18]
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Some people have found that salt water helps calm their oily, acne-prone skin. Salt is a natural exfoliant so it removes dead skin cells, dirt, and other types of build-up that clog your pores. This can prevent breakouts, leaving your skin looking clearer, smoother, and brighter.

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If you’re swimming at the beach, apply a hair cream with SPF to protect your strands from the sun. Or, spray a light coating of reef-safe sunscreen over your hair.

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