You might opt to visit the beach as summer draws near and the days get warmer, but even while taking a swim in the ocean might be soothing, you might be concerned about what would happen to your hair if you dipped it in seawater.
Although there is a lack of scientific evidence regarding the effects of saltwater on hair, it is evident that saltwater does have an effect because some hair products on the market contain saltwater directly. However, these products are designed to style hair, not to address the question of is salt water good for your hair.
Seawater and sunlight are frequently combined, and this is when hair damage is most likely to occur. The drying action of the salt water, the strong UV rays of the sun, and the hot, dry air can all harm hair.
In addition to discussing the potential benefits of salt water for hair, this article will also address the potential harm it can do to hair and how to shield your locks from its damaging effects.
Is salt water good for your hair?
Scientific proof supporting the benefits of saltwater for hair health or its potential to harm hair is lacking.
The results of saltwater on hair might vary depending on how it is used or interacts with the hair, as you will see throughout this article. Is salt water good for your hair gives details on the benefits and bad impacts of saltwater on hair.
In terms of advantages for hair, saltwater can provide body and structure, particularly for people who want “beachy waves.” However, in terms of drawbacks, saltwater can deplete hair of its natural oils, make it brittle, and even break it.
It’s critical to limit the amount of saltwater that comes into contact with hair when swimming in the ocean or using any form of saltwater and to wash and moisturize the hair afterward.
How about seawater?
When someone refers to “salt water,” they could be referring to saltwater or salt-containing water. Seawater contains additional minerals, but salt water is just water with salt in it. This is the main distinction between the two.
The two most common minerals in saltwater are sodium and chlorine, as you can see below.
Although you may be thinking of the overpowering chlorine found in swimming pools, seawater contains a distinct kind of chlorine. Whereas the chlorine in swimming pools is dissolved chlorine gas (Cl2), an aggressive chemical that isn’t found in nature, the chlorine in saltwater is in the form of a chloride ion (Cl-), a component of table salt and a harmless element.
Ocean water’s chemical makeup
Is ocean water good for your hair? Although there isn’t any scientific proof to back up the claim that these minerals harm hair, it’s crucial to remember that chlorine (Cl2) would only cause problems if you regularly used a swimming pool without washing your hair afterward.
Regarding the impact of seawater’s salt content, if hair is left unwashed, salt crystals may accumulate in it and cause damage like brittleness.
How is hair harmed by saltwater?
There are a few ways that salt water can harm your hair, but it’s crucial to understand that the damage is caused by excessive exposure to salt water.
Overexposure can also be described as using too much salt hairstyling spray or applying it too frequently, such as many times a week, or as regularly swimming in seawater without properly cleaning your hair or applying moisturizing treatments afterward.
Heat and UV light
Your hair likely gets exposed to the intense UV rays and heat of the sun if you spend time in salt water.
External factors can contribute to the “weathering” of hair. One such source known to cause damage is the sun’s UV rays; this UV damage is also known as hair aging by photo aggravation.
Hair aging can result in brittleness, dryness, diminished strength, restricted gloss, rough texture, and color loss.
Sunlight also impacts the color, gloss, and strength of hair.
There is an increased risk of hair damage when the effects of seawater on the hair combine with all of these harmful factors.
Cuticle damage
Under a microscope, the cuticle that surrounds each hair strand is overlapping scales protecting the hair strand.
Hair texture and friction are determined by the position and form of the cuticle, which can also modify the hair strand when it comes into contact with external stimuli. This explains why your hair looks wavy or “beachy” when it comes into contact with salt water or seawater.
Sadly, saltwater does more to your hair than just give it a “mermaid” appearance. Too much salt can actively peel the cuticle away from the hair strand, wearing it down and breaking the hair.
This is known as “cuticle cracking” or “weathering” of the cuticle, and it frequently occurs when environmental variables have an impact on hair.
Color fading
Additionally, people who have colored hair may notice dry hair and a faster fading of color when near saltwater. This is because the cuticle has already been weakened by the chemicals in hair dye, making it simpler for the saltwater to affect the hair.
For this reason, especially if you want to immerse your colored hair in salt water, you must take extra care of it.
Rashes on the scalp
A dry scalp can also result from your hair losing moisture and its natural oils. Although it may be uncomfortable and tempting to scratch a dry, flaky scalp, doing so increases your risk of hair loss. Therefore, try to avoid getting your hair wet with saltwater and moisturize your scalp and hair.
Is salt-based hairspray beneficial for hair?
Targeting those seeking the “beachy wave” impression, there are many saltwater hairstyling sprays available on the market. But are these sprays healthy for your hair?
We must first examine the ingredients of these sprays because they are made of more than just salt water.
While not all of these saltwater hairstyling sprays have ingredients that shield the cuticle from the damaging effects of salt and preserve hair health, many of them do have moisturizing ingredients like glycerin to prevent hair from drying out while using the spray.
You shouldn’t abuse a saltwater hairstyling spray, even if it contains these substances, as the salt concentration in the spray can still cause dry and brittle hair.
If you decide to utilize salt spray for hair, you ought to:
- Use it sparingly; daily use can deplete your hair’s natural oils and result in dry hair.
- Use along with items that provide moisture.
- The ends of your hair can dry out more quickly, so try not to touch them too much.
- When using salt spray, avoid utilizing heat on your hair too often to prevent breakage and damage to your hair.
A salt solution can be an option.
Some people can mistakenly believe that saline solution, which is typically used to clean the transplanted area following a hair transplant, is identical to salt water. The primary objective of a saline solution intended for aftercare is to directly prevent scalp infections, with a salt content of about 0.9%.
You should not confuse saline solution with salt water as it is not harmful to your hair.
Advantages of saltwater for hair
Even though we have talked a lot about the negative effects of salt water on hair, there are some advantages to being in the ocean.
Increases volume and texture
It’s quite common. Your hair might seem more naturally wavy with the addition of texture and volume from saltwater.
If you want to utilize salt water to style your hair, you shouldn’t rely on swimming in the sea or make your saltwater by adding salt to the water and spraying it on your hair, for example. We’ve established that this kind of saltwater isn’t moisturizing.
A moisturizing ingredient will be included in a hairstyling salt water spray from a reliable brand, keeping your hair hydrated and preventing it from drying out.
Anti-greasy and anti-dandruff
You can use salt water as a natural shampoo. Your hair can get rid of dandruff and extra oils with an occasional wash in salty water, giving it a clean appearance and feel.
How can you prevent saltwater damage to your hair?
It is a good idea to use these strategies to shield your hair from the harmful effects that salt water can have.
- Wet your hair before going in the sea; this will prevent sea water from penetrating the strands as much as if you let your hair absorb fresh water first.
- After soaking your hair in salt water, rinse it off to make sure no salt crystals are left behind and to stop the salt water from evaporating into your hair strands.
- Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to provide moisture to your hair. Another option is to use a leave-in conditioner.
- Think about donning a swim cap—this is an excellent method to shield your hair from saltwater or prevent overexposure.
- When using salt water spray, especially for styling purposes, use discretion. If at all feasible, follow up with moisturizing treatments.
