Sea Salt Spray For Men: The Ultimate Guide 2024

Written by: Piers Le Moignan

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Time to read 14 min

Imagine the effortless, voluminous hair you have after a day at the beach. 

Surprisingly, this can happen whether you go in the sea or not - the beach air carries the natural spray of the ocean, which plumps up your hair cuticles.

 

But these days you don’t need a trip to the beach at all to enjoy this effect.

 

Often, men's haircare doesn't go beyond washing and conditioning, yet there's a vast world of game-changing products that elevate the everyday to the extraordinary. 

 

Among these, sea salt spray stands out. It's part of a new era in men's hairstyles favouring natural, textured looks.

 

If you've been wondering, "What does sea salt spray do?" then this comprehensive guide is for you. 

 

We'll demystify sea salt spray, offering insights and tips to help you revolutionize your hair game with this powerful product.

Ready to transform your hair routine? Welcome to the world of sea salt spray.

What is Sea Salt Spray?

Sea salt spray, as its name suggests, is a hair product primarily composed of water and sea salt, often enhanced with additional ingredients like Epsom salt, aloe vera, coconut oil, and various vitamins and proteins.

 

The purpose of sea salt sprays is deceptively simple yet extraordinarily effective: to mimic the enviable, tousled hair effect that a day at the beach bestows.

 

Of course, this doesn't actually answer the actual question of "What does sea salt spray do" and "How does sea salt spray work"?

 

To understand this, consider the textural changes your hair undergoes after a dip in the ocean. The salt in the seawater absorbs excess oils in your hair, dehydrating it slightly, which results in a unique texture and wave pattern.

 

This is the look sea salt spray aims to replicate: natural, textured, and wavy hair locks that exude a casual, beachy vibe.

 

The magic of sea salt spray lies in its simplicity and versatility. It works for various hair types and can be used to create an array of styles, from loose waves to defined curls. 

 

Furthermore, it's a handy tool for adding volume, especially to fine hair, making it a must-have addition to your hair care routine.

 

In essence, sea salt spray transports the beach to your bathroom, providing a quick and easy way to achieve a laid-back, surfer-inspired hairdo.

What are the Benefits of Sea Salt Spray for Different Hair Types?

One of the remarkable aspects of sea salt spray is its wide-ranging suitability. No matter your hair type, this versatile product can boost your style in surprising ways. 

 

Let's explore them now!

For Thinning or Flat Hair

If you're grappling with thinning hair, sea salt spray can be a game-changer.

 

The spray's dehydrating effect helps to create a fuller appearance by adding texture and volume to your hair. The salt in the sea salt spray absorbs excess oil and coats the strands, effectively creating a voluminous, thick-hair look.

 

It's an easy, non-invasive way to address thinning hair concerns without taking more drastic measures.

For Curly Hair

Men with naturally curly hair can particularly benefit from sea salt spray.

 

The salt enhances the natural curl pattern, adding definition and texture. The result is more prominent, well-defined curls and kinks that add an extra dimension to your style.

 

With sea salt spray, you can emphasise the natural beauty of your curls and create a more polished, styled look effortlessly.

For Medium to Long Hair

For those with medium to long hair, maintaining volume and avoiding a flat, lifeless hair look can be challenging. The weight of longer hair can pull it down, causing it to lose its liveliness.

 

Enter sea salt spray, your ally in combating dull, limp hair. By adding texture and creating an 'undone' beach wave look, it can help to give your long hair strands more body and movement.

 

In essence, no matter the length, texture, or state of your hair, sea salt spray offers benefits that can take your everyday look to the next level. It's a versatile, simple tool that can work wonders when it comes to enhancing your natural hair and boosting your confidence.

Is Sea Salt Spray Bad in Any Way?

Before we continue, we wanted to take a moment to dive into whether there was anything bad about using sea salt sprays. 

 

A common question, for example, is "Does sea salt spray lighten your hair?" and so on.

 

Firstly, it doesn’t lighten your hair unless you're subject to an excessive amount of it, and it won’t cause damage. Sea salt is, after all, a natural ingredient. The only common question to think about is “does sea salt spray dry your hair?

 

Sea salt is a natural dehydrator, absorbing oils from your hair, which means it can sometimes dry out the hair if you’re not looking after it properly. Then again, this can happen with whatever products you are or aren’t using.

 

The best thing to do, whether you’re using sea salt spray or not, is to have a proper hair hydration process in place, which all good haircare routines should have anyway.

 

The only thing to be aware of is the fact that basic and simple sea salt spray formulations can dry out your hair naturally. 

 

This is why we recommend using premium, high-quality products, that come with added ingredients like vitamin B5 and aloe vera that counter the dehydration effects simultaneously. 

 

Lastly, while salt sprays can enhance natural waves and curls, they might not be the best choice for those with straight hair seeking a sleek, shiny finish, as they promote a more matte and textured look.

 

Remember, every hair type is unique, and what works wonders for one person might not have the same effect for another. 

 

Always pay attention to how your hair responds to a new product and adjust your usage accordingly. In men's hair care, balance and moderation are often the keys to success.

How to Use Sea Salt Spray: A Step-by-Step Guide

While sea salt spray may seem straightforward to use, applying sea salt spray in the right way can make all the difference in achieving your desired results. 

 

But don’t worry, it’s still just as simple and just as fun as taking a dip in the ocean!

 

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get the most out of this wonderful product:

1. Prepare Your Hair

Start with clean, freshly washed hair. In terms of wet or dry hair, sea salt spray works best on damp hair, so after washing, pat your hair dry with a towel, ensuring you don't have overly wet or damp hair but still have some moisture.

 

You'll want to avoid using dry shampoo too, and at least wash it out before you start.

The bit to remember is that the freshly washed bit is very important, so it's probably best to shower or bathe in the morning and then apply the sea salt hair spray, readying for your look for the day ahead.

 

Even the best sea salt sprays won't get you anywhere near the best results if you have really wet hair.

2. Shake the Sea Salt Spray Bottle

Before applying, give the sea salt spray bottle a good shake. 

 

This ensures that the salt (which may settle at the bottom) and other ingredients are well distributed throughout the liquid, giving you the perfect blend in every spritz.

3. Application

Hold your bottle of sea salt spray about 30cm away from your head and start spraying. Focus on one section of your hair at a time to get the best results.

 

From experience, the best way to apply sea salt spray is to start at the roots and then spray towards the ends, ensuring even coverage.

 

For those new to sea salt spray, start with a small amount. It's always easier to add more if needed rather than dealing with an over-saturated head of hair.

4. Styling

Now comes the fun part – styling.

 

Once you've applied the sea salt spray, you're free to style your hair as you like. Twist, scrunch, or tousle your hair to get the desired effect. Feel free to use whatever styling products you're used to, but the best results will come from a styling product that ensures voluminous hair and gives you a smooth hair texture.

 

As you can imagine, this process is particularly important if you're aiming for those beachy waves, as manipulating the hair will help create the wave pattern. If you want to use a texturizing spray, this can help give you some extra hold.

5. (Option 1) Let Your Hair Air Dry

Once you've applied the sea salt spray and styled your hair, let it air dry naturally. Avoid the temptation to rub it dry with a towel, which can cause frizz and disrupt your newly styled natural waves.

 

Patience is key here - the natural drying process helps to set the sea salt spray, allowing it to work its texturizing magic. The best way to think of it is being at the beach, after playing in the ocean.

5. (Option 2) Use a hair dryer

If you're looking for a quicker way to dry your hair and further enhance your hairstyle's texture, a hairdryer is a perfect tool. After applying the sea salt spray:

 

Pick your hairdryer and ensure it has a diffuser attachment. The diffuser helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents direct, intense heat from damaging your hair.

Set your hairdryer to medium heat and speed settings. High heat can dry out your hair excessively, leading to potential damage!

 

Start drying from the roots, moving to the ends. This process will help create volume and maintain your hair's natural texture. Make sure to scrunch your hair while drying to accentuate your natural curls or waves.

 

If your hair is thin or you want extra volume, try flipping your hair upside down while drying. This position adds volume to your hair, giving it a fuller look.

 

Once your hair is about 90% dry, switch the hairdryer to the cool setting. This step helps to set your hairstyle and gives your hair a healthy shine.

 

Finally, style your hair as desired. You can use your fingers for a more natural, tousled look or a wide-tooth comb for a slightly more defined style.

Remember, the goal is to create a natural, beachy look that appears effortless. Using a hairdryer can speed up the process and allow more control over your hairstyle's final appearance.

 

By following these steps, you can use your marvellous sea salt hair spray to its full potential, providing your hair with texture, volume, and a stylish beach-inspired look. 

 

Remember, the key is to experiment and see what works best for your hair type and desired style!

How Much Sea Salt Spray Should I Use?

Now comes the interesting part, how much sea salt spray do you need to use? 

 

After all, if you're spending time in the ocean, that's a lot of sea salt, and surely you don't want to be using a bottle at a time.

 

However, it's not really that simple, as determining the right amount of sea salt spray to use can be somewhat tricky, especially for those new to the product.

 

Unlike traditional hair products, sea salt spray doesn't require generous amounts to be effective, and a good rule of thumb for beginners is to start small.

 

Two to three spritzes from your sea salt spray bottle is a good place to start. This small quantity will provide an initial feel of the product and its effects on your hair without overwhelming it.

 

How do you know when you've hit the sweet spot?

 

The key is to observe your hair's response. If your hair becomes thicker, and more textured and achieves that desired beachy look without feeling dry or crunchy, you've probably found your optimal quantity.

 

However, bear in mind that the correct amount varies from person to person. Men with thin hair might find that a little goes a long way, while those with thicker, denser hair may require a few extra spritzes.

 

The same applies to hair length: short hair requires less product, while long hair may need a bit more.

 

In essence, finding the perfect amount of sea salt spray for your hair is a trial and error process, but this means you can have fun with the process!

 

Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust your usage based on your hair type and desired look. Remember, sea salt spray is a versatile product – there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

 

With patience and practice, you'll soon discover the optimal amount that gives you the desired results, as the possibilities with sea salt spray are endless.

Choosing the Right Sea Salt Spray for Your Hair

Finding the right sea salt spray that caters to your unique hair type and personal preferences involves more than just picking the first one off the shelf, but is thankfully simpler than heading down to the beach to get it yourself. 

 

It all comes down to what’s inside the bottle.

 

Sure, you could technically get involved in the process of making sea salt spray on your own by literally filling a bottle with sea salt water, but it's not going to get the best results at home on a day-to-day basis.

 

Also, sea salt spray with no added ingredients will dry your hair out very fast. It’s always best to use a professional product that comes with moisturising, hydrating ingredients.

 

For this, beyond the foundational ingredients of water, sea salt, and Epsom salts, many brands enhance their sprays with additional components.

 

Ingredients like Pro-vitamin B5 (panthenol) and proteins or amino acids can offer nourishing effects, while essential oils contribute pleasing scents and potential hair health benefits. As such, reading product labels is crucial to choosing a sea salt spray that aligns with your specific needs.

 

The best thing you can do is to consider your hair type when selecting a sea salt spray. If you have naturally dry hair, a sea salt spray enriched with hydrating elements like panthenol could be beneficial.

 

Alternatively, those with oilier hair might opt for a sea salt spray with higher sea salt content for its oil-absorbing properties.

 

Personal preferences also, of course, play a role.

 

Some people prefer a stronger scent to their sea salt sprays, while others lean towards an unscented product. Similarly, the desired hold and texture influence your choice—whether you want a flexible, light hold for a casual day out or a stronger hold for a more defined, styled look.

 

In short, the best sea salt spray for you is one that aligns with your hair's characteristics and your personal preferences, ensuring an optimal and pleasing result every time you style your hair.

 

But we do have a recommendation we're sure you'll love.

The Power of the Right Product: Marine Mist

While we're on the topic of sea salt sprays, it's only right to introduce you to a product that has been making waves in men's haircare – Marine Mist by Salt Grooming.

 

Crafted with a potent blend of purified water and unrefined Atlantic mineral salt, then enriched with nourishing and conditioning ingredients like Pro-Vitamin B5, this high-quality sea salt spray is an exceptional choice for anyone looking to embrace the versatility of this haircare innovation.

 

It's designed to give your hair that sun-kissed, wind-swept look without a trip to the beach or the concern of potentially drying out your hair. In fact, with its added ingredients, it's a formula that delivers unparalleled styling performance whilst being a nutrient-dense treatment for the hair in itself.

 

Don't just take our word for it.

 

Try our Marine Mist sea salt spray for yourself and see the difference it can make in your haircare routine. Whether you're looking to boost volume, enhance your natural waves, or achieve that effortless, textured look, Marine Mist is ready to elevate your hair game.

 

Remember, your hair deserves the best, so why settle for less?

 

Click here to start your journey to better hair with Marine Mist today.

Conclusion

By now, you should understand what sea salt spray can do for your hair and how to incorporate it into your routine. With its unique benefits for various hair types, there's every reason to try this game-changing product.

 

Whether you want to add volume, texture or simply bring out the best in your natural waves, sea salt spray offers a versatile solution.

 

Remember, haircare is a personal journey, and experimentation is key to finding what works best for you.

 

So why not shake up your routine and see the transformative effects of sea salt spray for yourself?

 

Let us know in the comments below how sea salt spray has improved your hair game or if you have any styling tips of your own to share.

 

Here's to achieving that effortlessly cool, beach-inspired look in the comfort of your own home!

Piers Le Moignan

Piers Le Moignan is the founder and CEO of Salt Grooming, an award-winning British luxury men’s haircare and styling brand. 


Founded in 2018, Piers has quickly grown the company into a global brand that has distributed to 43 countries and counting.


Headquartered in London, Piers leads an agile workforce of 10 employees and consultants, including the company’s formulation team which features some of the UK’s leading cosmetic scientists. Piers is responsible for overseeing logistics, supply chain, and performance marketing, and is the driving force behind Salt’s product innovation and brand/creative direction. 


Previous to foundership, Piers spent a decade at some of London’s leading creative agencies, developing global brands and communications for the likes of Adidas, Jaguar Land Rover, British Airways, and more.

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