Beachy hair defines my whole persona—here are 7 salt sprays I've tried that deliver a tousled texture without the crunch.
Although we may be approaching the end of summer, the heatwaves persist. The last thing I want to do in this sweltering weather is use my hairdryer. Consequently, I've decided to ditch my hair tools and let my hair air-dry instead. With naturally wavy hair, I've always enjoyed how a day at the beach or a swim in the ocean enhances my waves. I’m fortunate to live near the coast, yet I yearn to recreate that salty, tousled look while working from home or commuting to London. This is where salt sprays become essential. They’re perfect for enhancing your natural texture or giving a piecey finish to curls or waves created with a curling wand or hair waver.
**What Are Salt Sprays?**
If you desire that beachy look, salt sprays are your ticket to achieving it effortlessly—no beach day or hair waver needed. "Natural sea salt enhances and defines soft, tousled texture," explains celebrity hairstylist Sam McKnight MBE. "When misted into dry or wet hair, salt sprays define existing texture and enhance waves and curls,” he adds.
**How to Use Salt Sprays**
Salt sprays are suitable for most hair types but will only work on hair that has some texture, like waves or curls. "They won’t create texture that's not already there. Instead, they enhance, accentuate, and define natural texture," McKnight clarifies. "If your hair has a natural wave or curl, simply mist it onto wet hair and let it dry naturally. Alternatively, you can spray it onto dry hair in sections. Just scrunch with your fingers and let it air dry or use a diffuser for extra body," he advises. To maintain a beachy feel—not a crunchy one—McKnight suggests sectioning your hair first. "[The] best method is to separate your hair into sections and mist from roots to ends. Be careful not to saturate the [dry] hair; it should still feel dry," he notes.
I've spent my summer testing various salt sprays to identify the best ones to include in your hair care routine. Scroll on to discover those that are like a beach day in a bottle.
**The Best Salt Sprays**
- **Best Overall:** Hair by Sam McKnight Sundaze Sea Spray
- **Best for Waves:** Ouai Wave Spray
- **Best for Curls:** Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion Salt Spray
- **Best Luxury Salt Spray:** Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray
- **Best Affordable Salt Spray:** Schwarzkopf Got2b Hair Texture Salt Spray Beach Matt
1. **Hair by Sam McKnight Sundaze Sea Spray**
**Best Overall**
Pros: Enhances waves and curls without stickiness; protects hair from UV damage.
Cons: Not suitable for those seeking an unfragranced option.
Sundaze Sea Spray has been my go-to this summer for many reasons. It enhances hair texture without the stickiness often associated with salt sprays. Moreover, it offers UV protection to shield hair from the sun, making it perfect for beach days to avoid damage or color fading. Just a few spritzes on wet hair greatly enhance waves and curls while adding a tousled feel, so use it sparingly. You can also apply it to dry hair for a texture refresh. Plus, it comes in a miniature size, ideal for travel.
2. **Ouai Wave Spray**
**Best for Waves**
Pros: Wonderful scent (it features Ouai's Melrose Place fragrance); stylish packaging.
Cons: The rose fragrance may not appeal to everyone.
You know how wavy hair transforms after a dip in the sea? This spray captures that salt-kissed effect in a bottle. A few spritzes through damp or dry hair before scrunching can enhance waves without creating crunchiness while adding volume and hold. It can be used on straight hair to boost curls made with a curling wand. This is one of my favorite products for air-drying my hair while enhancing my waves without heat. Plus, it smells amazing with its floral scent.
3. **Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion Salt Spray**
**Best for Curls**
The original Bumble and Bumble salt spray has been a staple since the 2000s. However, if you have thick or curly hair, you might prefer the more nourishing formula of Surf Infusion Salt Spray. Its salt-in-oil formula provides added hydration for thicker or curlier hair. Simply shake the bi-phase formula and mist through your lengths for a non-sticky, tousled texture with great volume and shine. You can also apply it to dry hair and twist to define waves, plus it offers UV protection, making it ideal for summer use.
Pros: Perfect for thick or curly hair.
Cons: May be too heavy for fine hair.
4. **Or
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A day at the beach, captured in a bottle.