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How to Use Salt Spray for Effortless Beachy Waves: Expert Tips

What Does Salt Spray Do?

Salt spray mimics the natural texturizing effect of seawater on hair. It adds volume and thickness by forming a protective sheath around each strand, creating that coveted tousled, beach-ready look.

How to Apply Salt Spray Like a Pro

Apply to dry, detangled hair for even distribution without clumps and easier styling. Mist at arm's length onto the lengths and ends, like hairspray—4 to 5 sprays deliver a natural finish (overdoing it can lead to a greasy appearance). Work the product through with your fingers while damp. Scrunch, braid, twist, or tie as desired, then air-dry for authentic texture.

Is Salt Spray Damaging to Hair?

Not inherently, but like environmental factors such as pollution, it can be drying. Avoid if your hair is highly sensitized or heavily bleached, as its porous nature absorbs salt, potentially leading to roughness.

Three favorites: Sea Salt Developer by Davines, €22.20. Surf Spray by Bumble & Bumble (at Sephora), €27.50. Salt Spray by Tigi Session Series (at Asos), €19.

Expert insight from Éric Roman, Davines hairstylist.