Is Salt Water Bad For Your Hair – Effects Of Ocean Water On Hair
If you love spending time by the beach, you’ve probably noticed how saltwater can leave your hair with that textured, beachy look. While it can add volume and natural waves, too much exposure can also leave your hair feeling dry, frizzy, and a bit damaged. Understanding how saltwater interacts with your hair and how to protect and nourish your locks can help you enjoy your beach time without worrying about hair damage. Let’s dive into the benefits and drawbacks of saltwater for your hair and how to keep it looking its best after a day by the sea!
Does salt water damage the hair?
Ocean water has various benefits, but the statement that saltwater ruins the hair is correct too. Why is salt water bad for your hair, why it gets dry, tangled, and loses its flexibility when it’s overexposed to sea and sun? Let’s see the reasons and causes now!
Ocean water dries out the hair
As your skin becomes dry after swimming in salty water, the hair gets dehydrated too. It is the water in the hair that makes it moisturized and elastic. Seawater has high salt concentration and those salt crystals wick away the moisture from your hair leaving it dehydrated, therefore fragile too.
Because the salt leaches water out of your hair, you will also notice that after swimming in the sea, it gets tangled and will be hard to brush out. To prevent this, especially for those who have long hair, choose a protective beach hairstyle like braids, a bun, or a creative ponytail.
Sea water ruins dyed hair
If your hair is colored or bleached, the crosslinks within its structure are already altered and salty water can worsen that condition. Overexposure to sea water fades or changes the hair color on top of making it rough and causing split ends and breakage.
Chemically treated hair needs even more attention and care while spending time by the sea in order to remain healthy and hydrated, therefore hair products for salt water are definitely need to be among your beach neccessities.
Why is salt water good for your hair?
Before you would think that sea water causes damage only, let’s clarify that swimming in the ocean can solve various problems such as dandruff or shampoo build-up, so keep reading our summary to learn why sea water is good for your hair.
It works as a natural shampoo
If you have greasy hair, washing it with salty water from time to time can help get rid of heavy oils by absorbing them from the scalp. It also removes shampoo and conditioner leftover leaving the hair lighter and smoother.
Exfoliates the scalp
Salt water thickens the hair and promotes its growth by working as a natural exfoliator. Massaging the salt crystals into your scalp before washing it can provide you with numerous benefits.
It will open up the blocked pores and like this, stimulates the blood flow. Also, the mineral-rich sand particles remove product build-up from the scalp, resulting in thicker-looking, shinier hair and allowing proper growth.
Rich in minerals and nutrients
Sea water contains nutrients and vitamins that can be absorbed by your skin as well as your scalp. These minerals have various benefits for the body and mind. Magnesium calms the nerves, while potassium and selenium support hair growth.
Tip: even if you don’t live near the ocean or can’t afford to go for a vacation can enjoy these wonderful benefits! Get hair care products that contain natural sea salt!
It has anti-fungal properties
Many people suffer from dandruff that surprisingly often originates from a fungus that can be effectively treated with salty water.
The salt particles soak up the moisture from the scalp forcing the fungi to spend more energy to achieve osmosis that results in slower fungal growth. As a result, your hair will look a lot healthier!
Should you wash your hair after swimming in the ocean?
Prolonged exposure to ocean water can lead to irreversible damage to your hair, so it is essential that you rinse/wash it after swimming in the sea as soon as possible to prevent the build-up of sodium chloride (salt) on it.
Rinsing it with fresh water is important; you will not just remove salt but also sand, dirt and debris particles, and other chemicals that may get stuck in your hair from the water. With thorough cleaning and applying the right shampoo and conditioner, you can easily prevent damage even if you are a regular beachgoer.
Conclusion
While saltwater offers a range of benefits for your hair, such as natural exfoliation, oil absorption, and promoting hair growth, overexposure can lead to dryness, tangling, and damage, especially for those with colored or chemically treated hair. By understanding both the advantages and drawbacks of seawater, you can better protect your hair during beach outings. Make sure to rinse your hair with fresh water after swimming to remove salt and other impurities, and consider using protective hairstyles and nourishing hair care products to keep your locks healthy and beach-ready. With the right care, you can enjoy the beach without compromising the health of your hair!
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