This salt water spray for curly hair types (oily hair, thick hair, fine hair…whatever your hair texture!) is an easy DIY way to get beachy waves at home!
Yup, my blog is Pulling Curls. You’d be surprised to find out how many people think it’s a hair blog.
However, if people saw my daughter’s hair every day — they’d know it truly this is not a hair blog.
And I don’t have a hair podcast, but I talked about this some on mine:
BUT, I have found something that has entirely made a difference for this curly-haired girl lately!
And that is sea salt spray hair products.
BTW, I also love this is my favorite conditioner, followed by this gel straight out of the shower. I LOVE this to brush through my hair in the shower.
Here are a few other hair posts that you might find helpful:
- Pulling Curls Curly Girl Hair Routine
- Best Ways to Shave While Pregnant: Answers from a labor nurse
- Apple Cider Vinegar for Itchy Scalp: Also includes Essential Oils & More
Salt Water Spray for Curly Hair
I knew that when I visited the beach I loved how my hair was afterward. Just looked great, and less frizzy. I always felt so sad when I had to wash it.
I saw that they sold saltwater texturizing spray but it can be SUPER pricey — so I wanted to try to make my own diy sea salt spray. As always, Pinterest came through for me! At first I tried this one.
And I really liked it — until summer ended and my coconut oil started to solidify.
So now I use:
- 1 C distilled water
- 1 T Sea Salt (seems to work better than the stuff I keep next to the stove)
- 1-2 t Hair oil of choice (for best results I now use a fractionated coconut oil to keep it from solidifying — and I probably use a full T because my hair is SO dry).
- I also often add a bit of an essential oil of choice (this one’s mine) because the smell makes me happy
**I have found mold (or something) growing in my bottle, and if that happens to you, I’d recommend using distilled water, but you can also use tapwater. That may be an Arizona thing. 🙂
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I use a funnel to get the salt in my spray bottle, the rest I just pour in — and then shake it all up!
I actually use this in the mornings. I used to just spray water, but now I spray my secret weapon natural sea salt spray. One bottle of sea salt spray doesn’t last me long – but since it’s not expensive to make (at all) I don’t mind.
Be sure to use a good spray bottle. I like a smaller one — like one of these.
I even have a small travel spray bottle I take with me now — I won’t be found without it!
What about you — have you tried a spray that you think is the best sea salt spray to give your natural hair beach waves?
If you’re interested in what I’m currently doing with these curls (I have a post about it here) — I use various conditioners (using this tip) in the shower. Then I use this mixed with just a few drops of this — and finger comb it through my hair. Then, I scrunch with my gel du jour (I wish I could find one I love, currently I just grab some at the drugstore)
FAQ for beachy look wavy hair
Q: Will sea salt sprays clog my hair follicles?
A: Actually, it will help unclog your hair follicles and also absorb excess oil, and in some cases can promote hair growth. It can also make dry hair even more dry, so make sure you are using what works best for your hair type.
Q: What is the best way to use sea salt spray, on dry or damp hair?
A: You can put it on dry or damp hair!
Q: Do I have to have natural curls to get beachy texture or wavy beach hair look?
A: If you have straight hair, sea salt spray won’t magically give you effortless waves. The spray basically enhances the natural waves in your hair.
Related Post: Apple cider vinegar for itchy scalp
I have a whole post about it right here:
Candace says
I made an diy salt spray, although I didn’t use oil. It made my head itch. I should try this and see if it works better!
Hilary says
Huh — I wonder why it made it itch. Mine’s been pretty itchy lately… I hope it’s not related. 🙁
Candace Cox says
I followed your formula and it didn’t itch! Several different hair products bother me, some hair sprays make my head itch ????
Hilary Erickson says
That’s so great! Glad it worked! Everything makes my head itch. 🙂
June says
When I put product on my hair (it’s really long). I just put it on my hair and not my head…like maybe from the ears down…maybe that may help you?
Hilary Erickson says
Hmm… -maybe it would!
Shannon says
Do you just let your hair air dry or do you diffuse it after you use the salt spray?
Hilary says
Just air dry!
Danelle says
I love Marc Anthony Strictly Curl, Curl Envy. I put it on after Moroccan oil and let my hair air dry. Wonderful curly hair product!
Hilary Erickson says
Interesting! I’ll have to check it out!
Lisa says
That’s what I use too!
Jen says
Salt sprays always leave my hair dry and course, almost crunchy feeling. I wanted to try them to see if they could help stretch out my curls but haven’t had much luck.
Hilary Erickson says
Have you added an oil to it? I find its worse when I didn’t put in enough oil ….
Tiffany says
I have pretty LONG curly hair and I can’t wait to try this in my morning regimen. But I wanted to suggest some hair products that have been fabulous for my hair. . I use all things Cantu, the shampoo and conditioner, the leave in conditioner and the curling gel. I used to love their curling cream, but they have changed the formula and I don’t like it as much.
Tiffany says
Oh and I use fractionated coconut oil, that would work since it stays liquid.
Hilary Erickson says
OH! I didn’t know that was an option! I’ll have to cheeck it out!
Jen says
You can save a ton of cash and buy it in the cooking isle, it’s the same fractionated oil as what you would find in the beauty department.
Hilary Erickson says
ahhh… interesting!
Hilary Erickson says
I hate it when I find something I like and then it changes! 🙁 I’ll have to look at it!
Carrie says
I’m interested to try this!
Have you ever made your own flax seed gel? It’s the only thing I’ve been using for years.
Hilary Erickson says
Oh… NO! That sounds interesting, I’ll have to google it!
Janice says
The written directions say 2 teaspoons of oil. .. utube video states 1 teaspoon. Would it matter?
Hilary Erickson says
Oh man, thousands of visotors, and you’re the only one to notice. 🙂 I’d say 1-2 depending on if your hair is often greasy or needs more oil. 🙂
JMac says
I have naturally curly/very wavy hair, and found that the OGX (sulfate free) shampoos and conditioners work best for me. I also LOVE your sea salt spray! I spray on towel-dried damp hair and let hair dry. I found it also works best if you pull up your hair and spray it in layers, if that makes sense.
Hilary Erickson says
Oooo… interesting! I’ll have to look at that one!
Anne says
I use spray bottle with 2 T of Epsom salt with lavender , a few dollops of conditioner and hot water. Shake, spray, and this is my rejuvenation for leftover curly hair and don’t want to wash. I can do it for over a week.
Hilary Erickson says
Ooo, that sounds helpful! I need to grab some epson salts!
Kelly says
I use Avocado oil, it’s light but not greasy. I was never happy with the coconut oil. I can’t wait to try the sea salt spray.
Hilary Erickson says
Ooo, this is a good idea!
Lisa says
I used this for the first time this morning and I’m having the best hair day I’ve had in a very long time! Thank you so much!
Hilary Erickson says
Woot-woot — I’m having a great hair day too!
Kristy says
This is a great formula for curly hair. So much for sharing. Loving my curls again.
Hilary Erickson says
glad it helps!
Nancy says
So, I love your sea salt recipe! My question is how do you keep the spray bottle from clogging. I used your second bottle , as I already had one. It immediately clogged. I had to end up pouring some of the sea salt solution into my cupped hand and putting it in that way. I’d like to be able to spray it on… I’d think it would go on more evenly. Suggestions?
Hilary Erickson says
Are you using the oil that stays liquid even in cold? I’ve never had one clog…. when I use that oil.