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sea salt spray for hair
  • Beauty

DIY Sea Salt Spray For Hair

Katie WellsJul 27, 2022
Reading Time: 4 min

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Beauty » DIY Sea Salt Spray For Hair
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Creating Your Own Beach Waves Spray
  • Sea Salt Spray Supplies+−
    • All About That Base
    • Essential Oils for Sea Salt Spray
  • DIY Sea Salt Spray For Hair
  • How to Use Sea Salt Spray For Hair
  • Best Sea Salt Sprays to Buy

Second to Dry Shampoo, sea salt spray is probably my most used hair product, and it’s also super easy to make yourself!

Sea salt spray or beach waves spray has gained popularity lately, and it’s the product most often used for those popular beachy waves. It gives off surfer girl vibes. Many of the sea salt sprays leave hair feeling dry, as the salt pulls moisture and natural oils out.

The gold standard of beach sprays for hair (in my opinion) is Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray with hydrating kelp. While this spray works great it’s still a conventional hair product and has some ingredients I prefer not to use. I do like that it uses magnesium sulfate (aka Epsom Salt) instead of sea salt, which makes it less drying to the hair. It also has some natural oils (aka conditioner) to replenish hair.

Creating Your Own Beach Waves Spray

I set out to create my own version of sea salt spray for hair that didn’t have any of the questionable ingredients. The result is one of the simplest natural hair care recipes to make. And it costs so much less than store-bought versions.

Homemade Beach Waves Texturizing Spray

It adds great texture and volume to hair without harsh chemicals. If you make it yourself, you can also customize it to your hair type to get the texture you want.

If you have drier hair, then feel free to experiment by adding some jojoba or argan oil. For a light hold, omit the sea salt and just use the Epsom salts. For those with wavy hair or curly hair, this sea salt spray can help tame frizz for a tousled look.

I use this all the time and it works great, even on my hair that can be hard to tame and really hard to get to hold a curl. In fact, I used this on the cover of my cookbook. I got a lot of questions about how I got my hair to stay like that and if I used natural products (I did).

My whole protocol for the cookbook cover hair was texturizing spray and dry shampoo for volume, this ceramic curling wand for curl/waves, and sugar and salt spray to set.

Sea Salt Spray Supplies

You’ll need a spray bottle that holds at least 10 oz. I originally used a glass bottle made from an old apple cider vinegar bottle and a regular spray top.

Because this is a natural product and doesn’t have a preservative (other than the salt and alcohol), it won’t last as long as store-bought versions. It’s best to keep it in the fridge and use it within a few weeks. If you don’t think you’ll use it that quickly then cut the recipe in half.

All About That Base

Sometimes I’ll use chamomile tea or black tea instead of water in this recipe. Chamomile helps lighten hair by accentuating natural highlights. Black tea helps to darken hair. If you’re using tea though, the spray will only last approximately 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge. If it smells off or develops a different texture before that, then pitch it.

To help deter microbe growth it’s important to use either distilled or filtered water in this recipe. If using filtered water boil it first and then allow it to cool a bit before using.

Essential Oils for Sea Salt Spray

You don’t have to add essential oils but it adds a nice scent to hair. Read more about the best essential oils for hair here. My favorites for this salt spray are lavender and citrus but here are some good options.

  • Lavender
  • Tangerine
  • Sweet Orange
  • Grapefruit
  • Lemon
  • Lime
  • Rosemary
  • Cedarwood
  • Ylang ylang
  • Geranium
sea salt spray for hair

DIY Sea Salt Spray For Hair

Katie Wells
This sea salt spray uses all natural ingredients for that beachy waves look.
4.73 from 11 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Total Time 5 mins
Servings 10 ounces

Equipment

  • Glass spray bottle

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup water filtered or distilled
  • 2 TBSP Epsom salts
  • ½ tsp Himalayan salt or sea salt
  • 1 tsp aloe vera gel
  • ½ tsp natural conditioner
  • 5-10 drops essential oils
  • 1 tsp lemon juice optional to lighten hair
  • 1 tsp alcohol optional to extend shelf life

Instructions
 

  • Add all of the ingredients to a spray bottle.
  • Put the cap on the bottle and shake for several minutes, until Epsom salt and sea salt are dissolved.
  • Shake well before each use.

Notes

Shelf life and storage: Store your sea salt spray in the fridge. If using lemon juice or tea as a base then use within 1-2 weeks. If you just use the distilled water and don’t add the tea or lemon, then use it within one month. 
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

How to Use Sea Salt Spray For Hair

Spray on damp hair and scrunch with a towel to dry for loose beach waves. Spray on dry hair and on roots for volume and hair texture without the waves. It helps thinning hair and fine hair to look fuller.

If you have thin, straight hair and you want all-day natural waves: Wash your hair the night before and spray it with the sea salt wave spray while still damp. Then, either french braid it into pigtails or wrap it in a tight scrunched bun on top of your head. and leave overnight to air dry.

Spritz with a little more salt water spray and remove the braid/bun. Voila- all-day beach waves. Spray with additional spray and scrunch if you want a hairstyle with more stiffness.

Best Sea Salt Sprays to Buy

Don’t have time to make it? Here are some paraben-free and overall healthy sea salt spray for hair options.

  • Beauty by Earth Sea Salt and Texturizing Spray
  • Brickell Texturizing Sea Salt Spray
  • Alaffia Purely Coconut Texturizing Spray

Ever used Sea Salt Spray? Ever made your own hair products? Tell me below!

Category: Beauty

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

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Reader Interactions

Discussion (262 Comments)

  1. Jenny P

    June 4, 2012 at 4:59 PM

    I have everything but the aloe vera gel, do you think I could get the same effect without it?  Or should I go grab a little for this? 

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      June 4, 2012 at 7:09 PM

      You probably can… It’s just for the moisture and shine… Let me know how it works!

      Reply
  2. Jocelyn

    June 1, 2012 at 12:43 AM

    Thanks to another great blog (Crunchy Betty, if you’re wondering!), I tried rinsing my hair with the water that quinoa has been washed in. Pour it through your hair after washing, leave in for 3 minutes, then rinse out. I have fine hair that wants to wave, but can’t so much and this little trick gives me silky waves. It’s amazing! I am definitely trying your recipe, though. I absolutely love beach hair! Thanks for the share!

    Reply
    • Claire

      June 2, 2014 at 8:45 PM

      Hmm! I’ve got to try this. My hair is like that, too… doesn’t want to be stick straight, but not quite a wave, either. I better get to rinsing some quinoa. 😉 Do you know how long a shelf life it has?

      Reply
  3. roxanne

    June 1, 2012 at 12:32 AM

    This is fantastic!  I buy those beach hair sprays and they are expensive!  I’m definitely gonna try this!

    Reply
  4. Amy Stadler

    May 31, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    I have thicker hair that is sadly prone to frizz 🙁 does this cause a lot of frizz or control frizz at all? It looks great and I hate having to dry & straighten my hair everyday or pull it back in a pony tail when I don’t feel like it.

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      May 31, 2012 at 11:19 PM

      Mine frizzes somewhat easily too and this didn’t cause frizz at all. I’d add a little extra oil or conditioner if you’re worried about it though…

      Reply
  5. Cari Osborne

    May 31, 2012 at 6:41 PM

    I just want to say THANK YOU! I have recently educated myself about the dangers of chemicals in household products and as I’ve been looking for alternative solutions I came across your site. It is THE most complete (and useful) site I’ve found for making your own without being too complicated, and the things I’ve tried so far really work! Thank you so much!

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      June 1, 2012 at 10:40 AM

      Thanks 🙂

      Reply
    • Kes Wilder

      January 19, 2020 at 4:29 AM

      What are your thoughts on using rubbing alcohol instead of vodka?

      Reply
  6. Wellness Mama

    May 31, 2012 at 11:41 AM

    Inspired by the commercial versions that have mostly the same ingredients but are really expensive 🙂 and thanks 🙂

    Reply
    • Armando

      July 23, 2014 at 9:22 AM

      Hi,

      Thanks for the tips!

      I was interested in making this, and I would like to know if this recipe needs a natural preservative in it for shelf life, especially if we’re using an essential oil in it. Can bacteria even survive in a salt based solution?

      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Wellness Mama

        July 23, 2014 at 2:14 PM

        Well, yes, it can.It’s best to store it in the fridge if you are concerned.

        Reply
  7. Chan Rambo

    May 31, 2012 at 9:12 AM

    That is AWESOME! I’ve seen “homemade salt spray” recipes before, but they always call for adding some commercial hair gel, which for me defeats the purpose of avoiding those chemicals. I make my own shampoo and conditioner, but have not had any success with homemade styling product yet – this looks like it could be my first big win in that arena. Thank you!

    Reply
  8. Brianne

    May 30, 2012 at 11:34 PM

    I can’t wait to try this! I’m almost out of my “Dream Curls” spray, which is very similar to the beach waves spray… So you’ve saved me a trip to the store! 
    And I agree with Smoochagator above — nice to see a picture of YOU! You’re lovely! 

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      May 31, 2012 at 11:42 AM

      Awwww… Thanks 🙂 let me know how it works for you

      Reply
  9. Las

    May 30, 2012 at 8:10 PM

    I love it!!  Having the Beach wave hair without going to the beach.  I often do mine through curling iron then using my hands to separate the waves.  I will try this one soon, but one question, won’t it leave the hair stiff and dry?

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      May 30, 2012 at 9:28 PM

      It does leave hair a little stiff, but it hold the waves in. It is surprisingly like actual beach hair…

      Reply
    • Ginessa

      May 5, 2014 at 11:47 AM

      yes that salt does wonders for thin hair

      Reply
  10. Smarna

    May 30, 2012 at 7:33 PM

    This. Is. So. Cool! I can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
    • Ann Marie

      October 11, 2014 at 1:57 AM

      I know this was posted awhile ago but I wanted to say thanks. Also, you do not have a big nose, you look lovely without make-up (what I can see you), you have good photography skills, good to see your daughter eating an apple and the bookshelf is neat.
      You have nothing to apologize for lovely lady.

      Reply
    • Georgia

      March 21, 2015 at 9:26 AM

      I made this a while ago and used it for a while until I realized that the salt was drying out my hair from the tips up. They felt like straw. This is bad since my hair has always been really healthy.

      Reply
      • sarah

        November 6, 2015 at 11:33 AM

        Once a week or so- do a oil treatment to your hair-
        I love coconut oil but most any will do –
        Drench hair in oil and leave on wrapped in a towel for a half hour to an hour-
        Oil ruins everything -so use a towel you dont care for.
        Then wash out- begin by working shampoo in and then adding in water,
        this helps break down the oil and your hair is beautiful and healthy looking again!
        Hope that is helpful and lets you enjoy beach hair when you want without drying out your hair.

        Reply
        • Vanessa

          December 8, 2015 at 10:48 PM

          Great tip for oil removing: dish detergent is awesome for removing oil stains, even the gunked up mechanic oil stains.

          Reply
          • Haydee

            June 24, 2016 at 8:52 AM

            Dawn brand-name dish soap is GREAT for removing clothes stains… The secret with oil stains is to try getting rid of it as soon as possible. I always have a little oil perfume roll-on bottle filled with it in my purse for accidents when eating out.

          • Jon

            November 17, 2018 at 12:31 PM

            Mayonnaise is fantastic for removing oil too, even vaseline (that’s how I discovered it! 1920’s fancy dress…), it emulsifies it all super fast, and washes out with soap/shampoo. A bit weird, I know, but useful especially if dish soap turns out to be a bit harsh or ineffective.

    • Carla

      June 17, 2015 at 10:08 PM

      Leaves the worst feeling on my hair! Feels dry and icky. Or better yet, feels like straw!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        April 5, 2016 at 11:25 PM

        That’s pretty much what sea salt spray does! It can feel kind of icky but the texture really helps with styling as clean hair is often so hard to style & hold in place.

        Reply
    • Diana Presence

      March 4, 2016 at 4:25 PM

      Thanks wellness mama, i am so thankful to use your receipe today. This is what i was looking for long ago. I used it today,but my whole hair was white,and i started itching alot. Is there something that i used that was wrong? Will u please tell me? I so much needed this for my hair. What i used was: hot water,alo vera gel, epsom salt,conditioner and drops of scent. What did i do wrong pls? Diana.

      Reply
      • Wellness Mama

        March 4, 2016 at 7:36 PM

        What kind of conditioner did you use?

        Reply
        • Lauren

          March 27, 2016 at 7:17 AM

          Can I substitute kosher salt for the sea salt?

          Reply
          • Wellness Mama

            March 27, 2016 at 1:26 PM

            Yes, but it might be a bit more flaky…

    • Erica

      August 20, 2016 at 4:34 PM

      I’ve been using for about 6 months and I really like it. I wash at night, use the spray and let my hair dry while I sleep. Just a little more spray in the morning cures bed head. The build up of salt will make your hair feel dry, I find that this is easily cured with a good conditioner like coconut oil, smashed avocado or mayo once weekly fixes the issue. Good luck!

      Reply
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