If you’re someone with curly hair, then you know the importance of proper care for keeping your curls looking healthy and lustrous.
For many people, a traditional shower routine with shampoo and conditioner is essential; however, there are alternatives out there that could be beneficial to curl health. Saltwater in particular is becoming more popular among those with curly tresses — but is saltwater good for curly hair?
In this post, we’ll explore how saltwater can work wonders on wayward coils while also introducing ways to ensure it doesn't end up doing any damage to them either. Read on as we uncover if saltwater can be used in place of shampoo and conditioner on your curls!
Is Salt Water Good for Curly Hair and Skin Routines
Saltwater can be a great ally to any curly hair and skin routine, as it tinkers with the body's pH level to enhance your routine.
Salty ocean air helps to break down oil on the scalp, while salty water works wonders on the skin while swimming, providing an exfoliation experience and replenishing important minerals like magnesium, zinc, and potassium.
The nutrient-rich salt water helps to reduce inflammation of the scalp and keeps your curls hydrated and strong. For a bit of extra pampering, add some essential oils or leave-in conditioner to a bucket of salt water for a nourishing treatment fit for royalty.
All in all, salt water can help create beautiful curly locks when used as part of an effective routine.
Tips For Curly Hair Care Routine
One of the best tips for curly hair growth is a DIY sea salt spray. However, some other tips are as follows.
Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner
When it comes to shampooing and conditioning your hair, you want to be sure to use products that are designed for curly hair. These products will be gentler on your hair and will help to preserve your natural curl pattern.
Avoid using shampoos and conditioners that contain harsh chemicals, as these can strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture. Alternatively, you can add essential oil to your haircare routine to promote hair growth.
Best Sulfate Free Option
Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Curly Hair Sulfate Free Shampoo
Use a wide-tooth comb
When combing or brushing your hair, be sure to use a wide-tooth comb. This type of comb will help to prevent breakage and will not tug on your curls. Start at the bottom of your hair and work your way up, slowly working out any knots or tangles.
Use a leave-in conditioner
Leave-in conditioners are a great way to add moisture and shine to your hair. Be sure to apply the conditioner evenly from root to tip, and then use a wide-tooth comb to distribute it evenly through your hair.
Use an anti-frizz serum
If you have frizzy hair, an anti-frizz serum can be a lifesaver. Apply the serum evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the ends. This will help to tame any frizz and will give your hair a sleek, polished look.
Use a diffuser when drying your hair
If you have curly hair, it is best to air dry it whenever possible. However, if you need to use a blow dryer, be sure to use a diffuser attachment. This attachment will help to distribute the heat evenly and will prevent your curls from becoming frizzy or damaged.
Best to Dry Curly Hair
Wavytalk Professional Ionic Hair Dryer Blow Dryer with Diffuser
Sleep with a satin pillowcase
Sleeping on a satin pillowcase can help to prevent damage to your hair while you sleep. The smooth fabric helps to reduce friction, which can cause breakage and split ends. If you don't have a satin pillowcase, you can also sleep with a silk scarf wrapped around your head.
Trim your hair regularly
Trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks can help to keep it healthy and looking its best. Regular trims help to get rid of split ends and damaged strands, and can also help encourage healthy growth
Frequently Asked Questions
Curly hair can be a challenge to manage, especially if you don't know how to take care of it properly. Most people with curly hair use shampoo and conditioners that are designed for straight hair. This can dry out your curls and make them frizzy.
Saltwater is great for curly hair. It helps to define the curls and makes them less frizzy. You can use it in a spray bottle or wash your hair with sea salt water to tame the fine hair and give you smooth beach waves.
Does Salt Water change your hair?
Yes, salt water can change your hair. It acts as a natural exfoliant that helps to remove product build-up and excess oils from the scalp and hair shafts. This will in turn leave your hair looking healthier and shinier than before.
Additionally, the high minerals present in salt water can help strengthen the roots of your hair, giving you more consistent volume with less breakage. You can get wavy beach hair when the excess oil is removed from your hair.
However, frequent rinsing of your locks with salt water for extended periods may lead to dryness and damage due to over-exfoliation, so it's best to limit use as needed for desired results.
Does sea salt spray work on straight hair?
Yes, sea salt spray will work on straight hair. Sea salt sprays contain ingredients that help to create a natural-looking texture and volume in the hair. This can give the illusion of added body and movement to straighter hairstyles, which can be especially beneficial for those with fine or thin hair.
The key is to use a light hand when applying the product; too much product can leave your locks feeling heavy and greasy, so start out with a small amount and then build as needed.
Why does salt water make hair wavy?
Salt water makes hair wavy because when salt is dissolved in water, it creates a solution with a higher osmotic pressure than the cells of the hair. This difference in osmotic pressure causes water to be drawn out of each cell, making them swell and resulting in waves or curls.
The swelling is also enhanced by dehydration as salt helps to draw moisture out from the hair shaft. As a result, swimmer's hair often has more texture and definition due to its exposure to saltwater.
Why does my hair look better at the beach?
At the beach, your hair benefits from a combination of several elements. The ocean water contains magnesium, calcium, and other minerals which can help nourish your hair and give it a glossy shine.
Additionally, because the air near the beach is normally humidified by the sea breeze, your hair won’t dry out as much as it usually would leading to a healthier look. Salt water also adds volume to hair which results in better styling when you get out of the water.
Finally, a day at the beach means plenty of sun exposure which helps keep your hair healthy and vibrant due to Vitamin D absorption!
How to scrunch curly hair texture?
The best way to scrunch curly hair is by applying a leave-in conditioner or a curling cream while your hair is still damp. Leave it in for at least ten minutes before starting the scrunched look. To actually create the style, take one section of your damp curls and hold it away from your head with one hand.
While you do this, use your other hand to push up on the ends of the curl so that they form peaks. Then, hold each peak with your fingers and continue pushing them upward until they are all scrunched up together at the top of that strand.
Repeat this process for each section of curls until you have gotten all of them done, then let it air dry or use a diffuser if desired!
How can I bring out my natural curls?
To bring out your natural curls, start by caring for them properly. Use a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for curly hair to ensure they are well hydrated and moisturized at all times.
Avoid using heat tools, as this will damage the delicate curls and cause them to appear limp and lifeless. When styling, use curl-enhancing creams or gels that contain naturally derived ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, or aloe vera which can help lock in moisture and hold your style in place without weighing it down.
For best results, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair after applying the product. Finally, finish off with a diffuser when blow-drying your wet hair or damp hair for bouncy-looking curls!
Will sea salt spray make straight hair curly?
No, sea salt spray will not make straight hair curly. Sea salt sprays are designed to add texture and volume to hair, not curl it. In order for your hair to take on a curl or wave pattern, you need to use products that contain ingredients such as waxes or oils.
These products help create the desired shape by coating the individual strands of your hair and weighing them down so they cling to each other. Some types of styles using curls also require heat in order for them to stay in place longer.
What makes hair curly vs straight?
Curly hair is a result of the shape of individual follicles. Each follicle has a specific shape that determines the type and pattern of curl, which can be straight, wavy, or tightly curly. The amount and angle of disulfide bonds in the cortex layer affect how much it will bend around itself.
In straight hair, these bonds are more uniform creating less defined curls when exposed to moisture or humidity. On the other hand, in curly hair these bonds are more jagged leading to sharper bends and more defined curls when exposed to moisture or humidity.
Conclusion
After researching whether or not salt water is good for curly hair, it is safe to say that saltwater can have both positive and negative effects. Depending on your hair type and the type of products you use, you may find that saltwater works wonders for your curls or it might make your strands dry and brittle.
Ultimately, if you’re considering using salt water as a styling aid, be sure to do a patch test first to determine if it's going to work for you.
Additionally, regular conditioning treatments – with products designed specifically for curly hair types – are also important to lock in moisture and protect against humidity-induced frizz. That way you can have gorgeous curls no matter what season it is!
