Many people firmly believe that salt water has positive effects on both skin and hair, particularly the scalp. Given the abundance of vitamins and minerals in salt water, merely spending time in the sea has the potential to nourish the scalp and hair. But when the hair is overexposed to salt water, it can also dry out the hair, just as it can do the skin.

Considering this, using salt water for your hair is a double-edged sword. 

In this article, we aim to answer the question 'is salt water good for your hair?' by first understanding the benefits of salt water. Then we look at some precautions you must take to avoid damage. And finally, we look at the ways you can use salt water in your hair care routine to get maximum benefits.

Table of Contents:

• Is Salt Water Good for Your Hair?
• Benefits of Salt Water for Hair
• Precautions for Using Salt Water on Hair
• How to Use Salt Water on Your Hair
• Make a Shampoo
• Make a Pre-Conditioner Solution
• Make a Leave-in Treatment
• Make a Simple Rinsing Solution 

Is Salt Water Good for Your Hair?

Salt water is naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. In particular, potassium, sulfur, and magnesium can be found in abundance in seawater. They all have therapeutic benefits for the hair and skin. 

Additionally, sea salt naturally exfoliates the skin, which may help to promote scalp clarity. For oily or greasy scalps, this is especially helpful to encourage stronger tresses and healthy growth.

So, when used in moderation, salt water can provide extensive benefits for the hair.

Benefits of Salt Water for Hair

Following are the most notable benefits of salt water for hair:

• The salt crystals in seawater give your hair more body and relieve irritated, dry, and flaky scalps. 
• The water contains vitamins and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and selenium. All of them help in maintaining healthy hair, and salt water also removes elements like mercury that are bad for hair. 
• In addition to stimulating blood circulation in the scalp, salt water is a fantastic exfoliator. As a result, the hair follicles receive more nutrients, leading to healthier hair. 
• Salt has anti-fungal qualities and, by lowering moisture, aids in the removal of dandruff brought on by fungus.
  
  
• Seawater can act as a natural shampoo. It makes the hair smoother by removing extra sebum and heavy oils from it. For those whose hair is already naturally greasy, this is especially beneficial. Additionally, it aids in removing any remaining conditioner and shampoo from the hair. 
• Sea water can be used to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis and has an antibiotic effect on the scalp. Cuts and abrasions can also be soothed with salt water.

Precautions for Using Salt Water on Hair

If you recently used chemicals on your hair, such as hair dye or bleach, it is not advised to expose it to seawater. The nutrients in treated hair have already been stripped away, and adding salt water will cause the hair to lose even more moisture. 

Additionally, prolonged exposure to salt water can cause dyed hair to fade. As a way around this, you can apply nourishing hair oil to your scalp and tresses before you dive into the sea.

Your hair strands will be protected by the oil while also allowing the scalp to absorb essential nutrients. To keep your hair moisturized and soft, you could also use a deep-conditioning hair mask. 

It's crucial to wash your hair, as the salt will dry out your hair if it's left in there for too long. Ensure that your shampoo does not contain any harsh chemicals and sulfates, or parabens.

How to Use Salt Water on Your Hair

Going to the beach is an easy way to get the benefits of salt water for hair. But what to do when you don't live close to the beach or when going to the beach is not an easy option?

Try one of the following ways to incorporate salt water into your haircare routine. You can use simple table salt or choose sea salt, both of which can be easily found at the supermarket.

• Make a Shampoo

In a container, thoroughly combine two parts castile soap with three parts sea salt. Use this mixture to wash your hair for about 15 minutes, and then wash it with cold water to get rid of the residue.

• Make a Pre-Conditioner Solution

Mix half a cup of salt with one cup of water and stir until the salt is dissolved completely. Pour the solution over wet hair after shampooing it and massage it into the scalp for up to one minute. Then rinse it off with cold water.

For extra conditioning, use a nourishing conditioner after rinsing off the salt water.

• Make a Leave-in Treatment

To make this salt water treatment, combine one tablespoon of warm water and one tablespoon of sea salt in a spray bottle and mix till the salt is dissolved. Add one tablespoon of leave-in conditioner and one tablespoon of coconut oil next. Mix the solution until it blends, and spray it on your scalp to treat various conditions.

• Make a Simple Rinsing Solution

Simply mix three tablespoons of salt with warm water and use this solution to rinse your scalp and hair. Follow it up with a cold-water rinse to avoid split ends and frizz. You can also massage this solution into your scalp for a few minutes before washing it off.

Saltwater can provide immense benefits to your hair if used in moderation and the right way. You can try some of the tips given above to incorporate salt water into your hair care routine. If you've been wondering 'is salt water good for your hair’, you have your answer now!

Explore the WOW website for more natural hair care products. From our all natural sulfate, silicone and paraben-free hair care collection we recommend Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Red Onion Black Seed Oil Shampoo. And if you would like to learn more about apple cider vinegar's benefits or onion oil's benefits check out our ultimate guide on how to use them on your hair.