Know the Truth: Is Salt Water Good For Your Hair?
Hair loss is a very common problem faced by millions of people, and they often look for natural remedies to prevent it.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Itâs normal to shed 50 to 100 hairs daily.
Saltwater or Seawater is a remedy that has gained popularity among natural hair care people.
There are some pros and cons to the use of salt for good hair.
However, the question remains – is salt water good for your hair?
This article will explore the relationship between salt water and hair, including the potential benefits and drawbacks.
So, if you are curious about the effects of salt water on your hair, read on to find out more.
Pros of salt water for hair
Saltwater can add texture and volume to hair, creating natural-looking beachy waves.
It can also cleanse the scalp and hair by removing excess oil and product buildup.
Salt water can help to lighten hair naturally, creating a sun-kissed look without chemical dyes.
Dense hair
Saltwater crystals add volume to the hair. This can be very good if you want to increase the volume.
This extra salt makes hair dry and lifts the hair cuticles.
It can even make the scalp more prone to further moisture loss.
Nutrients
Sea water contains various nutrients which the body needs for healthy growth.
Magnesium present in seawater helps strengthen the nervous system and calms the body.
It is absorbed through the skin and is healthy for the nerves.
Healthy nerves and less stress can help in healthy hair growth.
Exfoliation and increased blood flow
Saltwater crystals can be an excellent exfoliator to help remove product buildup from the scalp and hair roots.
This also stimulates blood flow to the scalp if the scalp is massaged using a salt scrub.
Massaging the scalp after your hair dries up has various benefits by simulating blood flow.
Antifungal properties
Salt can help against dandruff due to fungus; salt has antifungal properties.
Fungi have to spend more energy to achieve osmosis in salt water than in freshwater.
This leads to the slow growth of fungi and helps prevent further infection.
Grease remover and natural shampoo
Saltwater can help remove excess oil from the scalp, acting as a dry shampoo.
It absorbs excess oil present on the scalp present near the roots.
This may help you wash your hair less frequently as needed regularly.
Remember that frequent hair washing can cause severe damage to your hair.
Cons of salt water for hair
Excessive exposure to salt water can negatively affect hair, such as drying it out and causing breakage.
Saltwater can also strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to increased damage.
Prolonged exposure to salt water can lead to scalp irritation and dandruff.
Scalp and hair dehydration
The salt present in the water is hygroscopic in nature. It means it attracts more water to your hair and forms salt crystals.
Those crystals provide extra volume to the hair but also remove moisture from your hair strands.
It makes your hair dry, brittle, and fragile, leading them to be more prone to breakage.
Extreme dryness
If you have used dye or bleach before, coming in contact with salt water can worsen the hair condition.
Chemical treatments take off the natural nutrients present in the hair strands.
This can cause dandruff, itching, and redness on the scalp.
Moreover, the hygroscopic properties of salt water take away moisture.
This leads to extra brittle hairs and is more fragile to get broken.
How to keep healthy hair in salt water?
Swimming in salt water can affect your hair, such as drying and breaking.
However, the following are some steps you can take to keep your hair healthy.
Rinse your hair well
You can rinse your hair with fresh water before going into salty water.
By doing so, your hair will absorb fresh water, and there will be lesser space for saltwater.
On the other hand, you can rinse your hair after exposure to saltwater.
This can help prevent excessive salt crystal buildup on the hair strands.
Moreover, other stuff like sand, dirt, and chemicals will also be removed by washing.
Use hydrating shampoo and conditioner
You can use hydrating shampoos and conditioners to provide hydration and energy to your hair.
Also, you can moisturize your hair using live-in conditioner or natural oils so hair strands don’t dry.
Swim caps
While going out for a swim in seawater, you can consider wearing a swim cap.
It helps in preventing salt water from reacting with your hair or scalp.
The cap is very tight and can be uncomfortable for some users.
Conclusion
Saltwater can be good for your hair in moderation, but excessive exposure can cause damage.
It can add texture and volume to hair, create natural waves, and lighten hair without chemical dyes.
However, salt water can also strip the hair’s natural oils, leading to dryness, breakage, and frizz.
To keep hair healthy in salt water, rinse with fresh water before and after swimming.
Apply protective products, and consider wearing a swim cap can also help.
By taking these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of salt water without damaging your hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does salt water cause hair loss?
Saltwater can be beneficial if used properly. But, regular saltiness in increased temperature can cause hair shedding. It can also lead to other hair problems, such as a dry scalp, twin ends, and dandruff.
Is saltwater good for hair growth?
Sea salt is ideal for promoting hair growth. You should take sea salt for natural stimulation of hair growth if you have alopecia, which is hair loss. Shampoo your hair as usual, then gently massage sea salt for 10 to 15 minutes into the wet scalp. Wash it off after the massage.
Can you leave saltwater in your hair overnight?
Saltwater and chlorinated water can harm your hair if left overnight. Suppose you don’t immediately wash your hair with fresh water after swimming. In that case, the saltwater may remain in your hair for the rest of the day, causing dryness and cracking.
How to protect your hair from salt water?
Applying a leave-in conditioner before swimming can help protect your hair from salt water. You can properly rinse your hair with fresh water after your hair gets in contact with salt water.
