Tips and Inspiration
From Unilever Beauty Experts
For many Filipinos, a trip to the beach is a beloved way to unwind. Along with the sun and sand, salt water often plays a starring role, giving hair a natural lightened look and that signature beachy texture. Many enjoy this effect without searching for the answer to “What salt water does to your hair?” – and are later on shocked by the state of their post-outing locks. Find out more about the effects of salt water on your strands below and get practical aftercare tips.
What Is Salt Water Made of?
Salt water primarily consists of water and various salts, most notably sodium chloride (table salt). Ocean water typically contains about 3.5 percent salt by weight, along with trace minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. These minerals give salt water its distinctive taste and properties. Its composition can vary depending on location, temperature, and environmental factors, but its high salt content is the main element that affects hair.
What Does Salt Water Do to Your Hair?
Salt water affects hair in several ways, both aesthetically and structurally. When salt water touches hair, it can draw moisture out from the hair shaft, leading to dryness and brittleness. This happens because salt is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts water molecules, but paradoxically, it can also strip water from the hair itself, leaving strands dehydrated.
Salt water also roughens the hair’s outer protective layer (also known as the hair cuticle), causing the strands to become coarse and prone to tangling. The texture change is why many people get those fabulous “beach waves” after swimming. In addition, salt crystals deposited in your hair can reflect sunlight, making your locks appear brighter and sun-kissed. Minerals left in your strands can extend this effect by lifting the cuticle, allowing sunlight to penetrate and break down melanin.
While all these effects may seem cool, prolonged exposure to salt water can lead to damage such as split ends, breakage, and dullness due to the loss of natural oils and moisture.
How to Take Care of Hair After Swimming in Salt Water
Taking care of your hair after exposure to salt water is crucial to reducing dryness and damage. Here are some essential steps.
- Rinse ASAP. Rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh, clean water immediately after swimming. This helps wash away salt and minerals that cling to the strands.
- Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Choose products designed to hydrate and repair dry hair. Dove Ceramide Intense Repair Shampoo, for example, has Keratin Actives that deeply nourish and reconstruct hair strands from within.
- Apply leave-in conditioner or hair oil. These help lock in moisture and restore softness.
- Limit heat styling. Salt water weakens your hair, so avoid blow-drying or straightening immediately after exposure.
- Deep condition regularly. Weekly deep conditioning treatments can replenish lost moisture and strengthen your hair.
Use Cream Silk Triple Keratin Ultimate Repair & Shine Serum Conditioner, which contains serum infused with keratin and collagen to help repair damaged hair strands. Alternate with Cream Silk Triple Keratin Ultimate Straight Serum Conditioner to give your hair a long-lasting, anti-frizz protection and restore smoothness to saltwater-damaged strands.
Salt water can give your hair that enviable beachy texture, but it also poses risks of dryness and damage if left untreated. Knowing the answer to “What does salt water do to your hair?” helps you enjoy swimming in the ocean without sacrificing your hair’s softness and shine. With proper care and the right products, you can keep your hair looking fresh, hydrated, and vibrant, no matter how often you visit the beach.
