Every time I go to the beach, my hair tends to dry out, so I wanted to share with you how to protect your hair at the beach with tricks I've used for years. My hair tends to be coarse, dry, and frizzy. Add a little ocean air, and I'm a hot mess! You can still maintain your lovely locks and enjoy the ocean air though. Just follow these 7 tips on how to protect your hair at the beach and you're all set!
1. Ditch the Styling Agents
One of the best ways I can recommend on how to protect your hair at the beach is to rid yourself of gels, hairsprays, and other harsh styling agents while you're on vacation. If you have oily or flat hair, try a little sea salt mist instead, or skip shampooing one or two days. If you have dry hair like I do, double up on the conditioner and use a moisturizing styling lotion instead. I like ones with shea butter or coconut oil to keep my hair shiny, soft and tamed.
2. Condition before You Comb
Never attempt to comb your hair after being out on the beach or after your shower at the beach. Condition before you comb your hair. I like to condition in the shower and when I get out with a non-greasy cream. If your hair is dried out from the ocean air and you try to comb through it before conditioning, you're going to break it off and cause it to look frizzy, frayed and all out of sorts. Condition it, then comb through it and try to let it air dry if you can.
3. Go Natural
When it comes to drying your hair, try to do it naturally by letting it air dry. My favorite trick is to actually wash my hair and put it in a bun with conditioner in it. A few hours later, I take it down, and I have soft, wavy hair that is a little moist, but dry in no time once I take it down. Commercial hair dryers should be a last resort when you're at the beach to save your hair from the extra heat.
4. Use Coconut Oil on Your Tips
Coconut oil is such a great, all- around beauty product. If you think the oil will make your hair oily, think again! It's all in how you use it. Here's my tip: rub about a dime size amount between your hands for a few seconds, and then rub the ends of your hair with your hands. Just sealing your tips can make all the difference, and it won't make your hair oily. Do this before you go out on the beach and after to maintain your pretty strands. If your hair is really dry like mine, you can actually rub your hands through your entire head and not just your ends. This works wonders for my locks and smells great too!
5. Choose the Right Comb
Don't use combs without a rubber tip on the end to protect your hair. I like a special comb made especially for tangled hair by Goody brand. The comb is shaped in a way that prevents it from breaking your hair and the tips are coated so they aren't harsh on your hair. When you're at the beach, this will make all the difference in protecting your hair.
6. Eat Fat
Yes, that's right, you should eat healthy fats to protect your hair at the beach too! Your diet will make or break your hair. Fats condition your hair from the inside out, plus they are great for your metabolism in the correct portions. I like to eat light and easy-to-digest raw fats at the beach, like almonds, avocados, coconut oil in smoothies, shredded coconut in yogurt or in homemade trail-mix, and salads dressed with some olive, flax or hemp oil. Your hair will be soft, manageable and shiny, which is crucial at the beach when the humidity and ocean air dries it out so quickly.
7. Embrace Bobby Pins
I love bobby pins so much that I keep them everywhere. How do they help your hair at the beach? For starters, they don't tear your hair like rubberbands do, and when hair is a little drier at the beach, this is super important. I like to pin mine up into an up-do with bobby pins, such as a chic bun or low pony, and also like using them to keep fly- away strands off my face. They don't tear my hair, are cheap and there are endless styling creations you can make with them.
I've often read tips that you can wear a hair mask out on the beach or wrap your hair up before you go out in the sun, but honestly, I want to look cute and not like I'm in the salon while I'm out on the sand. These tips I've shared with you are easy, and they don't sacrifice your style either. What are your favorite tricks on how to protect your hair at the beach?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I prevent my hair from getting dry at the beach?
- Rinse your hair with fresh water before swimming and use a leave-in conditioner to lock in moisture.
- Is it important to wear a hat at the beach?
- Yes, a hat protects your hair and scalp from harmful UV rays that can cause damage and dryness.
- What type of hair products should I use before going to the beach?
- Use UV protection sprays and moisturizing hair oils to shield your hair from sun and saltwater damage.
- Should I wash my hair immediately after swimming in the ocean?
- It's best to rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt and sand, then wash it gently later.
- How often should I deep condition my hair if I go to the beach frequently?
- Deep condition your hair at least once a week to restore moisture and repair any damage caused by sun and salt.
- Can saltwater actually benefit my hair?
- Saltwater can add volume and texture, but it also dries out hair, so always moisturize afterward.
- Is it okay to tie my hair up at the beach?
- Yes, tying your hair up can prevent tangles and reduce exposure to sun and saltwater damage.
- What hairstyles work best for protecting hair at the beach?
- Braids, buns, or ponytails help minimize tangling and protect your hair from wind and salt.
- Can I use heat styling tools after a day at the beach?
- Avoid heat styling right after the beach as your hair is more fragile when dry and sun-exposed.
- How does sunscreen help my hair at the beach?
- Hair sunscreens protect against UV damage which can weaken hair fibers and cause color fading.