How Saltwater Can Damage Your Hair

No matter what the occasion, everyone enjoys a nice seaside getaway. Although relaxing by the beach is most people’s ideal vacation, spending time under the sun and in the sea can do some considerable damage to your hair. Bustle notes that overexposure to saltwater, along with sun exposure, can wreak havoc on your hair. We all know about how important good sunscreen is for your skin, but you might not be too familiar with how to protect your hair as well. Here are some reasons why taking extra care of your roots and scalp might be a good idea when you’re planning a beach trip.

Breakage and Split Ends

Salt buildup breaks down hair proteins, making your hair weaker and more prone to breakage. Your hair might feel dry and brittle right away even after a quick swim, and the longer you’re in the water the more damaged your hair gets. In the same way excessive heat and styling can weaken your hair, being under the sun with your hair drenched in saltwater can have the same effect, leaving you with dull, dried out hair strands.

A good tip is to use hair oil or a leave-in conditioner before getting into the water, which can serve as a moisture barrier and reduce the amount of salt your hair gets exposed to.

UV Damage and Hair Loss

According to an article by Gulf News, UVA and UVB rays are the primary cause of concern when it comes to hair damage, and their effects are further aggravated by the fact that your locks are soaked in saltwater at the same time.

People often forget that the scalp can get sunburnt too, and a sunburned scalp can lead to hair loss and dandruff. If you have colored hair, overexposure to the sun also fades out your hair dye, and dries out your hair even more. To remedy this, try looking for hair mists or conditioners that have SPF in them, or wear a nice, wide-brimmed hat or scarf over your head to shield it from the sun’s rays.

Dehydration and Salt Build-up

The Huffington Post reports that the salt in saltwater draws moisture out from your scalp, just like it does with the rest of your skin, causing an itchy, dry, and dehydrated scalp. The salt also sticks to your hair strands, and with prolonged exposure, the salt buildup can leave a clumpy, crusty residue, leaving you with a tangled head of hair.

Although it might seem counterproductive to shampoo your hair while it feels dry, a good rinse would do your strands some good, and would help make sure that you wash away all the salt left in your hair. You can also use conditioner to give your locks an added boost of moisture after swimming.

If you’re looking for blogposts on new travel destinations to try out, check out the Travel tag on Daydreaming in Paradise.