We might be nearing the end of summer, but the heatwaves aren’t letting up just yet. And the last thing I want to do during this sweltering hot weather is to get my hairdryer out. So, I’ve taken to abandoning my hair tools altogether, and instead letting my hair air-dry. I have naturally wavy hair, and I’ve always loved how a day at the beach or a dip in the ocean magically enhances my waves. I’m lucky enough to live by the coast; however, I long to recreate that salty, tousled texture when I’m working from home or commuting into London. And that’s where salt sprays come in. They’re great for enhancing your natural texture or giving a piecey texture to curls or waves created with a curling wand or hair waver.
What Are Salt Sprays?
If you too crave that beachy look, then salt sprays are the key to achieving that effortless look—no day at the beach or hair waver required. “Natural sea salt enhances and defines soft, tousled texture, ” says celebrity hairstylist and founder Sam McKnight MBE. “When misted into dry or wet hair, salt sprays define existing texture and enhance and accentuate waves and curls,” he says.
How to Use Salt Sprays
Salt sprays work for most hair types; however, they will only work on hair with existing texture, such as waves or curls. “They won’t create texture that isn’t there already. It enhances, accentuates and defines natural texture,” says McKnight.
“If hair has a natural wave or curl, go straight in and mist into wet hair, let it dry naturally. Alternatively, you can mist onto dry hair in even sections. Just scrunch with your fingers and let it air dry or diffuse slightly for added body,” he says. To keep it feeling beachy—not crunchy—McKnight advises sectioning your hair first. “[The] best way is to separate hair in sections and mist from roots to ends. Be careful not to saturate the [dry] hair; it should still feel dry,” he says.
I’ve spent my summer testing the best salt sprays around to find the ones that deserve a spot in your hair care routine. Scroll ahead for the ones that are like a beach day in a bottle.
The Best Salt Sprays
1. Hair by Sam Mcknight Sundaze Sea Spray
Hair by Sam McKnight
Sundaze Sea Spray
Pros
- Enhances waves and curls without crunchiness
- Shields hair from UV damage
Cons
- Not for you if you want an unfragranced salt spray
How We Tested
I’ve spent the past couple of months testing the best salt sprays around. I tested each one on my wavy hair to see how well it enhanced my natural texture, and noted how it left my hair feeling. I also tested them all on both damp and dry hair to find the best formulas for achieving that coveted beachy texture.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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