Saltwater Impact On Hair: Does It Help or Harm? | HairMD, Pune

The ocean’s water is called saltwater due to salt or sodium chloride and other salts and minerals present in it. Saltwater or seawater is concentrated with high amounts of vitamins and minerals and is different from the water we drink or freshwater. There are many benefits of saltwater on hair, including- 

• Antifungal and Antibiotic Properties 

Saltwater has antifungal and antibiotic properties that help wounds heal and get rid of fungal infections. 

• Exfoliates Scalp 

Seawater crystals stimulate blood flow by removing excessive sebum from the scalp and also exfoliates it. 

• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals 

It is rich in magnesium, potassium and selenium, promoting hair growth. 

• Natural Shampoo 

It works as a shampoo and cleans off all the impurities like dirt and sebum from the scalp. 

Saltwater contains minerals and vitamins which are beneficial for hair. However, excessive exposure to salt water may cause-

• Split Ends and Frizz

It may cause ends to split due to lack of moisture, and due to disturbance in the bonding between hair strands, the hair may get frizzy. 

• Dehydrated Hair Strands 

Saltwater sucks all the water out from the hair strands, making them brittle, dry and easy to break. 

Saltwater causes hair loss when exposed often. It can be prevented by: 

• Do not Expose Dyed Hair

Bleached hair must not be exposed to saltwater as it will lose all of its moisture. 

• SPF Containing Hair Cream 

You must apply SPF cream to protect hair from harmful UV radiation. 

• Deep Conditioning 

Deep condition the hair after saltwater hair wash to maintain moisture 

• Normal Water Wash 

Wash hair with fresh water before and after exposing your hair to saltwater to maintain moisture.