Summer in Australia—it’s arguably one of the best times of the year. The long days, warm evenings and endless hours in crisp salt water does wonders to the soul. But it can also have a not-so-great effect on our hair.
While it can leave you with perfectly tousled locks that some haircare products even try to imitate, too much salt water and exposure to the sun can leave your hair dry, dehydrated and even strip your colour, especially if it’s dyed or coloured. So for those nights when you’re heading out the door for dinner after a day in the sun, here are our favourite products to manage your salty beach hair from day to night.
How do I protect my hair after going to the beach?
There are a number of things you can do before and after a day swimming at the beach to protect your hair. Be sure to wear a hat, stay in the shade where possible and you can even apply an oil-based serum in your hair for added protection. Swimming caps (while not the sexiest) will also come in handy here.
After your swim, rinse your hair at one of the beach showers, pop in a leave-in treatment and brush your hair out with a wide comb to help detangle. Once you get home, give your hair a thorough wash.
The best treatments for beach hair
This leave-in hair treatment is called a ‘miracle’ for a reason. It boasts 11 different benefits including preventing sun damage, protecting hair colour, repairing dry hair, detangling and controlling fizz. Plus the coconut and lime scent is gorgeous.
Definitely erring on the more luxurious side, this one is designed for very damaged hair. It helps to fortify hair fibres all the way from the roots to the tips to support stronger and softer hair. Plus the 4.8 star rating from over 500 reviews must mean it’s doing something right.
Spritz this all over dampened hair, focusing on the ends for best results. This daily treatment protects the hair from UV damage, reduces frizz, hydrates and strengthens—perfect for a day out at the beach.
The best masks for beach hair
Repair your hair in just 7 minutes? This Moroccan Oil mask promises hydrated and shiny locks in a little under 10. It leaves hair soft without that weighty feeling, while keeping everything strong, nourished and healthy.
Avocado and kiwi fruit come together to create this deeply nourishing hair mask. Use it once a week (especially during the summer) to hydrate and smooth dry, dull locks that are in desperate need of moisture.
For those with damaged, dull, dry and coloured hair, look to this mask. Use it after a day in the sun to protect colour treated hair after exposure to harmful UV rays. It strengthens the hair fibres and enhances highlights while keeping locks healthy.
Ingredients like sea buckthorn and jojoba seed oil work together to moisturise and condition the hair. It gives the tresses a smooth and glossy finish while restoring damaged locks. Leave it in your hair for 5-7 minutes before washing out.
The best dry shampoos and sprays for beach hair
If you just haven’t had time to wash your hair, use this dry shampoo spray from Kevin Murphy. It will soak up any excess dirt and oil to breathe life into limp locks. It also freshens and deodorises for an added kick.
This Aveda hair spray is the perfect addition to your beach bag. Spray before and during your day out to help protect from sun damage and dry hair. This water-resistant UV mist forms a barrier between your precious hair and the environmental.
Designed to detangle, condition and protect, we love this one for it’s versatility. Use it on wet or dry hair to control frizz, slow down colour fading of dyed hair and even prevent split ends.
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