This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information.
With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.
This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies.
Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased.
The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.
DIY Sea Salt Spray with Essential Oils
December 2, 2021
When the ocean is calling and you want to sport textured beach waves, this DIY sea salt spray will give your locks the natural look and feel you desire without the heavy buildup of chemicals and additives. This sea salt spray DIY will cost you only a fraction of store-bought sea salt sprays and includes a moisturizing oil to nourish your hair as you style.
Key Ingredients
This homemade sea salt spray recipe differs from many others online because it includes magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) as the primary salt and mineral-rich sea salt. Epsom salt uses are well-documented and touted by health care practitioners all over the world, and they are making waves in the beauty industry as well.
When used in hair styling, magnesium sulfate is less drying than sea salt, creating softer, more healthy waves than the traditional salt spray recipes. Mineral-rich sea salt is crucial in this recipe to nourish the scalp and promote better hair growth.
Because of added anti-caking ingredients — some of which include aluminum derivatives — I do not recommend attempting to make a salt hair spray with regular table salt. When made with quality ingredients and added oils, sea salt spray can be very beneficial for your hair in contrast to chemical-laden salon products.
Additional sea salt spray benefits include naturally lightening your hair if desired — just apply to hair prior to spending time in the sunshine.
In order to achieve soft, natural beach waves, gather up a good spray bottle and use the following ingredients in addition to the Epsom salt:
- Water — You can’t make this sea salt spray for hair without water. This obviously makes the base of the spray.
- Sea salt — Whether you opt for pink Himalayan salt or another type of natural sea salt, you can’t make sea salt hair spray without the salt! That’s good, because sea salt does wonders for hair and several other aspects of the body, including promoting healthy hair and scalp.
- Argan oil — Argan oil contains antioxidants and essential fatty acids that help moisturize, exfoliate and condition the hair and skin.
- Essential oils for hair — To make this DIY sea salt spray with essential oils, it’s best to use the best essential oils for hair. These include rosemary, lemon, lavender, chamomile, cedarwood, clary sage and peppermint. Personally, I think rosemary and lemon make a great combo.
How to Make DIY Sea Salt Spray
- In a small mixing bowl, add eight ounces hot (not boiling) water, Epsom salt, sea salt, argan oil and essential oil. Stir well to mix.
- Carefully pour the hot water mixture into your spray bottle.
- Place top on spray bottle, and shake well to combine, about 30 seconds.
- DIY sea salt spray may be stored at room temperature and lasts at least three months.
How to Use Sea Salt Spray
Lightly mist your sea salt spray over dry, straight hair for added texture, or mist roots for added volume. To achieve natural beach waves that last all day, spray over damp hair, scrunch and blow dry with a diffuser.
For best results, wash out after use, and follow with a good conditioner or hair mask.
What does salt water spray do to your hair?
Salt water spray for hair is excellent for adding texture and promoting natural waves that last all day. If applied to hair prior to sun exposure, salt water spray can naturally lighten hair over time.
Adding lemon essential oil to your DIY sea salt spray can also help increase its ability to lighten hair.
Is sea salt spray bad for your hair?
A DIY sea salt spray is an excellent alternative to chemical-laden hair treatments. However, sea salt may have a drying effect on the hair shaft if it is the primary salt used.
This is why it’s best to use Epsom salt along with mineral-rich sea salt to reduce the drying effect. I do not recommend using this daily to prevent over-drying hair.
What does sea salt spray do for straight hair?
Sea salt spray adds texture and volume to straight hair, resulting in a fuller appearance. Alternatively, you can spritz on damp hair and loosely braid before bed to wake up with long-lasting waves.
Is sea salt good for hair growth?
Rich in magnesium, bromide, iodine, sulfur, potassium, calcium, sodium, zinc and many minerals, sea salt can promote healthy hair growth by supporting skin health of the scalp.
For added benefits, use your sea salt as a scalp massage to scrub away dead skin cells. This increases cell metabolism and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin.
Plus, the minerals help strengthen cell membranes, detox the scalp, reduce inflammation and relieve skin irritation. Adding rosemary essential oil to your DIY sea salt spray can also help improve hair health.
PrintDIY Sea Salt Spray
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: 30 uses 1x
Description
Salt water spray for hair is excellent for adding texture and promoting natural waves that last all day. Try this DIY sea salt spray recipe.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces hot (not boiling) water
- 3 tablespoons Epsom salt
- 1 teaspoon mineral-rich sea salt, such as Celtic or Dead Sea salt (you may add up to a teaspoon more to add stiffness to curls)
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon argan oil (use less if you are prone to oily hair)
- 2–3 drops of essential oil of your choice; rosemary or lemon are good options (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, add 8 ounces hot (not boiling) water, Epsom salt, sea salt, argan oil and essential oil. Stir well to mix.
- Carefully pour the hot water mixture into your spray bottle. Use a glass spray bottle to avoid the contaminants in plastic bottles.
- Place top on spray bottle and shake well to combine, about 30 seconds.
- DIY sea salt spray may be stored at room temperature and will have at least 3 months of shelf life.
Notes
- The essential oils are optional. Experiment with different types and how many drops you put in.
Comments
Please keep comments under 200 characters.
Could I use sub the argan oil for grapeseed oil or jojoba?
I used this spray without any oils.
It made my hair feel greasy even though I had washed it first with baking soda!
Would you consider changing how you shampoo and condition your hair? A sea salt spray won’t make much difference if your scalp is not doing well.
What would be the recommendation for essential oil amount to add?