Sophia Vilensky
There is nothing better than post-ocean dip hair. The good news: styling products can help you achieve the easy, breezy look you desire. The best sea salt sprays give the ultimate assist for easy air-dried waves a la a beach vacation.
But what is sea salt spray, exactly? "Sea salt spray is a product that, when added to the hair, will mimic the effects of spending the day at the beach with a tousled, textured look," says hairstylist and founder of Hair Addict Salon Michelle Cleveland. "The salt-and-water-based formulas manage this by adding a little grit, clumping your strands together so your natural texture is magnified. Wavy hair looks wavier, and even straight hair takes on a bit more definition."
Trying a bad sea salt spray can be enough to entirely turn you off the product. The feeling of straw-like hair is unforgettable. But the options we've laid out below? These are the good ones—we made sure of it. Ahead, editors and experts share their picks for the best sea salt sprays on the market (no straw-like strands here!), plus our honest reviews.
The Best Sea Salt Sprays
- The Best Sea Salt Spray Overall: Sachajuan Ocean Mist Sea Salt Spray
- The Best Frizz-Smoothing Sea Salt Spray: OGX Moroccan Sea Salt Spray
- The Best Sea Salt Spray for Natural Hair: Drybar Seashore Spritzer Wave Spray
- The Best Sea Salt Spray for Dry Hair: R+Co Rockaway Salt Spray
- The Best Organic Sea Salt Spray: John Masters Organics Sea Mist Spray with Sea Salt and Lavender
With its cool blue shade emulating your view from the beach, Sachajuan's gorgeous Ocean Mist Sea Salt Spray adds grit, volume, and texture to your strands with every spray. Non-sticky and set on ensuring your hair's natural movement is enhanced, this is the ideal sea salt spray. It contains vitamin B12 to nourish and soften your hair, and can even be used as a heat protectant.
Size: 5.1 fluid ounces
Pros: Easy to use; Provides the perfect amount of oomph; Matte finish; Great for all hair types
Cons: More expensive than other options
This is my personal favorite sea salt spray in the bunch, and not just because I love the smell of argan oil. As someone with curly hair, I'm constantly concerned about whether products are going to dry out my strands in the long run or make them frizzy and tangled. Because this option incorporates nourishing ingredients like argan oil and sea kelp, I feel comfortable spraying it in my hair to my heart’s content.
Size: 6 fluid ounces
Pros: Affordable; Editor-approved; Gentle scent; Nourishing ingredients
Cons: Contains sulfates and propylene glycol
A sea salt spray made without salt? It's possible. Curly girls like myself love this formula from Drybar; it gives us lasting, defined curls without any crunchiness or stickiness associated with traditional hairsprays. Plus, this salt-free formula will keep your hair from feeling dried out. While it’s made with curly hair in mind, it works on all hair textures and curl patterns, from pin straight to coily, and contains pineapple extract and sea kelp to strengthen hair and promote long-term scalp health.
Size: 5 fluid ounces
Pros: Great for curls of all kinds; Defining formula
Cons: Scent is too strong for some customers
Cleveland says she "definitely love[s]" this option, which is vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and contains natural ingredients that protect hair from environmental damage. The star ingredients are Canadian-sourced cranesbill, which helps make hair shafts look thicker and more voluminous; yarrow plant extract, which protects and thickens hair; balm mint, which supports color retention; and sage, which strengthens hair follicles.
Size: 4.2 fluid ounces
Pros: Vegan; Cruelty-free; Free of parabens and gluten; Contains vitamin C; Expert-approved
Cons: Contains sulfates
This USDA-certified organic sea mist incorporates lavender and aloe vera to combat any dryness caused by its organic sea salt. The sodium chloride itself adds texture, grit, and volume, closely mimicking the effects of a day spent at the beach. This formula also absorbs excess oil accumulated in between washes (a godsend for those with greasy hair). It has a near-perfect online rating and is especially beloved for its minimal ingredient list, "heavenly" smell, and the flattering effect it has on curly hair.
Size: 4.2 fluid ounces
Pros: Organic; Great for curly and voluminous hair; Nice smell; Contains hydrating aloe vera
Cons: Too much can make hair sticky; Medium lift, so not as suited for those looking for intense volume
Also Recommended
Don't be fooled by the name—this iconic spray works well on any hair color, from brunette to copper to dark, raven hues. The title is a throwback to the brand’s '90s counterpart, the O.G. formula that became a sensation because it creates shiny, smooth, piece-y waves in even the straightest hair. This product does wonders for short haircuts in particular, breathing life into bobs and lobs.
Size: 5 fluid ounces
Pros: Volumizing; Combats greasy hair or scalp
Cons: Strong coconut smell can be polarizing
This hair spray-like formula has a litany of enthusiastic rave reviews, with one customer in particular noting that they "can't live without" it. Another adds that because this product has such an effective thickening effect, it’s great for those looking to mask their thinning hair. This option promises an effective, all-day hold that still looks naturally tousled rather than hard and plastic-like. Customers also love the oceanic smell, writing that it reminds them of days at the beach.
Size: 8 fluid ounces
Pros: Affordable; Effective and firm hold; Mimics a blowout; Combats frizz; Cruelty-free
Cons: Customers complain that the spray bottle itself is fragile and difficult to use
Marie Claire’s Fashion E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla loves this spray from Odele, which is infused with sea salt and boasts a gentle fragrance incorporating cucumber, ylang ylang, and oakmoss. "Most sea salt sprays leave my hair feeling really sticky and make it look oily in a second," explains Marzovilla. "This one from Odele has a really fine mist and actually gives my hair tons of texture without giving it a wet look. I love to use it after I've styled my hair for some extra texture."
Size: 8 fluid ounces
Pros: Works well on all hair types; Editor-approved; Affordable; Free of sulfates, phthalates, and parabens
Cons: Some reviewers say it leaves their hair tangled and sticky if they sleep with it in
Chicago-based hairstylist Ryan Babbitt is committed to educating his clients on how to find the best products for both short-term styling and long-term hair health. He relies on this salt spray to give his clients the windswept curls they crave. Unscented and made to offer a subtle, matte finish, the formula is perfect for those looking for a low-maintenance look that appears like they rolled out of bed looking fabulous. Reviewers say that the bottle lasts for ages, but they do caution that less is more when it comes to application.
Size: 8.45 fluid ounces
Pros: Effectively volumizes from root to tip; Product lasts a long time; Unscented;
Cons: Some find the texture too sticky
One of Marie Claire freelance beauty writer Sophia Vilensky's haircare mottos is: "If Oribe is selling it, I'm buying it." They've proven themselves to her time and time again. Another salt-free option, this luxe, lightweight spray provides UV protection if you actually plan to spend the day at the beach. It leaves Vilensky's fine hair feeling soft, voluminous, and, most importantly, beachy.
Size: 8.5 ounces
Pros: Contains hair-loving ingredients like vitamin B5; Great smell; A little goes a long way
Cons: More expensive than other options
It doesn't get much more user-friendly than a spray nozzle, and this one dispenses a mattifying formula that’s infused with natural ingredients like Hawaiian black lava sea salt, for an authentically beachy look, and seaweed, which provides definition to curls, coils, and waves. Several customers write that it does wonders for their curls, while those with straight and way hair say that it revives their hair on days when their strands looked especially limp.
Size: 6 fluid ounces
Pros: Features a fresh scent that customers love; Easy to use; Lightweight; Affordable
Cons: Contains sulfates
When applied sparingly and appropriately, this product from fan-favorite brand Bed Head provides subtle lift without over-drying. It’s designed to make you look like you just left the beach or rolled out of bed (in a good way). The formula contains sea salt for a beachy finish with lots of hold and a styling polymer that allows for flexibility and individual styling. It also contains glycerin, which hydrates hair from the inside out. For best results, simply hold the bottle 10 to 12 inches from your hair and spray two to three times.
Size: 3.38 fluid ounces
Pros: Highly texturizing
Cons: Some customers report that it can weigh hair down; Contains sulfates; Strong floral scent may not be for everyone
Those close to me often mention how wonderful this product smells (a huge plus, in my opinion); its coconut-infused, tropical island-inspired scent makes you feel like you're on vacation no matter where you are. But that's not the only thing to love about this formula—it’s ultra-lightweight, so your waves and curls never look weighed down, and it’s formulated with wheat proteins instead of salt. This strengthens hair over time, making this option particularly appealing for parched, textured, and chemically treated hair.
Size: 5 ounces
Pros: Color-safe; Keratin-safe; Vegan; Free of gluten and silicones
Cons: Can have a crunchy/sticky effect, particularly on thin hair
Using a sea salt spray may seem scary for those who have curly or natural hair (which craves moisture), or those who have struggled with dryness, heat damage, and frizz. "So many salt sprays make hair look dry and damaged when people use them," admits Los Angeles-based hairstylist Clayton Hawkins—but he makes an exception for this lightweight product from R+Co. It contains castor oil, aloe vera, vitamin C, and witch hazel, all of which support hair health for all hair types, including curly, coarse, bleached, fine, and damaged hair.
Size: 5.2 ounces
Pros: Lightweight; Contains natural ingredients; Free of parabens, gluten, and sulfates; Expert-approved
Cons: None found
Joico's Beach Shake Texturizing Finisher works best on fine to medium hair types. It boasts a formula that protects hair from heat tools up to 450 degrees, as well as from UVA and UVB rays, pollution, and humidity. The spray dries quickly, is perfect for styling and scrunching, and lasts all day long. For best results, flip your hair upside down and liberally apply the spray all over. When you return right-side-up, you'll look like you just stepped off a beach.
Size: 7 ounces
Pros: Volumizing; Washes out easily; Works with curls and natural hair
Cons: Can be sticky or drying for those with damaged or thin hair
This alcohol-free formula (hooray for hydration!) adds a significant amount of lift and combats frizz. It’s designed to enhance your hair’s natural curl and wave patterns, resulting in an effortlessly tousled look that will undoubtedly turn heads when you’re out and about. One top reviewer swears by it, saying that it makes her curls feel soft and healthy rather than hard and crunchy. Plus, it offers UV protection—something you’ll definitely need while spending time out in the sun.
Size: 3.65 fluid ounces
Pros: Free of alcohol and parabens; Has a softening effect on hair
Cons: Scent is polarizing
Check this product out if you have thin hair and typically avoid hair products for fear of grease. It’s lightweight, doesn’t weigh hair down, and is easy to wash out—you’ll never have to worry about thick, irritating scalp buildup again. Providing hold like a hairspray would, it allows for easy shaping and scrunching, but it doesn’t leave any greasy residue. It’s also infused with aloe vera and lavender, which smell fantastic and nourishes hair.
Size: 4 fluid ounces
Pros: Cruelty-free; Gentle fragrance; Revitalizes curls
Cons: Some customers report stickiness
I love anything that smells good—it’s an easy way of boosting my dopamine levels. For that reason, I long ago added this product to my cart for its decadent scent of vanilla, bergamot, lemon, and almond. But that's not the only reason it's at the top of my shopping list: by multiple accounts, it gives unwashed hair a lightweight appearance so that you can look like you have a fresh blowout without ever having to step foot in a salon.
Size: 5 fluid ounces
Pros: Pleasant smell; Volumizing
Cons: Intense hold, so some find it crunchy
If you have long hair and are frustrated when hair products weigh your curls and waves down, this is the formula for you. It’s lightweight, thin, and sprays on easily, making it great for fine hair. One customer affirms it "does a fantastic job turning the waves into curls without weighing it down." It also boasts a 100 percent clean formula, with natural ingredients like algae extract, aloe vera, and coconut oil.
Size: 5.07 fluid ounces
Pros: Great for curls and long hair; Extremely lightweight
Cons: The strong smell isn't for everyone
What to Look for in a Sea Salt Spray
- Ingredients
Not all sea salt sprays are formulated equally; while drying sea salt is often involved (go figure) you should strive to find ingredients that won't harm or horribly dry out your hair. "The active ingredient in most sea salt sprays is magnesium sulfate," notes Cleveland. "However, some better brands will also include more nourishing ingredients to protect the hair from damage."
She highlights sage, balm mint, and yarrow as healthy ingredients that combat damage and dryness.
- Hydration
Alongside ultra-drying ingredient avoidance, you'll want to look for formulas that add hydration. There's about a zero percent chance that you'll ever find a sea salt spray as hydrating as, say, a leave-in conditioner, but you can often find products that throw a little oil or glycerin in the mix to nourish your strands.
Elizabeth Taylor knew the power of tousled-by-the-ocean hair, no matter the season.
How Do You Use Sea Salt Spray?
Cleveland advises that users "apply it to wet hair, and let it air dry or blow dry it in." You can add it after blow drying for a more matte texture. I would, however, avoid putting it in your hair more than once between washes, as it can make the hair dry and brittle.
Cleveland also warns that there are times when you shouldn't use sea salt spray. Consistent with the spray's goal of giving you that windswept beachy look, she says, "sea salt spray will add a gritty and matte texture to your hair, so if you are already experiencing over-processed, dry, and damaged hair, I would avoid using sea salt spray altogether." On the contrary, if your hair is stronger and can handle the texture, you can add it sparingly onto wet or dry hair to create loose, natural-looking beach waves.
Meet the Experts
Michelle Cleveland is a hairstylist and hair extension artist based in Toms River, New Jersey, where she styles for the Hair Addict Salon and Extension Bar. She has worked with a number of celebrities, including Christina Milian, and has also had her work featured on television networks such as TLC and the Style Network.
Los Angeles native Clayton Hawkins was born to do hair. He started applying hair extensions to his older sisters at age 10 and by ninth grade, he was booked solid doing prom looks on all the seniors. Clayton specializes in wigs, extensions and the art of transformation. But most importantly, Clayton lives to make his clients look and feel beautiful. Clayton's clients include Olivia Rodrigo, Elizabeth Olsen, Jenna Ortega, Maddie Ziegler, Dove Cameron, Rachel Zegler and Elizabeth Banks.
Ryan Babbitt is a hairstylist with a passion for educating his clients about how to keep their hair healthy and well-maintained. Comfortable with both cutting and coloring, he is particularly enthusiastic about creating lasting, structured looks. He is currently based in Chicago.
