Salty Hair? Here's how I take care
To the girl who thinks her hair always looks better coming out of the ocean, who probably skips a shampoo or two (or three) and uses dry shampoo if there is an absolute social need to look put together. Or maybe you're the girl who wants the salty locks but can't go for that daily dip every morning. Be it hair-care or beach-hair, here's what I do, and let me tell you now : There really isn't much to it.
Treating your hair is similar to treating your face. Everyone is different and you have to find the combination that suits you best. I'm a very big fan (maybe a bit too big) of the less-is-best philosophy. So you won't find any sprays, texturisers or even the mention of hair-dryer in this post.
If you're wondering how I got the look in the the above shot, flook technique of accidentally sleeping with my hair in a bun all night.
Confession: I am notoriously bad at up-keeping my hair.
I'm not saying this in a cool "oh it's just naturally fabulous" way, but more in a "I haven't been to the hairdresser in 3 years" kind of way.
When it comes to hair care, the time I spend in the ocean strongly outweighs the time I spend with moisturising masks and conditioners. I remember my mom chasing me with every hair-protection product she could find to try and keep my salty locks a little more hydrated.
My hair is quite thin, but I have a lot of it. Any extra product I use on it weighs it down so I tend keep it to a minimum. When I'm in dire need of texture, I use dry shampoo and this special surf paste I found in Walgreens when I was 13 (I kid you not -- to this day they still make it and I'm so happy about it)
Maybe when I can afford a fancy Edwards & Co. appointement, I'll reconsider.
However! There are still a few things I like to keep handy. Below are a few (if not the only) products I use.
My beach-hair routine goes a little something like this :
When I need some TLC
Organic Care Normal Balance Shampoo & Conditioner : This shampoo is my go-to. It's so simple. And in case you haven't heard, I like simple on my hair. You can get this at pretty much any Aussie supermarket, and it won't cost you an arm and leg.
Oshan Essentials oil I've mentioned these guys before, and I'll say it again: The smell is AH-Mazing. I'm a huge fan of Mano'i, and Oshan Essentials are all natural, vegan and cruelty free, which is always a bonus. On the days I'm in the ocean a lot, I'll dabble a tiny bit on the ends of my hair. Smells and feels amazing. Win-Win.
OGX Argan Oil Of Morroco Shampoo + Conditioner : I really like this brand and what they do with their products. I tend to switch around shampoos and try different things because I feel like my hair gets use to it after a while. Their Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil is amazing and I've always had a bottle handy. I use a tiny bit on my ends to moisturise them.
When I need some OOMPH
Lush BIG Sea Salt Shampoo : If I still made the trips to Lush like I used to, I would get this shampoo. I haven't bought it in a while but it has always been my favourite. Actual Sea Salt and seaweed in there. It has the best smell and you feel your hair soaking up all the goodness. Their conditioners are amazing too.
Hask Hawaiian Sea Salt Shampoo (I bet you're starting to see a theme in my shampoo choice): I've been using these guys at the moment and really loving how my hair feels. I can usually tell when a shampoo is to heavy for my hair and this one has that light, pearly texture to it. My hair feels really soft yet still has a lot of volume. Their whole range is quite cool, I'll definitely be buying this one again.
Garnier Fructis Surf Hair Paste : I laugh every time I think of this product because I genuinely found this when I was about 13 years old at a Walgreens in America. Since then, I've only ever bought another 2 pots, because it truly does last that long. I actually laughed again finding the link because I realised it's a men's product. I usually take a tiny bit and smudge it into my hands, than I'll just grab segments of my hair and scrunch it up a bit. Top of my head and behind my ears. Gives it that pouffy, just got 'wind-blown-came-back-from-the-beach' look. Pretty much my go-to look to any social outing.
Klorane Dry Shampoo : THIS. IS. A. SAVIOUR. When the yoga sweat from yesterday's class settled in and I didn't have time to use one of the above shampoos or products, Klorane is a lifesaver. All-Natural, no nasties, and gives it that extra little bit of volume. Paired with the paste and you're good to go. It's like you had yesterday's party hair and it still looks fabulous.