What Does Sea Salt Do For Your Hair
Since prehistoric times, sea salt has been used as a food spice and a cosmetic product and is distinguished by its larger granules and lower sodium concentration than common table salt. The anti-inflammatory and therapeutic qualities of salt have long been known. This quality can improve the health of your scalp and hair in the form of a scalp scrub.
Salt has particular adaptability in modern beauty trends, ranging from creating gorgeous beach waves in our hair to removing dead skin cells in exfoliating scrubs. With all of its natural mineral benefits, it’s hardly unexpected that salt can help our scalp’s health. Hair growth is aided by saltwater. There are numerous advantages to introducing sea salt water into your hair care regimen. Water and salt have diverse qualities that work together to promote hair growth in a variety of ways.
The truth is that sea salt has varying effects on hair based on its texture, thickness, and curliness. Sea salt can certainly dry your hair if you don’t take care to hydrate it. Also, it has been shown to promote hair growth and alleviate dandruff.
In case the price of hair serums and shampoos has been burning a hole in your wallet, the secret and cost-effective solution you’ve been looking for to give your hair the texture and volume you desire is right in your kitchen.
You might be surprised to learn that the salt you use to improve the flavor of your meal might also be your most cost-effective hair companion. This is because sea salt is widely regarded as a miracle treatment for scalp rejuvenation, it’s worth asking, ‘does sea salt work for hair loss?’ Before we dive into the topic, let’s consider What exactly is sea salt;
What Is Sea Salt?
Evaporating seawater yields sea salt. The salt is frequently coarse, with trace amounts of zinc, magnesium, and bromide. For your specific needs, you can purchase larger sea salt flakes or fine sea salt powder.
Sea salt, which is most commonly used in cooking, has also gained popularity as an ingredient in hair products. Sea salt sprays, in particular, have grown in popularity. These absorb excess oil and add volume to hair roots to mimic the natural effects of seawater on your hair.
Is sea salt bad for your hair?
This is one of the most often asked questions about sea salt, and it’s not surprising. Most of you have probably heard about the hazards of seawater on your hair at some point, and if seawater isn’t good for your hair, then surely a product created from sea salt will be just as bad?
The primary issue with sea salt is that, like all salts, it has an osmotic effect, which means it draws water out from your hair, making it dry and brittle. It doesn’t help that the majority of sea salt sprays on store shelves contain alcohol, which can be harsh to your hair, not exactly the best combination!
Sea salt does have certain advantages for your hair. For example, if you have oily hair, sea salt can help absorb the extra oil, whereas if you have dry flakes, sea salt is known to help with dandruff removal. It also gives hair a lot of volume and has a long-lasting hold. Sea salt is also thought to promote hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp.
NB: Sea salt should be used with caution if you have dry hair prone to frizz and dead ends. That isn’t to say you shouldn’t utilize it; rather, it is important to remember the word moderation.
Benefits of sea salt for our scalp
It’s not surprising that salt, with all of its natural mineral benefits, can improve the health of our scalp. In skincare, sea salt aids in the healing of the skin, the reduction of acne-causing bacteria, and the treatment of skin infections. Furthermore, sea salt aids in the retention of moisture in the skin, the strengthening of our skin’s natural moisture reservoir, and the improvement of cell-to-cell communication in our bodies. All of this contributes to the healthy restoration of our skin’s and body’s tissues and cells.
The trace amounts of minerals found in salt, or its mineral term “halite,” are responsible for a plethora of benefits.
Some researchers discovered that different salts contain varying amounts of these minerals, with each providing unique benefits to restore the health of our skin (and scalp!).
Some of these minerals include:
Magnesium: is an essential nutrient that helps to restore nutrients on the scalp.
Calcium: A trace mineral found in salt, It hydrates the skin by controlling sebum production, as well as strengthening cell membranes, and promoting cell regeneration.
Bromide is abundant in seawater. It is reported that sea salt with trace amounts of bromide has anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties when applied in low concentrations.
Sulfur removes excess sebum oil on the skin known to cause psoriasis and seborrhea (dandruff).
Zinc: it promotes hair regrowth by increasing collagen production and regulating the sebum gland. This effectively inhibits acne-bacterial growth, as well as reduces seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.
When it comes to using salt as a hair scalp treatment, here are a few pointers to keep in mind.
- Gently massage the salt into your scalp in a circular motion. Not only does massaging the salt grains exfoliate the skin of dead skin cells.
- Get Premade salt scrubs from drugstores and supermarkets. This salt is effective, but it may contain fragrances and additives to extend its shelf life. Before applying a product to your skin or scalp, read the ingredient list on the package.
NB: Salt scrubs are not recommended for all scalp types, including those that are damaged, wounded, or acne-prone. Consult a trichologist or specialist to determine your scalp type and the best treatment options for preventing or treating hair loss.
What Is The Best Way To Use Sea Salt On Your Hair?
Sea salt can be used in a variety of ways to help your hair and scalp.
- Sea salt scalp scrub: You’ll need the following items;
- 1 tbsp. fine sea salt
- coconut oil, 1 cup (or your oil of preference)
Method of usage
- Separate your hair into sections and apply 1 – 2 teaspoons of salt to your scalp.
- Massage the salt into your hair for at least five minutes with wet fingers before rinsing and continuing with your regular hair care routine.
- After rinsing in the shower, apply a deep conditioner to avoid excess dry hair caused by salt contact.
While the oil nourishes your hair, the sea salt exfoliates dead skin from your scalp. To suit your specific needs, oils such as argan, coconut, or grapeseed oil can be used.
- Spritz with salt: You will need:
- Sea Salt
- Water
- Optional: essential oils (If you do use oils in this spray, be sure to only add up to 10 drops to avoid irritation to the scalp).
Method of usage
- Fill a saucepan halfway with water and bring to a gentle boil.
- 1 cup fine sea salt, stirred in until dissolved Allow to cool for a few minutes before adding your oils if using.
- Fill a spray bottle with the mixture and use it whenever you want. This DIY spray will save you money and help you out whether you need to absorb excess oil or add volume to your roots.
Why is sea salt good for your hair?
Salt is therapeutic because it contains a high concentration of substances that is essential for the hair. Such substance includes;
- It Is Rich in Minerals
Because of its benefits, sea salt is used in a variety of hair products from various brands. These include exfoliation, absorption, and hair volumization.
Sea salt contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. These minerals absorb into the skin and scalp, causing an antibiotic effect that can help with eczema and psoriasis. These aid in the maintenance and support of a healthy scalp. Sea salt contains trace amounts of calcium, which promotes healthy skin, and magnesium, which can help reduce inflammation and redness in the skin.
- Exfoliation and blood circulation are facilitated by the use of sea salt.
If you’re prone to product buildup, especially at your roots or on your scalp, sea salt will clarify and exfoliate. By massaging a salt scrub into your scalp, you stimulate blood flow to the area, which is essential for hair growth and health.
You’re also increasing the chances that the salt’s nutrients, such as zinc, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, will penetrate your scalp and hair strands. This enables them to grow with greater radiance and strength.
- Removes excess oils from the hair and scalp.
Sea salt can also be used to absorb excess oils from your hair. This aids in the revitalization of limp, oily hair. Sea salt’s drying properties make it ideal for adding volume to hair.
This is where sea salt sprays come in handy, as they are designed to mimic the wavy, tousled look that you get after a day at the beach.
- Aids in the treatment of dandruff
Sea salt is also beneficial to dandruff-prone hair and scalps. It aids in the removal of dead skin, and by absorbing excess oil from the roots of the hair, it keeps your scalp healthy and free of product build-up. With its exfoliant, volumizer, and nutrient-rich properties, incorporating sea salt into your haircare routine is worth a try. The reason saltwater acts to reduce fungal development is due to osmosis, as saltwater hinders the fungus’s osmoregulation. It decreases dandruff for this reason, as well as the fact that sea salt is a fantastic exfoliant.
Is sea salt good for hair growth?
Sea salt is great for hair growth. If you suffer from alopecia or hair loss, you should use sea salt to stimulate your hair growth naturally. Wash the hair as you normally do and gently massage the damp scalp with sea salt for about 10 to 15 minutes. When you’re done, wash it off. The treatment should be repeated twice a week for 2 months. Here are the benefits of saltwater on natural hair:
- It functions as a clarifying shampoo.
Use saltwater on your hair from time to time for a cleaner, lighter, and smoother results. The use of salty water as a natural clarifying shampoo is beneficial. It removes all the heavy oils and excess sebum that cause greasy hair. It can also help remove product buildup that can be difficult to remove when shampooing your hair.
- It Assists in the control of excessive scalp sweating
Did you know that you can get rid of excessive sweating on your scalp with saltwater spray? Simply mist it onto your hair’s roots and let it air dry. It will then absorb any excess moisture and oil that your scalp produces throughout the day.
- It gives hair more volume.
If you want voluminous hair (and who doesn’t? ), combine a tablespoon of sea salt with 200ml of water and use it as a hair spray or a final hair rinse after conditioning to add volume. If you have fine, thin hair, this is a quick and easy way to add volume.
- Encourages hair growth
Every week, massage your scalp with a mixture of salt and oil to help prevent hair loss. Salt opens pores on the scalp, allowing for more efficient hair growth.
How can I increase melanin in my hair?
Hair pigmentation is caused by melanin, and increasing its production can help prevent hair greying. Below is some natural way to naturally increase melanin in the hair and prevent premature greying!
- Antioxidants
Antioxidants protect and defend your body cells from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also boosts the production of melanin in your hair. Antioxidants can be found in dark chocolate, beans, leafy green vegetables, broccoli, carrots, and pumpkin.
- Minerals
Minerals are important in the same way that vitamins are. If you’re experiencing premature hair greying, make sure you’re getting enough iron and copper. Both minerals have been shown to help you grow more melanin in your hair. Iron and minerals are abundant in dark green vegetables, almonds, peanuts, dark chocolate, and lentils.
- Vitamin
The most important vitamins for increasing melanin production in your hair are vitamin A, C, and B12. Consume citrus fruits such as oranges, grapes, pineapple, and melon. Consume vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, beans, and the like. Non-vegetarians can supplement their diet with red meat, chicken liver, fish, and eggs.
- Natural Treatments
You can increase melanin production by using a few natural ingredients in addition to improving your diet. Bhringraj, Triphala, and Vibhitaka, for example, are well-known for their ability to prevent premature greying. Apply the ingredients to your scalp and wait for your hair to recover from its premature greying condition.
- Ingredients High in Melanin
There are a variety of hair care products on the market that claim to prevent premature grey hair. However, not every product will be suitable for you. Look for products that are suitable for your hair type and contain ingredients that are high in melanin. Lutein, probiotics, astaxanthin, and other ingredients are among them.
Biotin is another water-soluble vitamin that aids in hair growth and health maintenance. Premature hair greying is often linked to a lack of biotin. As a result, increasing the amount of biotin in your diet or taking biotin supplements can help you produce more melanin.
Conclusion
The coarse texture of sea salt is obtained naturally through distillation, which involves evaporating seawater until only salt and other trace minerals remain. Because of this process and minimal processing, the number of natural elements retained by sea salt is greater than that of regular table salt. Zinc, iron, and potassium are examples.
Sea salt, on the other hand, may contain more impurities than refined salt and is more likely to contain heavy metals (i.e., lead). When taken in large quantities, Saltwater can be damaging to your hair. It can make your hair extremely dry, brittle, and dull.
There is no definitive answer as to whether or not sea salt is beneficial to hair. It all depends on your hair type, how sea salt reacts with it, and how much sea salt you expose your hair to.
When used correctly, it can provide enormous benefits. It adds volume, promotes hair growth, reduces dandruff, heals the flaky and itchy scalp, and replenishes hair with nutrients and vitamins. All of these advantages are compelling reasons to incorporate saltwater into your care regimen. Just be careful not to overdo it.
Overconsumption of salt, on the other hand, can harm your hair and can result in grey hair, as well as other serious consequences. You can increase melanin production by eating a healthy diet, applying natural ingredients to your hair, or taking supplements. Please consult with a doctor before taking any supplement.