11 best sea salt sprays, according to a beauty editor
Sea salt sprays are the ultimate shortcut to effortless, surfer-girl waves - no beach required (although we fully support manifesting one). They’re one of those beauty products that genuinely make life easier: just spritz, scrunch and go. Whether you’ve got curly hair, thick hair or naturally wavy hair, a good sea salt spray will add the right amount of texture, grip, volume and movement, without the need for heat styling or faff.
Most stylers work best on damp hair, and sea salt sprays are no exception - try spritzing through towel-dried lengths, then either leave to air-dry or blast with a hairdryer to enhance your natural hair texture. The result? Soft, tousled, mermaid-esque waves (aka the dream). You can use them on dry hair for a quick top-up, you’ll just want to go easy to avoid that crunchy finish.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best sea salt sprays on the internet right now - from trending newbies to cult classics - all suitable for different hair types, styles and budgets. Time to get that beachy texture without stepping foot on the sand.
All your sea salt spray questions, answered:
Which is the best salt spray for hair?
Honestly, it depends on your hair type - but if we had to crown an all-rounder, OUAI Wave Spray would definitely come out on top. Unlike traditional salt sprays, it's salt-free and infused with rice protein, upcycled jackfruit and vitamin B5, so you still get that gorgeous beachy texture without drying out your hair. It's lightweight, adds volume and shine, and works beautifully on fine, wavy and even colour-treated hair. Plus it smells absolutely divine - what's not to love?
Can you use sea salt spray every day?
You can - but it's a good idea to balance it with something hydrating. Sea salt sprays build texture by absorbing a little moisture, so if you're using one daily, try pairing it with a nourishing conditioner or hair oil to stop the ends from drying out. More on how to use hair oil here.
Do sea salt sprays work on straight hair?
Yes, but results may vary depending on how straight your hair naturally is. On poker-straight hair you'll get more texture and movement rather than a full wave. For extra oomph, use sea salt spray on damp hair and rough-dry with a diffuser or flip your head upside down while drying.
Should I apply sea salt spray to wet or dry hair?
Both work, but you'll get slightly different results. Applying to damp hair and letting it air-dry or diffuse will enhance your natural texture and help create a soft wave. Spritzing onto dry hair is great for adding instant grit and volume to second-day hair - just go lightly so you don't overload the ends.
Scroll down to shop our full edit of the best sea salt sprays…
Hair By Sam McKnight Sundaze Sea Spray
Best for: protecting hair in the sun and beachy texutre.
Key ingredients: sunflower extract, hibiscus flower and pro-vitamin B5.
Reasons to buy: shields against UVA/UVB and adds natural-looking texture.
Reasons to avoid: pricier than most and won't give much hold if you prefer a more structured wave.Why we love it: Sundaze Sea Spray is the kind of product that makes people ask “what do you use on your hair?” It doesn’t just make your hair look naturally tousled and beachy - it actually cares for it too, thanks to a blend of sunflower extract, hibiscus flower and pro-vitamin B5 that protects against free radicals, UVA and UVB rays. Perfect for summer picnics, beach days and rooftop drinks, it gives soft texture and movement without that crunchy, sticky feel.
Save money while shopping for the best sea salt sprays using our Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best for: fullness, hold and a matte, windswept finish.
Key ingredients: magnesium sulfate (sea salt), kelp extract and algae extract.
Reasons to buy: long-lasting texture and adds grip for styling.
Reasons to avoid: can feel drying on very course or dehydrated hair.Why we love it: If ‘I woke up like this’ hair is your goal, Bumble and bumble's iconic Surf Spray gives you effortless beach wave in seconds. Spritz onto damp or dry hair then diffuse (or simply scrunch and air-dry) for that effortless, slightly-gritty texture and body. It adds serious fullness and hold, meaning your waves actually stay put. Pro tip - pair with a hydrating oil or cream if you're prone to dryness.
Best for: adding volume and movement to limp or fine hair.
Key ingredients: hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-25 paba (aka sunscreen) and panthenol (pro-Vitamin B5).
Reasons to buy: ideal for adding body and volume, provides a natural, matte finish and creates an effortless ‘beachy’ look.
Reasons to avoid: not ideal for anyone wanting strong grip or a glossy finish.Why we love it: This versatile hair spray is a cult favourite among hair stylists and hairdressers alike. And for good reason. Designed to give volume and life to limp hair, this product delivers a matte finish and a flexible hold that suits both short hair and long hair. Definitely one for the wishlist.
Make sure to take a look at our Amazon discount codes to save money at checkout.
Best for: textured, tousled waves with a natural finish.
Key ingredients: Dead Sea salt, grape seed oil and peppermint leaf extract.
Reasons to buy: lightweight feel, adds body and definition, doesn’t leave hair crunchy.
Reasons to avoid: can build up if used too frequently without washing.Why we love it: Hairplay Sea Salt Spray is designed to give lift and movement without the stiffness, making it a great everyday styler for adding beachy grit to clean hair. The formula uses real Dead Sea salt for texture, plus grape seed and peppermint extract to prevent dryness and keep hair feeling fresh. It’s one of those easy, foolproof sprays you can use on repeat when you want that ‘effortless but intentional’ good hair day.
Best for: body and definition.
Key ingredients: sea salt, PVP, citrus extracts.
Reasons to buy: free from sulphates and synthetic dyes, subtle fragrance, adds structure without stickiness.
Reasons to avoid: more suitable for textured/shorter styles than big loose waves.Why we love it: Originally designed with men’s hair in mind, this spray has become a bit of a unisex favourite. Packed with real sea salt and essential oils, it gives hair a bit of structure and definition while still keeping things soft and natural. The non-sticky formula and fresh scent also make it perfect for everyday use - especially on shorter or layered styles.
Enjoy extra saving when you shop for the best sea salt sprays using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best for: fine hair and lightweight texture without dryness.
Key ingredients: rice protein, upcycled jackfruit, vitamin B5.
Reasons to buy: salt-free formula, boosts volume and hydration, safe for colour-treated hair.
Reasons to avoid: less effective if you want strong hold or a matte finish.Why we love it: This is a go-to for anyone with finer or drier hair who usually avoids salt sprays. Instead of sea salt, it uses rice protein and coconut water to deliver a weightless wave, subtle volume and plenty of shine - all without stripping your strands. Think of it as ‘hydration meets texture’ in a bottle. A great everyday option if you want that beachy look minus the build-up (oh, and it smells great).
Enjoy extra saving when you shop for the best sea salt sprays using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best for: enhancing natural texture and giving light grip.
Key ingredients: sodium chloride (sea salt), glycerin.
Reasons to buy: easy to layer, buildable texture, vegan and cruelty-free.
Reasons to avoid: might feel too light for very thick or coarse hair.Why we love it: This spray delivers that effortless, slightly-tousled texture without making it obvious you've used a styling product. The sea salt enhances your natural wave pattern, while gylcerin locks in moisture so your hair still feels soft and healthy. It's the kind of spray you can reach for on busy mornings and know you'll get your desired result every time.
Make sure to check out our Amazon discount codes.
Davines This is a Sea Salt Spray
Best for: soft, undone texture with a natural feel.
Key ingredients: sea salt, propanediol.
Reasons to buy: gives a tousled finish while keeping hair soft, buildable texture.
Reasons to avoid: scent can be strong if you’re sensitive to fragrance.Why we love it: Just a quick spritz of this sea salt hair spray will give your hair a sexy, tousled texture while keeping your locks soft to the touch. Perfect for recreating the ideal beach hair without actually having to risk covering all your belongings in sand.
Save money while shopping for the best sea salt sprays using our Cult Beauty discount codes.
PERCY & REED Session Styling Sea Salt Spray
Best for: lightweight texture and adding grip for styling.
Key ingredients: sea salt, blue sea kale, sea fennel.
Reasons to buy: Adds moisture and shine, natural movement and keeps styles in place for longer.
Reasons to avoid: less suitable if you’re after big, dramatic volume.Why we love it: This isn’t your average salt spray. Created with session stylists in mind, it delivers that relaxed texture without the stiffness or heavy residue. Sea salt adds gentle grip, while sea kelp and sea fennel boost moisture and shine so hair looks healthy and expensive rather than dry and beach-worn. It’s perfect for enhancing loose waves or adding soft movement to a blow-dry - the kind of product that makes your hair look effortlessly put together from morning to night.
Make sure to check out our Amazon discount codes.
Briogeo Superfoods Banana and Coconut Soft Wave Texture Spray
Best for: soft waves and hydration (especially on colour-treated hair).
Key ingredients: banana extract, coconut sugar, aloe vera, vitamin B5.
Reasons to buy: salt-free, ultra-nourishing, suitable for dry or damaged hair.
Reasons to avoid: very lightweight - won’t give intense hold.Why we love it: This vitamin-rich spray is free from actual salt water and instead boasts ingredients such as vitamin B5, banana extract, coconut sugar and aloe vera leaf juice that nourish your hair with each use. Suitable for colour-treated hair.
Save money while shopping for the best sea salt sprays using our Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best for: creating volume and texture while fighting frizz.
Key ingredients: Hawaiian black lava sea salt and charcoal.
Reasons to buy: blocks humidity and unwanted frizz, adds texture and body.
Reasons to avoid: can feel heavy on finer hair.Why we love it: This texturizing sea salt spray is great for delivering texture and body to fine and flat hair while blocking out humidity to tame unwanted frizz. Seriously, just take a look at the ingredients: sea kelp, Hawaiian black lava sea salt and charcoal. It doesn’t get any more ‘beachy’ than this.
Make sure to check out our Amazon discount codes.
