During the summer, hair is often in contact with seawater. What are the benefits and dangers of seawater for your hair? This article provides the answers.
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Seawater and Hair: Benefits and Dangers.
Summary
- Does Seawater Have Any Benefits for Hair?
- What Are the Dangers of Seawater for the Hair?
- The Correct Steps To Take To Preserve Your Hair at the Beach
- Sources
Published May 19, 2022,
updated on December 12, 2023,
by
Sandrine, Scientific Editor
—
5 min read
Does Seawater Have Any Benefits for Hair?
Seawater, rich in minerals and trace elements, is ideal for oily scalps and those with a tendency to dandruff. Indeed, iodized water would allow to cleanse the scalp and to reduce itching due to the overproduction of sebum or dandruff.
However, seawater can be aggressive for our scalp as well as for your hair.
What Are the Dangers of Seawater for the Hair?
Unlike the scalp, which has an acidic pH of around 5.5, the pH of seawater is more like 8. This acidic pH of the scalp gives it a protective role, which is called the acid mantle. Thus, when swimming in the sea, the pH of the scalp is disturbed, which can lead to scalp sensitization, dryness and an increased risk of scalp diseases (dermatitis, etc.).
Thus, seawater scours the hair fiber, causing the scales to lift from the cuticle, which can no longer play their protective role. The hair is then brittle and rough. Despite the benefits of seawater for oily and dandruffy hair, it is therefore necessary to know how to take care of your hair when faced with the inconveniences that seawater can cause. While on vacation at the beach, it is important to take the right steps to preserve the appearance and health of your hair.
The Correct Steps To Take To Preserve Your Hair at the Beach.
While swimming in the sea.
In order to limit the harmful effects of seawater on your hair, we advise you to use a silicone bathing cap which is more airtight than a fabric one. If you don't want to use one, tie your hair up in a high bun to limit the contact of the salt water with your hair.
Note: If you have an oily scalp and/or dandruff, and you want to take advantage of the benefits of seawater to cleanse your scalp, it is possible! Just make sure to wash your hair with clear water immediately after swimming to prevent your hair from becoming rough and brittle.
Don't forget to protect your hair from UV rays! Just like your skin, hair gets damaged when exposed to the sun. So apply a broad spectrum UVA/UVB protective oil to your hair.
After swimming in the sea.
After swimming in the sea, showering is essential to remove salt water from the hair. In addition, the use of moisturizing and lipid-replenishing products in the shower will help rebalance the skin barrier on the scalp and restore the cohesion of the hair cuticle.
Wash your hair directly with clear water. At home, opt for a nourishing shampoo that cleanses the hair while moisturizing and soothing the scalp. Typology's is made with 1% biolipid complex and camellia oil (INCI: "Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil") that rebalances the lipid levels in the stratum corneum. It also contains aloe vera to moisturize and soothe the scalp.
Next, apply a repairing hair mask with biomimetic ceramides (INCI: "Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein"), mango butter (INCI: "Mangifera Indica Seed Butter") and avocado oil (INCI: "Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil") that help restore the cohesion of the cuticle. The scales are filled in, the cuticle is smoothed and the cortex better protected.
If you have dry hair, complete with the application of a dry hair oil. Composed of several vegetable oils acting in synergy, our oil improves the health of the hair fiber and the overall appearance of the hair. The hemisqualane it contains helps to close the hair scales, protecting them from external damage.
Sources
PIÉRARD G.E. Les cheveux et leur environnement (2015)
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