Beachy waves are the ultimate summer hair aesthetic—effortless, textured, and sun-kissed. But while they look carefree, they might not be as harmless as they seem.
Here’s what your summer strands aren’t telling you:
1. Saltwater buildup = dehydration
Salt can rough up the cuticle layer of your hair, making strands more porous. That dreamy “grit” you love? It’s often just dryness in disguise. Over time, it can leave hair brittle, dull, and prone to split ends.
2. UV rays break down your hair’s structure
Your scalp isn’t the only thing that can get sunburned. Prolonged sun exposure weakens the protein structure of hair, especially when combined with salt or chlorine. The result? Fading color, frizz, and increased breakage.
3. Scrunching + dryness = mechanical damage
Many of us scrunch, twist, or sleep with damp beach hair to “keep the wave.” But dry, sun-exposed hair is more fragile—and aggressive styling only adds to the stress. Think of it like tugging on dry spaghetti.
So what can you do?
- Rinse with fresh water after swimming (ASAP—don’t wait until you’re home).
- Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to reset your scalp and strands without stripping.
- Layer in hydration—conditioner, leave-ins, or a weekly mask to reintroduce moisture.
- Protect with a hat or UV-protectant spray if you’ll be in direct sun for hours.
- Be gentle when styling. Try using a silk scrunchie or letting waves air dry fully before brushing.
