How to Protect, Style, and Grow Your Hair Edges

If you’ve been scrolling down your Instagram feed or have been paying attention to the red carpet these past few years, then you know that edge styling and edge art have been booming in popularity. Although edge styling has been around for a long time, popular celebrities such as FKA Twigs and Yara Shahidi have brought this styling technique to the forefront with their bold and stunning hairstyles both on the red carpet and at home. Read on to learn how to take the best hair for your edges to keep them healthy-looking and beautiful!

What is Edges Hair?

Edges, otherwise known as baby hairs are typically shorter hair strands that are located around the hairline and the nape of the neck. Usually, these hairs are finer, thinner, and more fragile than the rest of your strands. 

sensual African girl with tamed baby hairs

Many women have a hard time figuring out if their edges are actually baby hairs or just broken strands at the hairline. The best way to figure this out is by taking a good look at your edges to notice any dryness or damage. If your edges are filled with split ends and feel brittle, this means that it is probably damaged hair and not regular baby hairs.

What Causes Thinning Hair Edges?

  1. A family history of thinning ages can leave you with the same problem.  If this is the case there are very few options left to change the situation for the better.
  2. Vigorous brushing causes friction, hair breakage, and thinning. Tight protective hairstyles like braids, ponytails, dreadlocks and tight buns pull your hair and may result in hair loss.
  3. Applying heat too often can make your edge hair dry, damaged, and prone to breakage.
  4. Harsh chemical treatments such as bleaching, rebounding, and relaxers can damage the edges of the hair, causing breakage and hair fall.
dark-skinned girl look at her edges in the mirror

How to Protect Your Edges from Thinning

Be gentle! Because your edges are finer and more fragile than the rest of your hair, you need to avoid potentially damaging styling practices,  otherwise, you can cause breakage. Instead of tugging or pulling at the hair, make sure to style with ease and minimal manipulation.

Don’t cause too much tension. We all love our super sleek, slicked-back looks but too much pulling can not only cause breakage, but also hair loss. This hair loss particularly occurs around the hairline where baby hairs grow. This goes for any type of updo, protective style, or extension you’re wearing.

Moisturize! It’s also important to keep an eye on your edges to ensure their texture is not changing and they’re not turning into broken strands. If you start to notice breakage around the hairline, make sure to lay off heat styling and do deep conditioning treatments to maintain high moisture levels.

Towel-dry gently. To reduce friction gently path-dry your hair with a towel instead of rubbing it. Don’t wrap hair too tightly to avoid pulling fragile edge hair. To protect your edges at night, wear a silk or satin scarf and sleep on a silk pillowcase.

African girl with edges in her curly hair

What Can You Do to Grow Your Edges Back

If you notice that your edges are thinning, the good news is that with proper care, your baby’s hair can grow back and look healthy again. However, there is no magic product. Growing your edges back won’t happen overnight and it also takes effort and a lot of patience. Here is what you should stop doing and what to add to your hair care regimen.

  1. You should stop exposing your hair to chemicals. Don’t apply harsh treatments like bleaching and chemical relaxers and use only natural-based products to style your edges. Use a good heat protectant before applying heat if you do use hot tools occasionally.
  2. A deep conditioning treatment once a week will provide the necessary moisture and speed up the recovery of your hair.
  3. Avoid tight hairstyles that create constant tension on your edges. Also, avoid wearing wigs and extensions that would create friction and may lead to breakage.
  4. To reactivate inactive follicles, you need to stimulate blood circulation to the scalp so that more oxygen and nutrients reach your follicles. A gentle massage using a natural boar bristle brush will accelerate blood flow to the scalp and stimulate the follicles.
Girl with long blonde braids and edges listening to music

What Oil Helps Grow Edges Back

The moderate use of hair oils, both sealing and penetrating, can help. Jamaican black castor oil is the best choice for recovering dry and fragile edges. Peppermint essential oil diluted in jojoba oil has a cooling effect and stimulates blood circulation in the scalp area. Massage your hairline with this oil mixture before shampooing.

Add 3-4 drops of rosemary and sage essential oils to a tablespoon of olive oil and gently massage into your scalp. You can use this mixture as a pre-shampoo treatment as well as a hot oil treatment. This oil mixture boosts circulation and helps stimulate hair growth.

Edge Control for Natural Hair 

While edge styling has been re-popularized in recent years with the rise of social media, it’s nothing new—especially for dark-skinned women. Edge control actually started back in the 1920s by women with naturally textured hair as a way to slick back their edges to make their hair appear less coiled. For years, black-skinned women styled their hair in ways to make it look as sleek as possible until the 60’s when they started to embrace their natural texture.

Instead of slicking their hair back, women with dark skin started rocking their natural texture loud and proud while still controlling their edges in more of a way that we know and see today. In the 1990s, the popularity of both simple and intricate edge control resurged and hasn’t left since! So, while many well-known celebrities such as Kardashian/Jenner have tried to set trends by styling their baby hairs, the naturally kinky community knows that it has never left!

attractive african american woman in the office

How to Style Your Edges

Edge styling can range from simple for a day-to-day look to very intricate for a night on the town. Whether you decide to keep it easy or go all out, there are a few tools and steps you can take to make sure your edges stay on point all night long!

1. When it comes to tools, you’re going to need three things—a fine comb, a toothbrush or edge styling tool, and a strong-hold gel or edge tamer. There are a ton of edge tamers on the market depending on the level of hold you like. Remember, use only natural-based products that are not aimed to provide only short time benefits.

2. First, make sure to use a comb to section out your edges from the rest of your hair strands. Be super gentle so you don’t cause excess tension or breakage.

3. Then, apply a bit of edge tamer or gel onto your section of baby hairs and use your toothbrush/edge styling tool to start swooping! This is where you can really experiment with the style and play around with different looks. Edge tamer or edge control is usually a thicker consistency that helps to stick the edges to the hairline/forehead.

Young woman with afro hairstyle taking selfie

4. If you want to get really detailed, use the tip of your comb to mold the ends of your baby hairs for a more defined look.

5. Depending on your plans for the day, you may want to finish off laying your baby hairs with a hairspray. While this is optional, it’s recommended if you’re going to be active or if it’s hot/high humidity outside. An extra spritz of hairspray just ensures that your edges stay in place and won’t budge!

The best part about edge styling is that it’s totally customizable to you, your own look, and your hair type! Be gentle with your hair but don’t be afraid to get daring and experiment with different styles based on your own preferences.

Girl with long blonde braids listening to music

Hot Hair Comb vs Flat Iron and How to Use a Straightening Comb

What is a Hot Comb?

A hair straightening comb is a styling tool used to make coarse hair smoother and frizz-free. Earlier models had metal teeth and were designed to be heated on the stove. Modern straightening combs are heated with electricity and have ceramic heating elements and multiple temperature settings. The heating plates have a plastic frame to protect you from burning yourself.

Advantages of Hot Combs

  1. If it takes you forever to style your hair in the morning, a heated comb is a great way to go. An electric hot comb is much faster than a regular flat iron. You will be able to finish your hair in half of the time that it takes to style your hair with a regular flat iron.
  2. You can take much larger sections of the hair and your hair will require fewer passes to get relatively straight than with a regular straightener. When using the comb, you can smooth the entire section of hair in 1-2 passes. With a flat iron, you need to run it 4-5 times through each section. 
  3. Your hair will look naturally straight, not “pin” straight or flat like after flat ironing.
  4. A heated comb doesn’t reduce volume, making your hair flat as a regular flat iron does.
  5. A straightening comb helps to straighten your roots as you can get closer to your scalp than when using a flat iron.
Electrical hot comb heater and hot comb, the 1920s.
Electrical hot comb heater and hot comb, the 1920s. Source

Best Candidates for Using a Hot Comb?

Traditionally, hot combs are used on unruly tresses and African American hair to give the hair a smoother and sleeker look. Although the tool can be used on all hair types, the effects are most visible on coarse hair.

When it comes to hair length, this straightening tool is most effective when used on shoulder-length hair or longer. When used on short hair a hot comb will work better on thick coarse short hair than on fine and straight hair because the tool needs to create tension in the hair to work.

If your hair is extremely curly and you want to make it bone straight, you might still need to use a regular flat iron. However, you can use a heat straightening comb before flat ironing to make your hair easier to style with a flat iron.

a woman with black hair straightened with a hot comb

It will quickly and effortlessly straighten wavy hair, take away frizz, and add plenty of shine.

If your hair is naturally straight, this tool can be used on freshly blow-dried hair to smooth out flyaway hair and fight frizz without reducing volume.

An electric straightening comb is an ideal choice for busy individuals who need to quickly give their hair the wow factor before walking out of the door.

How to Use a Heat Straightening Comb

Make sure to dry your hair completely before using this heated tool because your hair is vulnerable and prone to heat damage when wet.

Detangle your hair with a regular comb before using the heated comb, to avoid pulling the hair out by straightening it too vigorously. Detangling will also remove loose hair strands and make straightening easier, faster, and more efficient.

Always apply a heat protectant before hot combing.

temperaturechart

Select the temperature that is appropriate for your hair type. If you have thick, very curly, or coarse hair, set a higher temperature and work with smaller sections of the hair. Make sure to comb slowly and repeat if necessary, to get the desired look.

Hold the ends of your hair while slowly moving the comb through the parted sections.

After you have done it, place the comb on a heat-resistant surface and let it cool.

Tips for Purchasing a Quality Electric Comb

The convenience of a hair straightener comb greatly depends on its design. Make sure to choose a comb with an anti-scald design to protect your skin from burns. Also, look for an appliance with ceramic heating components and ionic technology. Ceramic heats evenly, reducing the possibility of heat damage, while negative ions help seal the cuticle, making hair smooth and glossy. Variable heat settings are important to accommodate all hair types.

a beautiful dark-skinned woman with hair straightened by hot comb

Spiral Curling Irons – The Best Tool for Creating Spiral Curls

Using a spiral curling iron is the quickest and easiest way to add beautiful spiral curls to your hair. A spiral curling iron is similar to your regular curling iron, but there are some important differences.

A conventional curling iron comes with one uniform barrel or several interchangeable barrels that have a plain surface. A spiral curling iron, however, has either a curved barrel or a barrel with a spiral pattern along the barrel. Your hair should lie between the ridges around the barrel. This way each section is heated evenly to ensure you will get perfect, long-lasting spiral curls.

Spiral curling wands come in various designs and shapes. Newer models have a protective shield that covers the barrel to protect your fingers and forehead from heat.

Spiral curling irons work best for naturally wavy hair and hair of medium length. Long, thick hair can take a very long time to curl, but if you have enough time, you can get great results by working with small sections of hair. A spiral iron is hard to manage if your hair is very short since it could be a challenge to wrap the hair around the barrel. For best results, your hair should be at least chin-length to define curls.

spiral curling iron

How curly your hair will end up depends on the amount of hair in each section and how long you hold the iron in your hair. By taking smaller pieces of hair and using higher heat, you will get tighter curls. By doing larger sections of hair and applying less heat, you will get more relaxed, natural-looking curls.

How to Use a Spiral Curling Wand

It takes some time and practice to learn how to use a spiral curling iron. However, with patience and practice, a good curler will give you beautiful spiral curls that last. The curling process is time-consuming because you can’t put much hair in the curler at once.

The following are basic instructions on how to get spiral curls using a spiral curling iron. Keep in mind that different models should be used in different ways, so it is important to read individual product directions. Also, make sure to watch some tutorial videos to make the learning process easier.

hairdresser uses spiral curling wand to style client's hair

Preparing the Hair: Wash, condition, and towel dry your hair. Use a comb to remove tangles. Apply a heat protectant, coating your strands evenly. Allow your hair to air-dry or use a hair dryer to dry it completely.

Sectioning: Section your hair to make it easier to work with.  Create tiny sections of hair if you want tighter curls. Use bigger sections to get softer curls and to speed the curling up. Keep in mind that spiral irons with a heat insulation shield around the barrel can’t handle larger portions of hair. Large sections also run the risk of additional tangling. 

Curling: Set your iron at the proper temperature for your hair type. Insert the end of your hair in the clamp of the spiral iron, and then twist the barrel towards the roots until it’s close to your head (Conair Spiral Styler). With some spiral irons, you need to start curling from the roots and then wrap the section of hair around the barrel between the grooves holding the ends of your locks (Bed Head Curlipops Spiral Curling Wand). For both methods, hold the tool in your hair for a duration based on how tight you want the curls to be. The longer you leave the iron in each section, the tighter the curls will be. Repeat working with small sections until you finish the curling process.

Styling: Once you have your whole head curled, run your fingers through it, and set it with hair spray to give your curls hold.

It might take about 30 minutes to do the whole head if you have shoulder-length hair of medium thickness and density.

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Spiral Curling Irons that may Be Worth Buying

1. Bed Head Curlipops Spiral Curling Wand

This curling wand features a two-inch spiral barrel designed to guide your hair around the barrel to create stunning, bouncy curls. The barrel is made of tourmaline and ceramic materials that are considered healthy for hair. Tourmaline technology helps to eliminate static and frizz and adds a beautiful shine to hair.

This curling wand can be used to give you either tight curls or loose, beachy waves depending on how you use it. The tool heats up to 400° F and doesn’t have an adjustable heat setting.

The positives

  • Allows you to create tight, relaxed, or asymmetrical curls
  • Creates curls that can hold even when you sleep on them
  • Makes fine and flat hair look much more voluminous
  • Helps to reduce frizz and static and leaves your hair shiny
  • Creates a nice texture for a curly updo
  • Doesn’t leave any creases
  • Has an attractive and eye-catching design
  • Gets hot quickly
  • Comes with a high-quality protective glove to protect your fingers when touching the barrel
  • Has dual voltage and can be used worldwide with the appropriate adaptor
  • The on/off switch is placed so that it is not easy to turn off the curler accidentally while in use

The negatives

  • Lacks a heat setting feature, so you cannot control the temperature
  • Requires some practice to figure out how to use it
  • Doesn’t have a long enough barrel for use with very long hair

Suggested Use

Take a one- to two-inch section of hair and wrap it around the barrel, starting from the roots and holding the appliance with the tip pointing down. Hold the end of your hair with your fingers for the recommended time, then release the curl. You should use a glove and be careful when holding the tool close to your head.

A woman with long healthy after using a spiral iron

2. Conair Instant Heat Spiral Curling Iron

This spiral styler has an extra-long spiral barrel that allows you to create bouncy spiral curls in long hair. It has a small clamp at the bottom to hold the end of your hair, making curling easier and reducing the chances of getting burned. The uniform heat recovery system keeps the barrel temperature at a constant level, enabling you to create well-shaped, long-lasting spiral curls. A wide range of temperature settings makes this styling tool suitable for many different types of hair.

The positives

  • Gives you cute spiral curls
  • Creates long-lasting curls even if your hair is curl resistant
  • Lightweight and easy to hold
  • Heats up very quickly
  • Multiple heat settings ranging from 1–25
  • Dual voltage for worldwide use with an adaptor plug
  • Auto-off functionality

The negatives

  • Takes some time and practice to figure out how to use it.
  • Due to the barrel’s design, the curls could only go in one direction. If you like multidirectional curls, this curler is not for you.
  • The hair can get caught in the clamp. 

Suggested Use

Take a section of hair and affix the end of your hair to the clamp. Then twist the styler from tip to root. Your hair will slip between the ridges. Hold the iron in the hair for an amount of time, based on the desired results and the heat setting that you have selected. After releasing the curl, use your fingers to loosen it.

Sensual woman with beautiful spiral curls

3. Spiral Curl Ceramic Curling Iron by SexyBeauty

This spiral iron has a ¾-inch ceramic barrel encased with a protective shield that keeps fingers from getting burned. Ceramic heating elements help to evenly distribute heat and prevent damage while creating beautiful and long-lasting spiral curls. There is a small clip for securing the end of your hair, so you don’t have to hold it.

The positives

  • Fast heating in 15 seconds
  • Anti-scald design
  • Lightweight and travel-friendly
  • Long, anti-swivel cord
  • Dual voltage for worldwide use
  • Produces long-lasting spiral curls

The negatives

  • Your hair may get tangled if you use a larger section.
  • No adjustable heat setting
  • Doesn’t have an auto shut off

Suggested Use

Divide hair into workable sections. Take a small section of hair and insert it into the curl chamber. Secure it with the clip. Twist the iron towards your head while wrapping the hair around the barrel. Hold it in place for about 5–10 seconds for looser curls or 20 seconds for tighter curls. Repeat this action to curl the remaining section of your hair. Allow your hair to cool, then gently run your fingers through it for a more natural finish. Use hairspray to give your curls a nice hold.

a gorgeous woman with spiral curls posing

The Best Hot Air Brush for Your Hair Type

The latest style-perfecting gadget is a hot airbrush, which is a hairdryer and a round brush in one device. This versatile product blows hot air through a vented barrel to finish drying your hair while you style it.

The hot airbrush is not designed to replace your regular hair dryer because it doesn’t have enough power to fully and efficiently dry wet hair. Your hair should be blow-dried until it is about 80% dry before you start using the hot air styling brush to give it the desired finish.

The hot air brush won’t make curly hair pin straight; it is typically used to smooth curly hair or add gentle curls to straight hair.

There is a bit of a learning curve to master this tool, but with time and practice, you will be able to get that stunning “just back from the salon” blowout. You can also use it on dry hair for touchups between hair washings.

A walking girl with smooth hair styled with a hot airbrush

A hot air hair brush works best if you have short or shoulder-length hair. People with fine hair will get the most benefit. The blowing hot air delivers explosive volume while the round brush provides control and style, leaving your hair flowing and shiny.

Types of Hot Air Brushes

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1. Stationary hot air brush dryers have the brush in a fixed position, so you have to manually roll it to style your hair. Some people prefer stationary over rotating brushes because they don’t tangle the hair.

Popular brands: Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Hot Air Brush and HOT TOOLS Professional 24K Gold One Step Dryer Volumizer.

2. Rotating hot airbrushes have a rotating brush head, which gives your hair more volume and makes your styling routine easier. The rotating feature is optional, so you can also choose to use the brush without rotation.

Popular brand: One-Step Hair Dryer Brush by CORNMI.

3. Hot air brushes with the spinning feature tend to catch the hair more than stationary brushes, and it also takes more time to master a rotating hair brush dryer than one you rotate manually.

4. Brushes with dual rotation have two directional buttons, so they can spin either forward or backward, which makes them equally convenient for both lefties and righties—and both sides of your head!

5. Hot air brush dryers with interchangeable brush heads have one dryer unit and two or more brush attachments to fit different hair lengths and create different styles.

6. “Tangle-free” drying hairbrushes have a release button that allows the barrel to swivel to release a tangled section of hair.

Some hot air brushes utilize advanced ionic technology to dry hair faster while eliminating static and frizz.

Popular brands: All-in-One Dryer Brush by Conair and Hot Air Brush by TDYJWELL.

Hot brushes typically range anywhere from 250 to 1200 watts of power. 250 watts may be sufficient for fine hair. For thick and coarse hair you will need much more power.

young woman using  brush hair dryer to style hair

Benefits of Drying Hair Brushes

1. A hot air brush dryer gives great volume, unlike a flat iron, which can leave your hair too flat. You can get close to the roots, which gives your hair more life and body than you can get from your flat iron.

2. It is convenient to have it handy in humid weather. It helps tame frizz and gives a shiny finish to your hair.

3. With this tool, you can get your ends rolled under beautifully. You can also use it for touch-ups between hair washings. A hot air styling brush can be perfect for the last touches before a special event.

4. A hot air styler is lightweight and easy to maneuver which is great for your wrists. It’s also easier to use than using a hairdryer and a separate round brush for styling your hair. Your arms won’t get exhausted and you can use your other hand to hold the section and help with styling.

5. A hot air round brush doesn’t get as hot as your flat iron. This is important if you are concerned about the damage that could be done to your hair with the high heat from styling tools.

6. A hot air styling brush is great for traveling. You can take just one item with you instead of overloading your suitcase with several heat-styling tools. When you are on the vacation, you can just air dry your hair a bit and then use this hot airbrush to finish drying and styling your hair.

How Do Hot Air Stylers Work for Different Types of Hair?

When shopping for a new hot airbrush, it is important to select the tool that will work for your hair type and is also suitable for the length of your hair.

Fine hair: Hot airbrushes are great for people with fine, limp hair. They can get close to the scalp to lift the roots and leave your hair fluffed up. If you have super fine hair, look for soft to medium bristles. If your hair is over-processed or damaged, choose a brush with a ceramic heater and use a lower temperature setting. If your hair is frizzy, select a hot air styler brush that has an ion generator.

Thinning hair: A hot air brush styler works well for thin hair because it adds body to thin hair, tames frizz, and boosts shine. If you have thinning hair, apply some volumizing mousse before styling it with this tool.

Straight hair: A hot air hairbrush can be used to give a gentle curve to straight hair and add more body and shine. For a more lasting volume, you need to apply a volumizing mousse or hair spray. If you have straight hair, the brush won’t give you a lot of curls, but it can give you a little bit of casual wave or a touch of curl at the bottom of your hair.

Short hair: A hot airbrush is a perfect tool for people with short and medium-length hair. It is especially great for a short bob because it lifts short, fine hair and gives it body. However, be aware that for short hair, you need a small barrel. It can be tricky to get very short hair around the barrel, especially if it is straight. For really short hair, choose a barrel no bigger than 1 inch in diameter.

Long hair: Section off your hair and work small sections for a big bouncy look. If you want loose waves, go over each piece a few times while twisting and turning the brush. Do small portions at a time. If you grip too much hair, it might get caught in the brush. For very long hair, look for a “tangle-free” brush.  You’ll need the release button to untangle sections of hair.

A hot air styler works exceptionally well on shoulder-length hair.

Coarse hair: If you have coarse and thick hair, make sure to pre-dry your hair well, then use this tool to finish your style; a hot styling brush is not powerful enough to dry and style thick, coarse hair. If you keep trying, the tool gets pretty warm, which causes the bristles to become softer and less efficient in managing your hair. For coarse hair, use stiffer brushes and select a higher heat setting. Make sure to choose a unit with higher wattage that provides enough heat and power to properly dry and style your hair.

Curly hair: A hot air styling brush won’t give you stick-straight hair like a flat iron; it will smooth the hair and slightly turn it under. If you want to make your curly hair straight, you’ll still need to use a flat iron. You’ll also still need to use your flat iron if you want your ends straighter because the round brush tends to curl your ends.

a girl styling her hair with a hot air brush

How to Use a Hot Air Round Brush

A hot airbrush is not made to be used straight out of the shower, as it will take forever to dry your hair. Allow your hair to air dry or use a regular hair dryer to pre-dry it. When your hair is about 80% dry, use the hot air styler to finish drying and create the style you desire. Keep your hair sectioned with clips, wrap a small portion of hair around the brush, and slide downward.

It takes a little practice to get used to it, especially to a rotating hot airbrush.

Read the manual and watch a few videos on YouTube to figure out how to use it.

Always use a heat protection spray.

For maximum body, position the brush close to the roots, wrap your hair around the brush, and hold the brush in place for a few seconds. Gently pull your hair away from your head, then move the brush down the section. Make sure to select a large barrel if you want more body and fewer curls.

The hot air brush styler does not get hot enough to curl your hair. It is not a good choice if you want to achieve tighter curls. Curls also do not last long as using a curling iron. Depending on the length of the hair and the diameter of the brash, you can get some curls or slight natural waves.

To get a curlier style, wrap a portion of your hair around the brush and hold the brush for about 10 seconds close to your head before unrolling your hair from the brush. Work on just one small section at a time. For tighter curls, use a barrel not wider than 1”. Use a 1.5″ barrel or larger if you want to get more. To get big soft waves, slide the brush vertically.

If your hair gets tangled, press the release button that allows the barrel to swivel to untangle the hair. If you use a brush with dual rotation, you need to change directions to let your hair out of the brush.

Once you have finished with the hot settings, use the cool setting to set the style and add more shine to your hair.

How to Choose the Right Barrel Size?

For longer hair, choose a larger diameter of brush. The 2-inch barrel will probably work perfectly if you have long hair.

If you have short hair, choose the 1″ barrel. Larger barrels will not work on short hair, as hair cannot be wrapped around the brush.

Select 1-1/2″ barrels if you have medium-length hair.

The 1-inch will give you tighter curls.

The 1.5-inch barrel gives you more relaxed curls.

The 2-inch barrel will give you a straighter style with more volume. It can also give you loose, short-lasting curls.

Ceramic or titanium barrels tame frizz and smoothen hair more beautifully than those made of plastic material.

A Few Words about Bristles

Most hot air stylers have nylon bristles. Plastic bristles transfer heat well, easily pick up the section of hair, and don’t have a tendency to tangle hair. Nylon bristles are suitable for styling coarse hair.

Brush bristles are softer than plastic ones and work best for fine hair.

Attractive blonde woman posing indoors

Add Texture to Your Hair by Using the Right Styling Products

What is Hair Texture?

The term “texture” is used to describe the thickness of individual hair strands. The hair can have a fine, medium, or thick texture.

The term “texturizer” can have different meanings: In chemical services, a hair texturizer refers to a chemical product designed to slightly relax tightly coiled curls, giving them more of a wave pattern.

In this post, the term “texturizer” refers to styling products that are meant to add volume and lift to fine and flat hair and enhance its manageability.

smiling young blonde woman with texturizing product in the hair

Seven Reasons to Use Hair Texturizers

There are many good reasons to include hair texturizers in your hair care routine, and some of them are listed below:

  1. Lift your roots: If you have thick, sleek hair that sits flat on your head, you want to use a texturizer to define your layers and give some oomph to your locks.
  2. Boost volume: If you have fine, straight hair that feels boring and limp, you need a texturizer to keep your strands from falling flat. A texturizing product will help reinforce some volume and give your hair a fuller look.
  3. Give grip and hold: If your hair is hard to style, you need a texturizer to give it some grip and cut down your styling time. Hair texturizers also help hold a style in place throughout the day.
  4. Enhance highlights: If you have highlighted, short hair, you may want a texturizer to make your highlights stand out more.
  5. Tame flyaway hair: You may need a texturizer to tame frizz and flyaways without leaving the hair feeling greasy or sticky.
  6. Crete beachy look: If you are trying to achieve beachy hairstyles, texturizing products can give you that sexy, tousled look within a matter of minutes.
  7. Help retain curls: When applied to the hair before heat styling, a hair texturizer helps keep your style longer. If you have trouble curling your straight hair, using texturizing products helps your curls stay longer and give them a more defined look.

Hair Texturizing Styling Products

Texturizing styling products are gaining in popularity because unlike most ordinary hairsprays, they give a brushable hold.

1. Texturizing Paste

Texturizing paste works great for short hair. It separates hair into random pieces to achieve a stunning, messy look. It provides a flexible texture and makes fine hair appear thicker. This product is also suitable for either women’s or men’s hairstyles.

For best results, use a texturizing paste after blow-drying to separate hair and give it more definition. Rub a small amount between your hands and run it through the layers of hair. Use your fingertips to pull the pieces of hair in different directions, achieving the look you want.

If you have very fine or thin hair, use it before blow-drying to add more volume.

Related products: TIGI Bed Head Manipulator Texture Paste, AQUAGE Transforming Paste, Kevin Murphy Night Rider, Sun Bum Sonny’s Original Surf Paste, and AG Hair Natural Dry Lift Texture And Volume Paste.

cheerful young blonde woman with texturizing product in the hair

2. Texturizing Mist

If you have fine hair, this lightweight product will give your hair a nice texture and soft fullness without leaving it heavy.

For best results, use this product on towel-dried hair, before blow-drying. It will make your hair easy to style and keep the humidity at bay. When used before curling iron, it helps create well-defined bouncy curls.

Re-apply texturizing mist to dry hair to redefine texture and refresh your style.

Related products: Kenra Platinum Texturizing Mist, Brocato Back to the Beach Texturizing Mist, Design.ME Puff.ME LIGHT Volumizing Mist Powder, and Uplift Volumizing Mist by Volaire.

3. Dry Texturizing Spray

Dry texturizing spray partially works as a dry shampoo, keeping hair looking fresh between washes. It absorbs oil at the roots, giving volume and “oomph” to flat hair. This product offers a bit more hold than dry shampoo. It also gives hair a flexible grip, allowing for easy styling and restyling.

A dry texturizing spray works best on straight hair that needs some texture and messiness. This is the right product if you need something to refresh dirty or limp hair and add some volume.

To boost volume, flip your hair upside down and spray. To lift the roots, spray the product on the root area, and massage it in a circular motion. Use a comb to lightly tease your tresses for more volume. Spray on dry hair, after styling, to hold the style and prevent hair from getting oily. Use before curling to get longer-lasting curls.

Related products: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, MOROCCANOIL Dry Texture Spray, and MONAT Studio One Dry Texturizing Spray.

relaxed blond woman with texturized hair using smartphone

4. Dry Shampoos

Dry shampoo absorbs excess oils and keeps your locks looking fresh between washes. It also gives texture and revives limp hair, giving it body and bounce.

To refresh oily hair, spray the roots with quick, short sprays while holding sections of your hair upright. Hold the spray about 10 inches away from your scalp.

To create more texture and body, flip your head upside down and blast the dry shampoo throughout your hair.

Also, use a dry shampoo to create a gritty body and texture before styling an updo, bun, or braid.

Related products: Aveda New Shampure Dry Shampoo, Bumble, and Bumble Pret A Powder Shampoo, All Natural, Vegan Dry Shampoo Powder by Handmade Heroes, R+Co Skyline Dry Shampoo Powder, and Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo.

Smiling blonde with beautifully textured hair

5. Sea Salt Sprays

Sea salt hairsprays add volume and give a messy, tousled texture to your hair. They offer the quickest way to achieve beachy hairstyles without swimming in the ocean.

Salt sprays work best for people with naturally wavy hair.

If you have thick straight hair, sea salt spray helps achieve a more texturized look with some natural messiness.

If you have short hair, you can use sea salt spray to get a messier texture and more volume.

If your hair doesn’t hold the curl, apply sea spray before using a curling iron to achieve more natural and longer-lasting curls.

To get a beachy texture, apply sea salt spray to towel-dried hair, tousle, and let your locks air dry.

To enhance waves, apply sea salt spray generously onto damp hair and tousle with your fingers.

To boost volume, apply sea salt spray liberally to damp hair before blow-drying. To achieve a wavy, messy look, use the diffuser and run it through your hair in a gentle, circular motion.

Reapply sea salt spray to dry hair to redefine texture and bring your waves back to life.

The main downside of salt sprays is that they tend to strip moisture from your hair because salt attracts water molecules. Certain brands of sea salt sprays contain special ingredients in their formula to help balance moisture.

Related products: KICK Sea Salt Spray for Hair, Davines Sea Salt Spray, Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray, Sun Bum Sea Spray, and Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray.

A cute woman with texturized fine hair

6. Sugar Sprays

If you have dry or keratin-treated hair, you might want to skip salt sprays and check out a sugar spray. Unlike sea salt, sugar cane extract has a conditioning effect and will not dry out your hair. A texturizing spray with sugar cane extract gives your hair body, texture, and hold without the unwanted drying effect.

Apply a sugar spray to damp hair, before blow-drying, to create volume and texture. Use this product on dry hair, after styling, to lock your style in place. To get messy waves, spray sugar spray onto your hair, skipping the roots, then scrunching your hair with your hands.

Related products: Wella EIMI Sugar Lift Sugar Spray, Shea Moisture Sugarcane Extract and Meadowfoam Seed Silicone Free Miracle Styler, SUNCOAT PRODUCTS Sugar-Based Natural Hair Styling Spray, and Paul Mitchell Neon Sugar Spray Texturizer.

relaxed blond woman with texturized hair dressed in white

Hair Lightener Sprays for the Perfect Summer Look

Using lighting sprays is an easy way to lighten your hair or add natural-looking highlights. Lightening hair sprays are designed to gradually lighten natural blonde or natural light brown hair. Most of these products can also provide subtle lightening effects on colored blonde and colored light brown hair.

A lightening hair spray is designed to lighten your hair up to two levels, depending on the amount of the product you use and how frequently you apply it. Exposure to the sun and using hot tools can speed up the lightening process.

You’ll need to apply the product at least a few times before seeing any noticeable effects. The first results are usually visible after 3 – 5 applications. If you have medium blonde hair, it may take about 10 applications to achieve a light blonde shade.

beautiful smiling blond girl with sun-kissed hair

Lightening sprays work best for darker shades of blonde hair. Formulas designed for blondes are generally not effective on darker brown hair because they can’t lift enough and may leave red tones in dark hair. However, certain brands can be used on any shade of brown hair without unwanted effects.

Ordinary lightening sprays are peroxide-based and potentially damaging to hair, especially if your hair is already damaged by frequent coloring.  Make sure to avoid peroxide-containing products or use them in moderation.

Fortunately, there are lightening sprays formulated with natural lightening agents and these sprays also may contain nourishing and conditioning ingredients. These conditioning ingredients protect your hair from heat and environmental damage and help keep your locks soft and hydrated. Natural-based hair-lightening sprays also have a more pleasant smell than their peroxide-based counterparts.

What are the Active Ingredients in Hair Lightening Sprays?

Popular brands that use hydrogen peroxide in their formula include Sun In Hair Lightener, John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray, and Schwarzkopf Blonde Ultimate Lightening Spray. Make sure to check the ingredient list before making your purchase.

Some lightening sprays contain heat protectants to prevent damage to the hair when you use heat to maximize the lightening effect.

magnificent girl with blonde hair and pink sunglasses

Natural-Based Sprays that Can Lighten Your Hair

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Natural lightening sprays gently brighten up blonde hair without using bleaching agents. The most common lightening agents in lightening sprays are citrus, chamomile, and honey.

1. Klorane Sun Lightening Spray is formulated with plant-based ingredients including chamomile and honey. It works on naturally blonde hair, as well as on color-treated, highlighted, and bleached blonde hair. The product is made without bleaching agents and you can apply it either to towel-dried or dry hair.

2. Gnarly Head Biodegradable Beach Blonde Gentle Lightening Spray produces subtle lightening effects using natural lemon juice. The formula is free of harsh chemicals and peroxide. It contains chamomile and plant extracts to nourish and condition hair and make detangling easier. For the best results, you should expose your hair to sunlight after application.

3. Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Blonde Brightening Mist Luminizer (Walmart) uses lemon, chamomile, and honey extracts to enhance blonde tones and highlights in natural blonde and dyed blonde hair. This hair mist protects hair from harmful sun rays, eliminates brassiness, and prevents hair color from fading. 

beautiful smiling blonde posing in the street

Peroxide-Based Lightening Hair Sprays

John Frieda Beach Blonde Sun Streaks Lightening Spray creates subtle, permanent highlights like the sun would in the summer. It gives your hair a natural-looking beachy blonde look. This spray provides the best results on virgin blonde hair but will also work on dyed blonde hair.

Ingredients that work to lighten hair are hydrogen peroxide and natural lemon.

The formula is UV-activated and makes your hair appear like it has been naturally lightened by the sun. It also helps prevent brassy, orange tones in blonde hair.

For best results, apply this product to clean towel-dried hair before going out in the sun. Use it once between hair washings and avoid applying it to regrowth.

Hair Lightening Sprays for Brunettes

Lightening hair sprays are preferably made for blonde or light brunette hair. If used on darker hair, they can leave reddish tones. Make sure that the product is designed for darker hair before making a purchase.

Chamomile Intea Natural Blonde Highlights Hair Lightening Spray is advertised to help blondes and brunettes to achieve a lighter color and blonde highlights.  The formula contains natural chamomile extract.

The product description says that it lightens hair with natural chamomile and “the smallest amounts of Hydrogen Peroxide”. How small is “the smallest” amount of Hydrogen Peroxide? It is impossible to know if it is small enough to be completely safe for anyone’s hair.

smiling brunette girl posing outdoor

Benefits of Using a Lightening Spray

  • A lightening spray for blonde hair helps you make a move towards brighter blonde hair while keeping your blonde hair from turning brassy.
  • This product gives you natural highlights and saves the money you would spend on visiting a salon to get highlights.
  • A lightening hair spray also enhances the highlights you already have.
  • Lightening spray also helps blend in your darker roots between color services, so you can go longer between professional touch-ups. This means that you use fewer chemicals. However, don’t expect this benefit from peroxide-containing lightening sprays, as these can damage your strands and cause hair breakage. 
beautiful smiling blond girl dressed in summer clothes

How to Use a Lightener Spray

Lightening sprays generally work best on damp hair. Spray the product onto your towel-dried hair, focusing on areas you wish to lighten.

For streaks, spray only those sections of the hair that you want to lighten. For all-over lightening, comb through your hair to evenly distribute the product. Don’t wash your hair the same day after you apply the spray to give the product enough time to work.

For a more intense effect, apply heat or spend some time in the sun.

To get desired results, you may need to use this product repeatedly.

To retain the results, repeat the procedure every few weeks.

It is advisable to apply a lightener spray in a well-ventilated area. Make sure not to inhale the mist or use it near your eyes. 

Be aware that lightener sprays can dry out your hair, especially those that contain hydrogen peroxide and drying alcohol. Make sure to use a moisturizing conditioner after each shampoo. Use a deep conditioning masque at least once a week to fight the dryness and prevent hair breakage.

smiling blond girl dressed in hipster clothes

Hair Lightening Gels

The most popular gel that can make your hair lighter is L’Oreal Paris Summer Lights Hair Lightening Gelee. This styling gel is easy to use and will gradually lighten hair with each application. For brighter results, you need to apply heat or spend some time in m the sun.

This gel formula contains hydrogen peroxide and doesn’t work on hair that is darker than light brown. Another downside is that it is not suitable for color-treated or gray hair.

smiling blond girl wearing white shirt

Straightener Brush vs Flat Iron: Which is Better for Your Hair?

Traditional straightening tools like flat irons may take a while to create the sleek, shiny look that many women are aiming for. To resolve that, a new straightening appliance has been launched. It combines the heating feature of a flat iron with the convenience of an ordinary hairbrush. This new appliance is was Electric Straightening Brush

This innovative styling tool has a heated base and bristles that enable you to straighten your hair while brushing it. This new generation of hair straighteners is claimed to be a great alternative to traditional straighteners, providing faster and easier straightening.

In recent years, heated styling brushes have become a hot topic in the hair care industry and must-have beauty aid for busy individuals. But this revolutionary straightening tool hasn’t met everyone’s expectations. Some women weren’t satisfied with them and decided to return to their flat irons.

a woman with hair styled with an electric hair brush

Can a Heated Hair Brush Replace Your Flat Iron?

It depends on your needs. If pin-straight hair is what you are aiming for, you should stick to a conventional flat iron. For straightening purposes, electric brushes are less efficient than flat irons. It’s particularly hard to get your ends straight. But you may find this appliance good enough for quick straightening in the morning. You may want to have one for the days you don’t have time to use a flat iron.

Does Electric Hair Brush Work on all Types of Hair?

Manufacturers claim that this “new revolutionary device” can be used on all hair types. But is it possible that a single styling appliance can work perfectly for all hair types, lengths, and conditions?

In most cases, straightening brushes work well for individuals with slightly wavy hair to make their locks straighter without reducing volume and bounce.

A heated styling brush is a great time saver for individuals with curly hair and those with very thick unruly hair. Some curly-haired women are delighted with the reduction in styling time that the new straightening brushes provide, while others may be disappointed with the additional volume.

This brush may not perform well if your hair is too short, because you may experience difficulty in creating the tension needed to straighten your hair.

Some individuals with naturally straight hair use a heated brush to get more volume or to get their hair slightly curled at the ends.

For frizzy hair, ceramic hair straightening brushes with anion anti-static technology can eliminate static electricity and reduce frizz.

Does it work?! |Hair Straightener Brush on Natural Hair – video by Lovely Bryana

Is a Straightening Brush Better than a Flat Iron?

A heated hair brush can indeed provide some benefits that outperform those of a traditional straightening iron. How much benefit you will get depends on your hair type and your personal preferences. Below is the list of potential benefits that a quality electric hair brush can offer:

  1. Saves your time. Compared to a flat iron, by using a heated styling brush, you can shorten the time needed to straighten your hair. How is this possible? When using a heated brush, you can work on larger sections of hair, compared to when using a flat iron. A heated hair brush can handle quite a large portion of hair at once, covering the entire head faster, which cuts down styling time. It is useful for occasions when you need to smooth and style your hair fast.
  2. Gentler on the hair than a flat iron. The straightening process is less damaging to the hair if you use a quality appliance and if you use it properly. Your hair will not overheat, as you don’t press it between hot plates. The duration of exposure to heat is also shorter than when you use a flat iron.
  3. Straightens the hair without flattening it. A straightening brush smooths your hair without reducing the volume. Your hair will retain more body and appear less flat than it will after using a flat iron. If you want volume in your hairstyle, then this is the product for you.
  4. Easy to use. Once you learn the technique, electric hair brushes offer an easier way to straighten hair, compared to ordinary flat irons.

Are there any Disadvantages?

  1. If you want to achieve pin-straight hair, then you’ll be disappointed. Your hair will not be as straight as much as you want.
  2. It may be particularly difficult to smooth the ends of your hair because they will slide away. To straighten a portion of your hair, you have to apply some tension. To create the necessary tension on the ends, use a protective glove that usually comes with the product. You may also choose to shape the ends inwards or outwards if you don’t like them pin-straight, but this may require multiple attempts.
  3. The roots may not get enough heat to straighten and your natural curl pattern may still be noticeable.
a young woman using a hot straightening brush

What Makes a Quality Electric Hair Brush?

1. MCH Heat Technology

The MCH (metal-ceramics heater) saves power, heats instantly, and delivers a consistent temperature for efficient and damage-free straightening.

2. Ceramic 3D Design

A multi-dimensional ceramic heated surface design provides a larger contact area than ordinary flat surfaces and enables you to style larger portions of hair with one stroke. This ensures more even heating and helps shorten the straightening time.

3. Anti-Static Technology

Anti-static technology helps prevent static from building up on your hair by supplying hair strands with negatively charged ions. The ceramic material in a straightening brush emits negative ions that seal the cuticle, cut down frizz, and tame flyaway hair.

4. Anti-Scald Design

The anti-scald design of brush straighteners protects the skin from heat, eliminating the risk of getting burned. The handle and the bristle tips stay cool while the brush is hot inside.

5. Adjustable Temperature Control

An adjustable heat setting is a must-have feature that enables you to set the temperature according to your hair type and the desired style.

Temperature setting guide:

  1. Fine or bleached hair: up to 290℉
  2. Fairly healthy slightly wavy hair: up to 350℉
  3. Thick and curly hair: up to 390℉

Tips for Using a Heated Styling Brush

There are some specific precautions and tips to follow when using a hairbrush straightener to achieve the best results and prevent heat and mechanical damage.

  1. Use a hot brush only on freshly washed, conditioned, and dried hair. Residue and dirt in your hair can cause tangles and lead to breakage.
  2. Also, keep your brush clean by wiping it regularly with a dry fiber cloth to clean residue and dust that collects over time. Remove hair trapped in the base of the brush.
  3. Never use a heated styling brush on wet hair. If applied to wet hair, electric brushes can cause heat damage, similar to damage from a flat iron. Also, the brush won’t slide smoothly when your hair is wet. That is why you should use an electric brush straightener only on dry and clean hair.
  4. Make sure to remove any tangles before you start straightening. Using a heated brush over knotted hair may cause breakage.
  5. Apply a heat protectant while your hair is still damp to lock in moisture and minimize the chance of heat damage.
  6. A brush straightener is more effective if you brush from underneath, by lifting a portion of hair and moving the brush from the roots to the ends. Stretching the hair with your other hand can help.

What Else Should You Know Before Buying a Heated Hair Brush?

  • A hairbrush straightener can be a great time saver for individuals who are looking for a way to reduce styling time.
  • if you prefer pin-straight hair you won’t be happy with this product. If you decide to buy one for getting ready fast when you are short of time, keep your flat iron for special occasions.
  • Try the brush before purchasing if possible.
  • Go to YouTube and watch video tutorials.
  • Take into consideration the latest models, as hair brushes are a relatively new product and there might be some improvements.
  • Select a returnable product to be sure you don’t waste your money.
a woman with hair styled with hot brush in the salon

Sugar Hair Sprays – a Gentle Alternative to Drying Salt Sprays

What is Sugar Spray?

These multi-purpose styling products are becoming a popular alternative to salt-based texturizing sprays. Sugar hair sprays are infused with sugar cane extract, which can give fullness, texture, and glossiness to your hair. Unlike conventional hair sprays, most sugar sprays are free of drying alcohol and harsh chemicals. Unlike sea-salt sprays, they won’t strip your hair of its natural moisture. These styling sprays are also safe for the environment.

Sugar sprays add a great beachy texture to your locks with lasting benefits. If you want to achieve that popular beach hair look, without the drying effects of salt, sugar hairspray can be the right choice.

a woman styling hair by using a sugar hair spray

Best candidates: Sugar cane extract is a good moisturizing agent that can be particularly beneficial for individuals with dry, damaged, or chemically processed hair. This effective humectant draws moisture to the hair and coats each strand, creating the illusion of fuller hair. If used carefully sugar styling sprays may leave your hair with plenty of bounce.

A sugar spray is a great choice if you need to make your hair more manageable, especially if your hair is fine.

These products are suitable for all hair types and textures and can be applied either to damp or dry hair. When used before blow-drying, sugar sprays give a fuller appearance to your hair. When applied after styling, they provide hold, helping your hairstyle last longer.

Benefits of Using a Sugar-Based Spray for Styling Your Hair

  1. More volume: These styling products work great for anyone with thin, fine hair that needs more body and texture. Sugar sprays enhance natural texture, provide lift, and add volume to your hair.
  2. Better hold: A sugar spray enhances the body and gives control to limp straight hair, giving it much-needed texture. Sugar sprays also help to control and maintain hold for hair that is already voluminous.
  3. Conditioning benefits: Sugar cane extract has moisturizing and conditioning properties and helps protect hair from damage. If your hair is on the dry side, you might want to try a sugar-based styling spray.
  4. Curl enhancer: A sugar spray nourishes your curls and enhances your natural curl pattern. It also helps your curls stay in place for longer.
  5. Frizz tamer: A sugar spray helps reduce frizz and tame flyaway hair.
  6. Shine booster: This hairspray leaves a healthy shine on your hair.
  7. Color-friendly: Sugar sprays won’t strip color from your hair. When shopping for a spray, check the label to make sure that the spray doesn’t contain sulfates or sodium chloride.
  8. The flowers of heaven: Sugar styling sprays leave your hair smelling great and generally have a more pleasant scent than salt sprays.

Downsides

  1. Sugar hairspray can leave your hair a bit crunchy if you use too much of the product. To avoid stiffness, use no more than a few squirts. Try spraying the product onto your hands and then applying it to your hair.
  2. Some brands may contain harsh chemicals such as parabens, fragrances, and Methylisothiazolinone. Always check the label and opt for a product with natural ingredients. The majority of quality sugar-infused sprays contain only sugar extract and a few nourishing ingredients.
  3. Sticking residue may clog the nozzle, preventing the product from dispensing correctly. To fix it, try to run the nozzle under hot water for several minutes.
  4. Sugar hairsprays can cause buildup in your hair. Use clarifying shampoo periodically to strip away unwanted residue.
Gorgeous woman with wavy hair styled with a sugar apray

How to Make Your Own Sugar Spray

A sugar spray is extremely easy to make because it basically only contains two ingredients – water and sugar.

Steps:

  1. Pour a small glass of water and two teaspoons of sugar into a pot and place it on the stove. Turn the heat. When the water comes to a boil, turn off the heat.
  2. Stir until the sugar is completely melted.
  3. Wait for the liquid to cool and then pour it into a spray bottle.

You can play with the amount of sugar to get a stronger or lighter hold.

Optionally, you can add more ingredients like lavender or rosemary essential oils to make it smell nice and to extend the shelf life.

Store the spray in the refrigerator for up to seven days.

How to Use a Sugar Hair Spray?

Sugar styling sprays are suitable for all hair types and can be used either on dry or damp hair. You can use the product before blow-drying if you want to add extra volume or apply it after styling your hair if you want more hold. Spray 20-30 cm away from the hair to make your hairstyle last.

To give fine hair volume, spray a few spritzes on damp, ready to blow-dry the hair. To create maximum body, lift hair, and spray near your roots before blow-drying.

For a just-back-from-the-beach texture and tousled waves, apply to damp hair before blow-drying, focusing the spray on the midsection and ends of your hair. Apply to dry hair and scrunch small sections to get a fresh tousled look.

Apply a few spritzes to dry hair for light to medium hold. Spray more after styling for a long-lasting, firm hold. Spray in layers for the strongest hold, but don’t overdo it to avoid crunchiness.

Spraying the product on damp hair and combing it through may help to prevent crunchiness.

Cover your clothes with a towel during application as the spray can be sticky when wet.

Sugar Hair Sprays Vs. Salt Infused Hair Sprays

  • Sugar hair sprays are less drying to the hair than salt-based sprays due to the moisturizing effects of sugar extract. This is particularly important if you have curly or chemically processed hair.
  • Sugar styling sprays can be used to control frizz and tame flyaway hair, while salt sprays can exacerbate frizz due to the drying effects sea salt can have on hair.
  • Sugar-based sprays enhance hair’s shine, while salt sprays give hair a beachy texture with a more matte look.
  • Salt found in hair sprays can strip color and keratin treatment from your hair. Sugar-based hair sprays are keratin– and color-friendly products as long as they don’t contain strong chemicals in their formula.
  • Salt sprays provide a more texturized look and work best for fine hair to add body and thickness. Sugar sprays provide better hold and a softer texture, and they are ideal for styling medium to thick hair.
  • Sugar styling sprays will offer more softness and subtle waves, while sea salt sprays help you get a gritty look and beachy waves.
  • Salt sprays work better on straight hair that needs some texture and can be too drying for curly hair. Sugar sprays have more versatility and can be used on curly hair as well as on other hair types.
a beautiful girl with hair styled with a sugar spray

DIY Sea Salt Spray That Won’t Dry Out Hair and The Best Brands to Buy

You have probably noticed that after spending a day at the beach your hair gets beachy waves and a lot of texture. If you like that messy tousled look, you will be glad to know that there is a hair product available to obtain similar results.

A sea salt spray is a hair styling product, that could mimic natural beach hairstyles, giving your hair a gritty texture and perfectly imperfect messy waves. It can also give your hair some rest from constant blow drying and possible heat damage.

The best part of using this styling product is that you can get the desired look almost instantly, no matter how far from the sea you are. Beach sprays work for everyone’s hair but results may vary depending on the type, texture, and length.

How to Make Your own Natural Sea Salt Spray

DIY sea salt spray is very simple to make. Making sea salt spray at home saves you money and gives you more control over the ingredients, so you can customize it to your needs.

What You’ll Need:

  • 1 cup water (distilled)
  • 1 tablespoon of sea salt or Epson salt
  • 4-5 drops of essential oil of  your choice (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel
  • 1 tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil
  • 1 spray bottle (preferably glass)

Aloe vera is a great moisturizer, so if your hair is on the dry side add aloe vera gel to your beach hair spray to prevent the salt from drying out your locks.

Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) has conditioning properties, so it is less drying than sea salt.

Essential oils like lemon grass, grapefruit, or orange essential oil will add a nice summery scent.

Coconut oil will help to hydrate your hair and scalp.

In a  mixing bowl, add hot water and salt and stir until the salt is completely dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool, and then pour it into your spray bottle. Add the rest of the ingredients. Place the cap on the bottle and shake well to combine.

DIY sea salt spray may least three months when stored at room temperature.

How to Use Sea Salt Spray

a girl applying sea salt spray to her curly hair

Shake the bottle well. Spray on wet hair and comb through, then scrunch to create body and waves. Let your hair air dry or blow dry it. You can apply a few spritzes after blow-drying your hair to get more voluminous waves. Otherwise, you can spray your hands and run them throughout your hair to get imperfect beachy waves.

You need to use sea salt spray sparingly. If you use too much of the product, it can make your hair look crunchy or crispy.

Related article

How to Buy a Quality Beach Hair Spray

a girl applying sea spray to her straight hair

When shopping for a quality sea salt spray, look for a product that meets the following criteria:

  1. Look for a product formulated with the finest natural ingredients that don’t irritate sensitive skin or do any harm to your hair.
  2. Your sea spray should contain moisturizing oils and conditioning ingredients to protect your hair from drying out. The extended use of salt sprays can worsen hair damage. The protection is especially important for curly hair that is already dry by nature.
  3. A good sea spray should add texture to straight hair that otherways lays flat or needs additional styling effort to get a wavy look. It should also add much-needed volume to fine hair, making it feel thicker and fuller.
  4. The product ideally provides a slight hold without making your hair stiff or crunchy.
A beautiful woman with beachy waves in her hair

Related Products

Here are a few suggestions to help you decide:

1. Beach Wave Spray for Straight Hair: Davines This is a Sea Salt Spray

This unisex sea salt spray is formulated to give fullness and a perfectly messy texture to hair. The product keeps hair well hydrated throughout the day by gradually releasing water molecules onto the hair shaft. It has a refreshing vanilla scent with some coconut undertones. This spray works great on straight, fine, flat, and thinning hair. This sea salt spray is expensive but it is completely worth the price.

If your hair is already wavy this spray will boost your natural waves. It will give you pretty beachy waves if you have styled your hair with a curling wand.

2. Salt Spray for Fine Hair: Herbivore Botanicals -Sea Mist Texturizing Salt Spray

This all-natural spray for hair, face, and body comes in a pretty glass bottle. It contains no sulfates, alcohol, parabens, fragrances, artificial colors, or fillers. There are no animal ingredients, and no animal testing is conducted on this product.

Ingredients: The product contains Dead Sea Salt, which cleans and detoxifies the skin, improves circulation, and stimulates hair growth. Other ingredients include aloe vera, coconut oil, natural vanilla oil, and lime essential oil (which helps fight dandruff). The formula uses Leucidal Liquid as an alternative to synthetic preservatives.

3. Sea Salt Texturizer for Curly Hair: The Shore of Yourself Sea Salt Spray For Curly Hair

This sea salt hair spray is designed for curly and wavy hair. It holds your curls beautifully without making them feel stiff or crispy. When used on straight hair this sea salt spray gives volume, texture, and manageability.

Ingredients: Maris Salt has therapeutic properties and acts as a disinfectant and conditioning agent while adding thickness and volume to your hair. Macrocystis Pyrifera (Sea Kelp) Extract soothes the scalp and helps moisturize and soften hair while adding shine. Algae extract contains amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for your hair’s overall health. Benzyl Salicylate acts as a UV absorber that prevents sun damage and color fading.

4. Sea Salt Spray for Color-Treated Hair: ORIBE Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray

This texturizing spray adds body and shine to hair, allowing you to create tousled, beach-inspired waves.

Ingredients: Hydrolyzed wheat protein strengthen your strands and improve your hair’s health. Safflower seed oil, amber extract, and marigold flower extract moisturize hair, strengthen the hair follicle, and make your hair look healthier. Galanga root extract works as a conditioning agent and can absorb ultraviolet light.

a charming young woman with sun-kissed hair

Surprising Benefits of Sea Salt for Your Hair

Have you noticed that after swimming in the sea, your hair is somehow different? It gets a casual look and gorgeous messy waves. This messy appearance is due to the salt in the seawater. Salt opens the hair cuticle and plumps up the strands, giving your hair more texture and enhancing natural curls and waves.

The good news is that you don’t have to go to the sea every time you want this casual summer hairstyle. The hairsprays infused with sea salt can bring those beachy waves into your hair.

By using a sea salt spray you can get gorgeous beach-inspired hairstyles without having to visit the shore. The sea salt gives a subtle messy effect to your hair, making the summer endless and bringing the beach with you everywhere.

A cute girl with beachy hair wearing a hat

Related post: Four Sea Salt Hair Sprays for Beach-Inspired Waves

Benefits of Using Salt Spray on Fine Hair

If you struggle with fine and thinning hair, a salt-infused hairspray might be your Holy Grail. It can lift the roots of fine hair and give a light hold, making your hair appear fuller.

This product can also keep the hair from falling flat throughout the day. If you have limp hair, use several spritzes of a beach spray on dry hair near the roots.

To create more volume, apply the salt texturizing spray to damp hair before blow-drying. For maximum volume, flip your head upside-down, apply spray towards the base of your roots, and scrunch your hair while blow-drying it.

Suggested product: Beauty by Earth Sea Salt Spray for Hair. (made in the USA with organic & natural ingredients).

Benefits of Sea Salt for Oily Hair

If you have oily hair, seawater can help you go longer between washes. Sea salt helps to absorb excess sebum, reducing the frequency of hair washes. It makes your hair appear wet and attractive on days when you skip washing your hair. In addition to masking grease, it helps to keep your scalp flake-free.

Effects of Sea Salt on Straight Hair

a brunette  woman with beach wavy hair

If you don’t like your stick-straight hair, try to include a sea salt spray in your hair care regimen. This product will give you a beautiful back-from-the-beach style without using any tools.

Although a sea salt spray does not make straight hair wavy, it will add a nice grip and volume and combat flat, limp locks. It helps you get a kind of carefree wind-swept style and hold waves after curling.

To achieve the tousled look, spray your hair while it is wet, and scrunch it to get the de desired volume and texture. You can also try to braid your hair overnight.

If your hair is fine and straight, apply the spray while it is still wet to improve the texture and get more volume. Or spray the product into your hands, squeeze your freshly washed hair, and allow it dry naturally.

Benefits of Sea Salt for Curly and Wavy Hair

a woman with wavy hair on the coast

It is easy to get lovely beach waves if you have naturally wavy hair.  Use a few spritzes of salt spray on your damp hair, then scrunch it with your fingers to style.

Sea salt can be used on curly hair to enhance its natural texture and get soft beach waves. You can get smooth waves and a lasting hold without using hot tools. All you have to do is to apply the product to the hair, comb it through with a wide-toothed comb, tousle the hair with your hands, and let your locks air dry.

To get beautiful loose waves, French-braid your with the spray in before going to bed. Finger-comb your hair after taking the braid out. To get smooth waves, pull your hair into a tight bun and let it dry naturally.

Salt can make curly hair feel drier than usual. You should condition your hair regularly and use quality hair oil. Make sure to choose a sea salt spray that contains moisturizing hair oils in its formula.

Can Sea Salt Harm Your Hair?

Sea salt can be beneficial for the scalp and hair, but excessive use of salt sprays may have some unwanted side effects.

  • Dryness: This is a common side effect of salt hair sprays especially if you use too much of the product. The salt can draw out moisture from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. Salt sprays should not be used daily, especially if your hair is on the dry side. To combat the drying effect of salt, you should do deep conditioning and use hair serums or moisturizing hair oils.
  • Protein damage: Salt can also strip protein from the hair, making your hair weaker and more prone to breakage. If you have received keratin treatment recently, using these sprays can reduce the longevity of your treatment.
  • Sticky-feeling hair: Using a generous amount of salt spray can leave your hair feeling sticky and crunchy. You may feel the urge to wash it as soon as possible.

Tips for Using a Sea Salt Spray

  1. For the best results, apply a salt spray to damp hair. Apply a few spritzes to your hair and run your hands through it. You can either let your hair dry naturally or use a blow dryer for a quicker result and more volume.
  2. You can also spray the product into the palms of your hands and then finger comb or scrunch hair to create waves and body.
  3. To get a voluminous blowout, apply the spray to damp hair and comb through while using a blow dryer in a downward motion.
  4. When using salt hairspray on dry hair, work the product through your hair to get a wind-swept look.  For the best results, apply the product to the middle of your hair down to the ends.
  5. If you have long hair and want to achieve that carefree beachy look, spray it onto towel-dried hair and then twist the sections of your hair.
  6. If you have short hair, massage the spray into your towel-dried hair. Style with your fingers to create a textured, ruffled look.
a gorgeous woman with beachy hair look after swimming in the ocean

Tips for Getting the Perfect At-Home Blowout

Nothing makes a woman feel more attractive than a fresh salon blowout. However, getting a gorgeous, shiny blowout doesn’t mean you have to go to a salon.

A salon pro blowout can be achieved at home if you have the right tools and you know how to blow dry your hair.

The following tips ensure the perfect at-home blowout that you can create on your own, which could save you money.

How to Give Yourself a Salon Blowout 

hair blow-drying

The most essential tool to do a salon blowout at home is a quality hair dryer. A quality hair dryer should have adjustable heat and speed settings including a cool shot button. This blow-dryer should also have the necessary attachments such as a diffuser and concentrator. A diffuser is an essential accessory for styling curly hair while the concentrator nozzle helps to create straight hairstyles.

1. Comb your hair before shampooing to make sure it is completely tangle-free. Tangles and knots can get worse with shampooing and can interfere with blow-drying and styling. Use a wide-toothed comb and gently start detangling from the ends and slowly work your way up.

2. Use a shampoo that best suits your hair needs. If you have oily and thin hair, do not use moisturizing shampoo which can make your hair feel flatter and heavier.  Moisturizing shampoo works well for dry and processed hair. A moisturizing shampoo will lock in moisture and prevent the hair from over-drying when you blow-dry it.

However, oily hair needs a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo that will make your locks feel light and bouncy. Thin and fine hair needs a shampoo that gives lift and volume. Curly hair needs a smoothing shampoo that helps reduce frizz. If you have a buildup from using too many styling products, use a deep cleansing shampoo. If you have a problem with hard water or chlorine buildup, a chelating shampoo will be the perfect choice to give your hair a fresh start and restore its natural shine.

3. Apply a conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Avoid applying conditioner to your roots as it can leave your style looking flat. Also, make sure to thoroughly rinse away the conditioner as residues can weigh the hair down and ruin your blowout.

Woman applies conditioner to the hair

4. Towel dry your hair to absorb excess moisture. Use an ultra-absorbent microfiber towel that dries hair quicker than a cotton one, cutting down on the drying time. Simply cover your hair and allow it to dry for 15 minutes under a towel turban. Don’t rub the towel against your hair as the scrubbing movement can create friction resulting in frizzy hair.

5. Apply a blow-dry spray with heat-protective properties to prevent heat damage. Apply blow-dry spray while your hair is still damp to spread the product easier and more evenly.

6. Don’t blow dry your hair in the misty bathroom. High humidity can cause frizz. Open the bathroom door prior to drying or move to a room with a good mirror and no humidity.

7. Set your hair dryer on medium heat setting and rough-dry hair in circular motions. Massage the roots with your fingers to get them more lift. Continue with this finger massage until your hair is about 75% dry.

8. Divide your hair into four to six sections and use clips to hold it in place. Work with small sections, starting from the areas that are hardest to work with. Combine the section you have finished with the section that is still damp and blow-dry them together. Such blending will give a more natural appearance to your style.

girl using blow-dryer

9. Use a brush made of heat-resistant material. Metal brushes heat up quickly and can damage the hair. A boar bristle brush has the right tension to make hair smooth and shiny. A round bristle brush works best for giving hair some lift and for creating volume. A paddle brush works better for straight and sleek hairstyles.

10. Keep the dryer at a distance of a minimum of 6 inches away from the hair to protect your hair and scalp from getting burnt. If you need to spend some extra time on certain areas of your hair, use the lower heat setting to avoid damage and prevent the hair from over-drying. Keep the blow-dryer in motion and avoid focusing on a single spot. This helps prevent over-drying and uneven texture.

11. Make sure to use the concentrator nozzle to focus the air stream for more targeted drying. The nozzle prevents hair from burning and helps reduce the appearance of frizz. Point the nozzle down and follow the natural direction of the hair, from root to tip. This helps to seal the cuticle for more smoothness and shine. In the opposite case, blow-drying hair upwards will ruffle the cuticle, causing a frizzy mess.

girl uses a blow dryer with the nozzle pointed down

12. If your arms get tired easily, start the blow-drying process from the front part, because the front pieces are the most important for creating the perfect look.

13. Practice a mix of cool and hot air. The heat from the blow dryer causes the hair cuticle to open which allows you more control over your hair. Cold blasts tame static and seal the cuticle for an extra shiny finish.

Once you’ve finished drying, blast your hair with a shot of cold air while gently brushing it. This aligns the cuticle, adds extra shine, and helps the style to set.

Hair Dryer Brushes for a Salon-Style Blowout

If you find that using a hair dryer and a round brush takes too much time and effort, you may want to try a hot airbrush. Hot air stylers dry your hair while styling it. The result is a voluminous, smooth, and shiny blow-out. To minimize the chances of heat damage, it would be best to air dry your hair a bit before using this tool. These brushes work best on medium-length hair.

A girl using hair dryer brush