Beach Hair, But Better: How to Get the Look Without the Damage

Summer styling tips and must-haves for salty, sun-drenched days

There’s something undeniably perfect about beach hair—textured, tousled, and just the right amount of undone. But the reality? Saltwater, UV exposure, and sand can leave your hair feeling dry, knotty, and fried by the end of summer.

Here’s how to get that effortlessly sun-kissed, surf-approved look without sacrificing your hair’s health. From prep to post-swim rescue, we’ve rounded up the best beach hair care strategies—and the products we swear by.

1. Start With a Protective Wash

Before you even hit the sand, lay the foundation with a shampoo and conditioner designed to strengthen and defend.

Try:
Pureology Hydrate Shampoo & Conditioner
UV-filtering and colour-safe, this duo keeps your strands moisturised and protected from sun and salt while locking in hydration.

2. Don’t Skip Leave-In Protection

The beach is like a blowdryer, straightener, and bleach session in one—so prep accordingly.

Try:
Wella Invigo Sun UV Hair Protection Spray
Lightweight, invisible protection against UV rays and drying saltwater. Mist onto damp or dry hair before heading out.

3. Add Texture Without the Crunch

Want that tousled wave without crunchy or sticky residue? A soft salt spray or texture mist is your new best friend.

Try:
Eleven Australia Sea Salt Texture Spray
Creates effortless beach waves with natural movement—minus the stickiness. It adds grit, volume, and that signature salty texture while keeping hair touchable and soft.

4. Post-Swim, Rinse + Reset

After a swim, rinse your hair with fresh water ASAP to remove salt and chlorine. Then replenish with moisture and strength.

Try:
Juuce Repair Conditioner
Rich in proteins and oils, this conditioner is a saviour after a long day in the sun or sea. Leaves hair soft, smooth, and revived.

5. Hydrate & Detangle On the Go

Toss a nourishing cream or leave-in into your beach bag for easy, post-swim detangling.

Try:
Bondi Boost Curl Boss Styling Cream
Hydrates, smooths frizz, and defines waves—whether you’ve got natural texture or not. Great for taming hair after a dip.

6. Bonus Tip: Embrace the Mess

Beach hair isn’t supposed to be perfect. Embrace your natural texture, let your hair air dry, and use your fingers instead of a brush to style. The key is to work with the elements, not against them.

Whether you’re soaking up rays on the sand or just want to channel that “I just left the beach” vibe, summer hair doesn’t have to mean dry or damaged strands. With the right products and a little know-how, you can have that beachy texture and healthy, nourished hair all season long.

Shop your beach-day essentials at Hair Gang →