The beach mistake that could be damaging your hair this weekend – it could even lead to you losing your locks

The Sun

22-06-2025

IF YOU are lucky enough to be enjoying the hot weather from the beach this weekend you probably haven't factored in what a refreshing dip in the sea might be doing to your hair.
While a swim in the ocean may feel rejuvenating, it could be causing all sorts of problems to your locks including hair loss.
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Dr Abdulaziz Balwi, leading hair doctor at Elithair Clinic, is shedding light on the effects of seawater on hair health.
Hair loss
Seawater contains a high concentration of salt, which can negatively impact hair health in several ways.
It strips moisture from both the hair shaft and scalp, leading to dryness, brittleness, and irritation.
While seawater doesn't directly cause hair loss, frequent exposure can disrupt the scalp's natural balance and lead to dryness and brittleness of the hair shaft.
This can result in increased hair breakage and, if scalp irritation is significant, may contribute to temporary shedding (telogen efflivium).
These effects are more pronounced if consistent hair and scalp care is not maintained.
Dry hair
Sea water's high salt content doesn't just affect the hair's texture, it can also interfere with the conditions necessary for healthy hair growth.
When the salt draws moisture from the hair shafts, it weakens the hair's structural integrity, making strands more fragile and susceptible to breakage.
Over time, this breakage can thin out the appearance of the hair, giving the illusion of hair loss even if the follicles are still active.
For individuals already experiencing hair shedding or thinning, frequent exposure to saltwater can exacerbate these issues by increasing hair shaft fragility and potentially compounding existing scalp sensitivities, making it harder for hair to maintain optimal health and appearance.
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Scalp irritation
Not only does the salt in seawater dehydrate the hair strands, leaving them feeling brittle and dry, but it can also impact scalp health, which plays a crucial role in supporting healthy hair growth.
When seawater dries on the scalp, the high salt content pulls moisture from the skin, leading to dryness, tightness, and irritation.
This moisture loss can compromise the scalp's protective barrier, making it more vulnerable to inflammation and imbalances in its natural oil production. As a result, scalp conditions such as dandruff, flakiness, itching can worsen.
Excess salt and dryness can also aggravate conditions like folliculitis, a mild inflammation of the hair follicles. An unhealthy scalp environment can hinder the function of hair follicles and potentially slow or disrupt normal hair growth over time.
How to protect your scalp in the sea
Going into the sea shouldn't cause hair loss or extensive damage, so long as the hair and scalp are cared for properly.
Rinse the scalp: As soon as possible after coming out of the sea, rinse the scalp with fresh water to remove residual salt. This helps to prevent the salt from continuing to irritate and dry out the scalp.
Rehydrate the hair and scalp: It's important to restore hydration of the hair and scalp. This can be done using soothing, scalp-friendly products that contain ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or argan oil.
If you are prone to dry hair, you can wet your hair and apply a hydrating mask or conditioner before going into the sea to help retain moisture. It should be noted that this will not protect the scalp from becoming irritated.
Anyone with a sensitive scalp can try rinsing their scalp with fresh water before getting in the sea to minimize the absorption of saltwater and help reduce its drying effect. Alternatively, wearing a swimming cap offers a more direct protective barrier, significantly reducing the scalp's exposure to sea water.
Cleanse the scalp: For those who swim in the sea regularly, incorporating a gentle, sulfate-free clarifying shampoo once or twice a week can help remove salt and product residue that may contribute to scalp buildup, therefore keeping the environment healthy for hair growth.
Maintaining a clean, well-hydrated, and balanced scalp post-sea exposure is key to supporting long-term hair health and minimising any disruption to hair growth.