I’ve spent half my life trying to look like I just walked off a surfboard in Malibu when, in reality, I usually just walked out of a humid bathroom in New Jersey. It's a struggle. You want that gritty, matte, wind-blown texture that makes your hair look effortlessly cool, but most products just leave you feeling like you dunked your head in a vat of Elmer’s glue. Honestly, it’s frustrating. Then there’s the Sun Bum Sea Salt Spray. You’ve probably seen the yellow bottle with the "Sonny" gorilla logo sitting on the shelf at Ulta or a local surf shop.
It’s popular. Like, really popular. But is it actually good for your hair, or is it just clever branding for people who want to pretend they live in a VW bus?
What’s Actually Inside the Bottle?
Most people think sea salt spray is just, well, salt and water. If you do that at home with table salt, your hair will turn into a brittle, snapping mess within a week. Salt is hygroscopic. That’s a fancy way of saying it sucks the moisture right out of your strands. Sun Bum tries to counteract this by mixing in black seaweed and coconut fruit extract.
The salt they use is specifically Hawaiian Sea Salt. Does it being from Hawaii make it chemically different from Atlantic salt? Probably not in a way your hair follicles can detect, but the inclusion of kelp and seaweed is the real hero here. Seaweed is packed with vitamins and minerals that provide a sort of "buffer" for the salt. It gives you that "beach hair" grip without making your hair feel like dried hay.
You’ll notice the smell immediately. It’s that classic Sun Bum scent—banana, coconut, and a hint of nostalgia. Some people find it a bit strong, but if you like smelling like a tropical vacation, you’re going to love it.
Texture Without the Crunch
The biggest mistake people make with Sun Bum Sea Salt Spray is overdoing it. I’ve seen it happen. Someone wants volume, so they spray half the bottle on damp hair and wonder why they look like a scarecrow.
Less is more.
✨ Don't miss: Finding Real Counts Kustoms Cars for Sale Without Getting Scammed
A few mists on damp or dry hair is usually enough to activate your natural waves. If you have stick-straight hair, don't expect this to turn you into Moana. It’s a texture enhancer, not a magic wand. It adds "tooth" to the hair, making it easier to style or just giving it enough body so it doesn't lay flat against your skull.
The Science of Matte Finish
Glossy hair is great for the red carpet, but the beach aesthetic is all about that matte, slightly "dirty" look. This spray achieves that by disrupting the hair cuticle just enough to scatter light rather than reflecting it.
- It uses Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom salt) alongside the sea salt.
- The formula is paraben-free, which is a win for anyone worried about endocrine disruptors.
- It’s vegan and cruelty-free.
- UV Protection? Sorta. While Sun Bum is a suncare brand, this spray isn't a substitute for actual scalp SPF. It helps protect against some environmental stressors, but don't skip the hat if you're out in the midday sun.
Interestingly, many professional stylists use this as a "prep" spray. If you’re trying to do an updo or a braid and your hair is too silky and slippery, a quick blast of sea salt spray gives it the friction needed to stay put. It's basically a liquid bobby pin.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
I once talked to a stylist at a high-end salon who told me she hates sea salt sprays. Why? Because people don't wash them out properly. Salt buildup is real. If you use this three days in a row without a solid clarifying shampoo session, your hair is going to start feeling gummy.
Don't spray it directly onto your roots if you have oily hair. Focus on the mid-lengths to the ends. If you want volume at the roots, spray it into your hands first and then massage it in. This gives you way more control and prevents that "oil slick" look that can happen if the coconut extracts sit too heavy on your scalp.
Another thing: watch the weather. If it’s 90% humidity outside, sea salt spray can sometimes act as a humectant and pull even more moisture from the air, leading to frizz. In high humidity, you might want to layer a light hair oil over the spray to "seal" the texture in.
🔗 Read more: Finding Obituaries in Kalamazoo MI: Where to Look When the News Moves Online
Comparing it to the Competition
How does it stack up against something like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray? Well, Sun Bum is significantly cheaper. You’re looking at around $15 to $18 for a bottle compared to $30+. Is the Bumble and Bumble "better"? It’s different. The high-end brands often have a finer mist and maybe a bit more "grit." But for a daily-use product that you aren't afraid to get sand on, Sun Bum wins the value game every time.
Then there’s the DIY crowd. Look, I love a good craft project, but making your own sea salt spray usually ends in disaster. Without the proper preservatives and conditioning agents (like the seaweed extract in Sun Bum), you’re just damaging your hair. It’s not worth the $10 you save.
Is it Safe for Color-Treated Hair?
This is a tricky one. Salt can be abrasive. If you’ve just spent $300 on a platinum blonde balayage, you should be cautious. Salt can contribute to color fading if used excessively because it slightly lifts the hair cuticle.
However, because Sun Bum includes those conditioning agents, it’s much safer than a pure salt solution. Just make sure you’re using a deep conditioner once a week to replenish the moisture. If your hair feels "crunchy" after it dries, you’ve used too much.
The Real-World Routine
Here is how you actually use Sun Bum Sea Salt Spray for the best results:
- Start with damp, towel-dried hair. Not dripping wet.
- Shake the bottle like it owes you money. The ingredients can settle.
- Mist from about 6-8 inches away.
- Scrunch your hair upwards. Use your hands to "pulse" the hair toward your scalp.
- Air dry. Seriously. Using a blow dryer can sometimes blow out the waves you’re trying to create. If you must use heat, use a diffuser on a low setting.
If you’re starting with dry hair and just want to refresh your look, mist it lightly and then use a curling wand on just a few random sections. The salt spray will give the curls a more "undone" and natural look instead of looking like you’re going to a middle school dance.
💡 You might also like: Finding MAC Cool Toned Lipsticks That Don’t Turn Orange on You
Why the "Sun Bum" Identity Matters
People buy this brand because it feels authentic. They aren't trying to be a high-fashion Parisian house. They’re based in Cocoa Beach, Florida. They actually spend time in the water. That ethos carries over into the product. It’s meant to be used by people who are active, outdoors, and maybe a little bit messy.
It’s also worth noting that the bottle is sturdy. I’ve had mine rolling around in the trunk of my car for months through temperature changes, and the nozzle never clogged. That sounds like a small thing, but if you’ve ever had a spray bottle break on day two of a vacation, you know how annoying it is.
The Verdict on the Grittiness
Some people complain it's not "salty" enough. If you have very thick, heavy hair, you might find this a bit too light. It’s a medium-hold product. It’s designed for that breezy look, not for stiff, structural styles. If you want your hair to stay exactly where you put it for 12 hours, you need hairspray, not sea salt spray.
But if you want hair that moves, smells like a beach party, and has just enough texture to look like you actually have a life outside of your office cubicle, this is the one. It’s accessible, it’s affordable, and it actually does what it says on the label.
Step-by-Step Action Plan for Perfect Texture
- Audit your current routine: If you are already using heavy silicone-based conditioners, the salt spray won't be able to "grip" your hair. Switch to a lighter conditioner if you plan on using sea salt spray regularly.
- The "Double Mist" Technique: Apply once when hair is damp, let it dry 50%, then apply one more light mist. This creates layers of texture rather than one heavy coating.
- Hydrate after the fact: Every time you use a salt-based product, commit to using a leave-in conditioner or hair mask the next time you wash your hair. This prevents the long-term "brittle" effect that salt can cause.
- Check the expiration: Like any product with natural extracts, it doesn't last forever. If it starts to smell funky or the color changes significantly, toss it. Most hair products are good for 12-24 months after opening.
- Target the "Under-layers": Most people only spray the top of their head. Lift your hair up and spray the layers underneath. This creates volume from the inside out and prevents the top from looking flat while the bottom stays poofy.
The most important thing to remember is that "beach hair" is supposed to look imperfect. Don't overthink it. Spray it in, scrunch it up, and go about your day. The less you mess with it, the better it usually looks. If it gets a little frizzy, just call it "character." That’s the Sun Bum way.