Top 10 Sea Salt Sprays
The Best Sea Salt Sprays For Giving You All The Texture Without The Grit
Beachy waves have long been the official hairstyle of summer, and this year is no different—at least, according to Harper’s Bazaar, it’s not. Low-effort and full of texture, there’s really no reason not to love the look of wavy, sun- and sea-kissed strands. However, despite the carefree and fun reputation the look has attained over the years, the pursuit of perfect beachy waves can be challenging, to say the least—especially for those with naturally straight strands.
Without the help of ocean water or hot tools, it might seem like you're out of luck. However, neither of those things is actually required to achieve tousled tresses, because today’s haircare brands are developing products specifically formulated to give you the look. That’s right: We’re talking about wave sprays.
The best wave sprays are packed with ingredients like sea salt, kelp, and coconut oil to provide hold, volume, and frizz-free texture to your hair. Plus, some are even great for second-day styling or adding grip to up-dos and braids. So, if you’re crossing your fingers that loose curls are in the cards for you this summer, look no further than our roundup of the best wave sprays on the internet below.
How We Found The Best Sea Salt And Beach Wave Sprays
From lightweight mists that double as leave-in conditioners to curl-enhancing sprays that offer all of the shine, the products listed below were chosen with the help of our data-powered ranking algorithm. A tool unique to Rank & Style, our algorithm uses information from reviews, social media, best-seller lists, and more to determine which products are worth recommending to our dear readers. Ahead, find out which wave sprays were deemed the best and shop data-backed picks from brands like Ouai, R+Co, Bumble and Bumble, and more.
March 26, 2024
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Rahua Enchanted Island Sea Salt Spray
Overall Score
4.4
10
Rahua Enchanted Island Sea Salt Spray
4.28
97 User Reviews
5.5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Lightweight Sea Salt Spray
WHAT IT DOES
Rahua's Enchanted Island Salt Spray creates voluminous loose beach waves but it also provides a light, brushable hold so you can easily switch up your hairstyle at a moments notice.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This salt spray is formulated with guava, hibiscus, passion fruit, creating a transporting aroma while also working together to boost shine, enhance bounce, and strengthen hair.
Redken Beach Spray Volume & Texture Spray
Overall Score
4.5
09
Redken Beach Spray Volume & Texture Spray
4.39
927 User Reviews
3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Sea Salt Spray For Color-Treated Hair
WHAT IT DOES
The Redken Beach Spray provides instant beachy texture on damp hair. Once air dried or diffused that beachy texture increases in body and volume without the crunch.
WHO IT'S FOR
This spray is formulated without salt so while those with any hair type or texture can use it those with color treated hair will especially benefit from the sea salt-free formula, as salt is known to dehydrate strands.
Kristin Ess Soft Shine Beach Wave Hair Spray
Overall Score
4.5
08
Kristin Ess Soft Shine Beach Wave Hair Spray
4.4
768 User Reviews
3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Beach Wave Spray For Dry-Hair Use
WHO IT'S FOR
Good news: Kristin Ess's best wave spray is approved for use on all hair types—even color- and keratin-treated strands.
HOW TO USE IT
Unlike other wave sprays, this one is designed to be used after your hair dries. Shampoo and condition your hair, then let it air dry or use your go-to heat tools to create loose waves. Finish out your routine with a spritz of this mist from the middle to the end of your strands for perfect separation and shine.
UNITE Hair Beach Day
Overall Score
4.5
07
UNITE Hair Beach Day
4.59
16 User Reviews
2.2
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Matte Sea Salt Spray
WHAT IT DOES
With each spray UNITE Hair Beach Day creates lived-in definition and texture by giving your hair a tousled matte finish that looks as if you've been on the beach all day.
GOOD TO KNOW
Reviewers suggest this sea salt spray also works well as a leave-in dentangler to help smooth and manage frizzy or unruly strands.
R+Co Rockaway Salt Spray
Overall Score
4.5
06
R+Co Rockaway Salt Spray
4.42
725 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Sea Salt Spray For Volume
WHAT IT DOES
Turn up the volume and texture with R+Co's Rockaway Salt Spray. This top-rated product is formulated with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and cranesbill (an extract used to promote hair growth). Plus, it protects your hair from free radicals that can cause damage and hair loss.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"This is my new go-to texturizing spray. R+Co products are worth the price. I have stick-straight hair and this adds great texture. I will dry my hair most of the way before drying, then blow dry my hair a little bit more after applying to get the best results. If you let it air dry your hair might come out a little bit stiff."
Cruelty Free
Verb Sea Spray
Overall Score
4.6
05
Verb Sea Spray
4.01
31 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Sea Salt Spray With UV Protection
WHAT IT DOES
Self-described as a spray that "...takes landlocked hair to the beach," Verb's Sea Spray is designed to boost volume and hold for flat strands. Oh, and did we mention that it also provides UV protection?
GOOD TO KNOW
This wave spray contains all the best ingredients from the sea like natural sea salt, kelp, and seaweed extract. It also smells like a vacation, with hints of coconut and mango.
Cruelty Free
Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray
Overall Score
4.65
04
Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray
4.3
10207 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Affordable Sea Salt Spray
WHAT IT DOES
Affordable and effective, this texturizing wave spray serves up volume, definition, and heat protection. Plus, thanks to good-for-your-hair ingredients like aloe vera and sea kelp, this spray will keep your hair feeling soft and supple for days.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I cannot style my hair wavy or straight without this product! I've tried many times and it just looks flat. This gives the perfect amount of grit (without feeling dirty) to my roots. I spray it when my hair is wet and let it air dry with other products or I blow dry after. I hope they never stop making this product because I have no idea what I would use!"
Cruelty Free
Oribe Aprés Beach Wave And Shine Spray
Overall Score
4.7
03
Oribe Aprés Beach Wave And Shine Spray
4.43
1698 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Beach Wave Spray For Shine
WHAT IT DOES
Formulated to deliver soft, shiny waves, this moisturizing wave spray nourishes the hair with wheat protein, pro-vitamin B5, and a co-polymer to encourage movement and separate strands.
WHO IT'S FOR
Those with color-treated hair will especially appreciate this product due to the antioxidant complex in its formula, which will keep your color going strong and prevent fading caused by UV rays.
Cruelty Free
Ouai Wave Spray
Overall Score
4.75
02
Ouai Wave Spray
4.06
6984 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Smelling Sea Salt Spray
WHAT IT DOES
According to our algorithm, Ouai's Wave Spray is one of the best of its kind. Developed by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin, this miracle product uses rice protein instead of sea salt to deliver effortless texture with every spritz. Plus, it smells amazing—think notes of citrus, florals, and musk.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I really like this wave spray for my fine, medium-density curly hair. I'm always looking for products that enhance my curls and add volume, not weight. To apply, I spray my damp, detangled hair and then layer gel over it. I style it with my hands and diffuse it dry with a blow dryer. When it's fully dry, I shake it out, and BAM, instant curls with body and bounce."
Cruelty Free
Sun Bum Texturizing Sea Spray
Overall Score
4.75
01
Sun Bum Texturizing Sea Spray
4.4
6186 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Sea Salt Spray Overall
WHAT IT DOES
Sun Bum's Texturizing Sea Spray enhances strand separation and definition, leaving you with wavy, frizz-free locks. Beloved by many, this mist provides just the right amount of texture without any crunchiness, and it offers UV Protection to boot.
GOOD TO KNOW
The best-selling wave spray has nearly 4,000 5-star reviews on Amazon.
Cruelty Free
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