How to Use Sun Bum Sea Spray for Effortless Beach Waves: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
Beach waves are the ultimate low-maintenance hairstyle, but you don't need sand and saltwater to get them. A good sea spray can give you that tousled, textured look in minutes, no matter where you are. Sun Bum's sea spray is designed to add grip and volume without leaving your hair feeling crunchy or stiff, making it a go-to for effortless styling.
In this tutorial, I'll walk you through exactly how to use sea spray to get natural-looking beach waves. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, these steps will help you achieve that just-came-from-the-coast texture. We'll also cover prep, application, and a few pro tips to make the look last.
Start with Damp or Dry Hair?
Sea spray works best on hair that is slightly damp or completely dry. If you're starting with wet hair, towel-dry it first so it's not dripping—about 70% dry is ideal. This allows the spray to absorb evenly and gives you more control over the wave pattern. For a quicker routine, you can apply it to dry hair and scrunch as you go.
If your hair is naturally straight, dampening it slightly before applying sea spray will help the waves hold longer. For those with natural texture, dry application can enhance existing waves without adding extra drying time. Either way, avoid soaking wet hair, as the product will slide off and won't create the grip needed for texture.
- For best results, start with clean, product-free hair so the sea spray can grip naturally.
How to Apply Sea Spray for Maximum Texture
Shake the bottle well before each use to mix the sea salt and minerals evenly. Hold it about 6 to 8 inches away from your head and mist sections of your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Avoid spraying directly at the roots if you don't want extra volume at the crown—though a little lift there can be nice for a fuller look.
After spraying, use your hands to scrunch your hair upward toward your scalp. This encourages the natural wave pattern and helps the product distribute evenly. For tighter waves, twist small sections around your finger as you scrunch. Let your hair air-dry or use a diffuser on low heat for faster results. The key is not to touch it too much while it dries, as that can break up the wave formation.
- For extra hold, pair sea spray with a lightweight styling product like the 3 In 1 Leave In to add moisture and definition without weighing hair down.
Styling Tips for Different Hair Types
Fine or straight hair benefits from a light hand—too much sea spray can make it look greasy. Start with 2-3 sprays per section and build up if needed. For thick or coarse hair, you can apply more generously and even use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the product before scrunching. Curly hair can use sea spray to refresh second-day curls: just spritz, scrunch, and go.
If you're heading out after styling, a quick spritz of the Revitalizing Air Dry Cream on the ends can add softness and reduce any salt-induced dryness. This combo gives you texture without sacrificing moisture, which is especially helpful if you're styling daily or after a day in the sun.
- Avoid using sea spray on hair that's already heavily styled with gels or oils, as it won't absorb properly and may cause flaking.
How to Make Beach Waves Last All Day
Once your waves are set, avoid brushing or running your fingers through them too much. Brushing breaks up the salt crystals and flattens the texture. Instead, use a light hairspray or a texturizing powder at the roots if you need a midday boost. If your waves start to fall, simply spritz a little water mixed with a drop of sea spray and scrunch again.
Overnight, pineapple your hair in a loose ponytail or use a silk scarf to preserve the waves. In the morning, a quick refresh with a tiny amount of sea spray and a diffuser will bring them back to life. This routine works well with Sun Bum's Blonde Hair Lightener too, if you want to add subtle sun-kissed highlights while you style.
- Sea spray can be used as a dry shampoo alternative in a pinch—spritz at the roots and massage in to absorb oil and add volume.
Sea spray is one of the easiest tools for creating beach waves at home, and with the right technique, you can get salon-worthy texture in minutes. Start with clean, slightly damp hair, apply evenly, and scrunch your way to effortless waves. Pair it with a moisturizing leave-in or air dry cream to keep your hair healthy and soft. Whether you're heading to the beach or just want that relaxed, coastal look, a good sea spray routine makes it simple.