The ocean covers more than 70% of Earth’s surface (1), but did you know that its waters carry a wide range of benefits for your hair? Traditionally, doctors referred to the process of using ocean seawater for medical purposes as thalassotherapy. So, the next time you go for a beach vacation, you might consider taking a longer dip by the shore, soaking up the natural goodness with each droplet of salt water.
Enjoying Ocean Water’s Combination of Nutrients
Countless microorganisms live within the sea’s biodiversity, resulting in biological processes that produce a rich supply of vitamins and minerals such as selenium (2), potassium, and magnesium. You might commonly spot these compounds on the labels of fortified hair products like shampoos and conditioners.
Submerging in ocean water provides a natural supply of these nutrients that enhance your hair health while removing harmful elements often responsible for causing hair loss, such as mercury, lithium, and thallium.
Benefitting from A Natural Shampoo
You may use Ocean water as an organic shampoo that removes the excess sebum and heavy oils in your hair that may cause painful conditions like seborrheic dermatitis that could gradually lead to hair loss. The properties of ocean water work effectively as a dry shampoo that absorbs the oil close to your roots, which removes the stubborn excess shampoo and conditioner trapped in your tresses.
Using Ocean Water as an Exfoliator
If you run ocean water under a microscope, you will observe that it comprises clusters of tiny salt crystals. These beneficial compounds exfoliate (3) and eliminate hair product buildups, such as formaldehyde, which damages strands and leads to hair loss. Also, these salt crystals stimulate blood flow when massaged into your scalp, promoting the growth of smooth and luscious hair from the root.
Treating Hair Conditions with Ocean Water
The salt concentration of ocean water contains antifungal and antibacterial properties that you can apply in treating various hair conditions. These include dandruff symptoms caused by fungal growth and scalp issues such as psoriasis and eczema that may compromise hair health by weakening hair follicles and making them brittle.
Taking Precautions with Ocean Water
While ocean water has many benefits, it might not suit everyone. Recently treated hair with caustic chemicals like dye or bleach lacks natural oils and moisture. Exposing these strands to the active ingredients of ocean water could wick additional moisture from your hair and cause damage or cause your dye to fade.
Similarly, you should thoroughly rinse your hair with fresh water after exposing it to ocean water, as leaving salt trapped in your strands for an extended period might cause drying effects.
Ultimately, ocean water strengthens your hair health. Still, as with any treatment, moderation remains vital, and when in doubt, remember to consult a hair specialist to ensure that your hair receives the unique care it deserves every time.
If you’re suffering from hair loss, Genesis II can help. Schedule a free consultation by clicking here.
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US Department of Commerce, N. O. and A. A. (2013, June 1). How much water is in the ocean? NOAA’s National Ocean Service. Retrieved from https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/oceanwater.html#:~:text=The%20ocean%20covers%20more%20than,in%20glaciers%20and%20ice%20caps.
Sugimura, Y., Suzuki, Y., & Miyake, Y. (1976, January 1). The content of selenium and its chemical form in sea water: Semantic scholar. undefined. Retrieved from https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/The-content-of-selenium-and-its-chemical-form-in-Sugimura-Suzuki/e738c9602bc4e562a8563ffa480502ffb9650a7c
MediLexicon International. (n.d.). Is saltwater good for your skin? benefits, tips, and more. Medical News Today. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-salt-water-good-for-your-skin
