Sea salt and chlorine make hair stiff and dull after beach vacations

Beach vacations often leave hair feeling stiff and dull. The combination of UV radiation, sea salt, and chlorine strips moisture from the hair shaft and opens the cuticle, making strands prone to breakage and loss of shine. Adjusting the Cleansing Process A common mistake after a beach trip is using harsh sulfate shampoos to "deep clean" the hair. Because salt already dehydrates both the scalp and the hair shaft, aggressive surfactants can worsen the damage. It is recommended to switch to sulfate-free formulas or pH-neutral products containing glycerin, panthenol, or aloe extract. These ingredients help initiate hydration during the washing process while gently removing residues.