Here are a few of my faves for when you’re trying to catch some waves 🌊
☀️ Ouai Wave Spray, 8/10, I’ve clearly used a lot of this product but had to learn to use it sparingly because a little goes a long way! Perfect for when you want that “just got out of the ocean” look. It can alsoooo be used on damp hair before you braid it to achieve that braided wavy look ✨
☀️ Saltair Saltwater Vanilla Texture Spray, 7.5/10, This stuff smells like a dream! Definitely gives you that beachy definition without as much frizz. Would definitely recommend using a small amount and scrunching your hair with it to achieve your dream waves ✨
☀️ JVN Air Dry Cream, 9/10, one of my holy grail products for sure, I use this and a wave spray like Ouai to keep my waves throughout the day. Just like the label says, it’s perfect for air drying waves and leaves your hair bouncy and beautiful ✨
... Read moreOkay, let's talk more about the Saltair Saltwater Vanilla Texture Spray, because honestly, this gem deserves its own moment in the spotlight! When I first heard about it, I was a bit skeptical. Another texturizing spray? But the 'vanilla' part caught my eye – I'm a sucker for good smells. And let me tell you, it delivers. The scent isn't overpowering; it's a soft, warm vanilla that makes you feel like you're on a tropical vacation, even when you're just running errands. It's truly a dream.
But beyond the scent, it's about the results. My main goal with beachy waves is always that effortless, lived-in look without the crunch or excessive frizz. And this Saltair Saltwater Vanilla Texture Spray nails it. I've found the trick is all in the application. While the original review mentions using a small amount and scrunching, I want to dive a bit deeper into how I do it to get that perfect 7.5/10 result.
First, I always start with damp hair – not soaking wet, but towel-dried until it's about 60-70% dry. This allows the product to distribute more evenly and really sink in without weighing down your strands. I section my hair loosely into two or three parts. Then, instead of just spraying all over, I focus a few spritzes on the mid-lengths and ends of each section. The key is to mist it, not drench it. Too much, and you risk that unwelcome stiffness.
Once it's applied, the magic begins with the scrunching. I lean my head forward and gently cup sections of my hair, pushing them up towards my scalp. I hold for a few seconds, then release. I repeat this motion all over my head. Sometimes, I'll even twist larger sections of hair around my finger to encourage a more defined wave pattern before scrunching. This technique truly helps activate the texturizing properties of the Saltair spray and prevents frizz by encouraging the natural wave pattern without disturbing it too much.
If I'm looking for extra volume at the roots, I'll do a very light spritz directly at the roots, lift sections, and then scrunch. Be careful not to overdo it here, as salt sprays can sometimes make roots feel a bit gritty if applied too heavily.
What I love most about the Saltair Saltwater Vanilla Texture Spray is how it achieves definition without the frizz that often comes with air-drying. It's like it seals the cuticle just enough to keep things smooth while still allowing for that natural movement. For those days I want my waves to last even longer, I sometimes pair it with the JVN Air Dry Cream (as mentioned in the main article) by applying the cream first, then the Saltair spray. This combination gives me incredible hold and softness.
Another tip: if you wake up the next day and your waves need a refresh, a light mist of water followed by a few spritzes of the Saltair Saltwater Vanilla Texture Spray and a quick scrunch can revive them beautifully. No need to re-wash your hair! This product has truly become a staple in my routine for achieving those effortless, bouncy beachy waves. It's simple to use, smells divine, and delivers consistent, beautiful results.