HENRI’s guide to a natural beach look
How to get beach hair in the city: The stylist's guide to raw texture
A classic beach look does not have to be the result of the good holiday mood by the azure sea. It is in reality just pure chemistry. When you are exposed to a large amount of salt water, the natural surface moisture is removed from the hair. The hair strands expand, which creates volume and a bone-dry friction that makes your hairstyle stick in a raw, undefined shape. The expression becomes the classic and sought-after surfer look, where everyone can see that you have spent an entire day in the water.
The problem arises when this look is to be recreated in a bathroom, where you do not have direct access to the sea's salt. Many try to achieve the effect with a traditional gel or a heavy pomade, which results in a greasy, clunky expression.
Here is the HENRI stylist's guide on how the mechanics behind salt water are utilized correctly, and how the dry hold is built without weighing down the hair.
The foundation: Chemistry and friction
To achieve a raw texture, the foundation must be laid while the hair is still receptive. This requires a product that can mimic the seawater's ability to remove shine and create grip from the root.
Step 1: Activation in damp hair
Always start with towel-dried hair. Distribute a functional salt water spray evenly throughout the hair and reach all the way down to the roots. HENRI's Refined Salt Water is formulated for this exact purpose, as the spray creates the necessary friction between the hair strands so they separate instead of clumping together.
Step 2: Blow-drying forces the shape
If you want to achieve the maximum volume, you must not just let your hair air dry. Use a blow dryer on medium heat to activate the salt. Run your fingers through the hair during drying to create an uneven, broken structure. Avoid using a comb or brush, as these tools will smooth out the hair and eliminate the raw texture.
Here you can stop and achieve a result that feels raw and natural, but if you want your hairstyle to last all day, HENRI's stylists recommend one more step.
Definition: Lock the shape without shine
When the hair is completely dry and the volume is established, only the definition is missing. The salt water provides the volume, but it does not hold the shape in place throughout a long day.
Step 3: The absolute minimum of clay
To lock the hairstyle in without introducing shine, a dry clay wax is used. Take an extremely small amount of Upgraded Signature Clay and warm it thoroughly between the palms until it is invisible. Scrunch the product into the tips of the hair – never down into the roots. This adds control and edge to the individual locks, while supporting the dry structure the salt water has built.
Frequently asked questions about the beach look
Does salt water spray work in fine or thin hair?
Yes, it is one of the most effective tools for fine hair. Because the salt expands the individual hair strands and creates friction, it gives an immediate illusion of thicker, denser hair, without the hair collapsing during the day.
Can salt water dry out the scalp?
Cheap supermarket sprays with a high content of unfiltered salt can cause itching and a flaky scalp. It is crucial to use a formula balanced with moisturizing ingredients, so only the hair strand is gripped, while the skin underneath is protected.
Remove the surface moisture
Building a durable beach look is exclusively about removing the hair's smoothness and adding the right, dry hold. Set the foundation with salt, and define the edges with a matte clay. It does not require more to keep the structure sharp all day.
