3 Benefits of Himalayan Salt for Hair

Himalayan salt comes in large, irregular pink crystals and can be found in grocery stores across the country. It’s known for its purity and unique health benefits. It also tastes slightly different than traditional table salt. 

In addition to seasoning a slice of avocado toast in the morning, Himalayan salt can be used to promote hair health. 

What Makes Himalayan Salt Special

Himalayan salt comes from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan, the second-largest mine in the world. It’s a type of sea salt, but it crystallized so long ago that it doesn’t carry the pollutants common to modern sea salt. 

Because of this lack of pollution, Himalayan salt is considered very pure. In addition to being free of pollutants, it’s also minimally processed to preserve the trace elements that give it health benefits. Minerals found in Himalayan salt include calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium, among others. These minerals give the salt its unique color, which ranges from pale pink to orange. 

Salt has been used for its healing properties for thousands of years, ranging from skin treatments to surgical medicine. Today, people around the world use Himalayan salt for beauty treatments, cooking, and even respiratory therapy. 

Is Himalayan Salt Good for Hair Growth?

Himalayan salt has many benefits that contribute to hair growth. It removes dead skin cells, prevents dandruff, reduces product buildup and volumizes hair. By treating scalp issues, Himalayan salt promotes healthy hair follicles and new growth.

As a natural hair treatment, salt is gentle and restorative. Here are three ways Himalayan salt can benefit hair health: 

1. Nourish the Scalp

Salt treatments are excellent for skin, and the scalp plays a vital role in overall hair health. Salt protects the skin’s natural water barrier while gently removing toxins. The minerals contained in salt can also be soaked up through the skin, benefiting the whole body. 

Salt scrubs are also used as exfoliants, removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. Exfoliating the scalp helps to regulate sebum, the oil that nourishes the scalp. Because salt is antifungal, it can also help to prevent dandruff. 

Follow these steps to experience the benefits of Himalayan salt scrub for the scalp: 

• Thoroughly wet your hair. 
• In the shower, sprinkle a teaspoon of Himalayan salt into your hand and scrub it into your hair. Move your fingers gently to massage your scalp. 
• Repeat until your whole scalp has been treated. Then, rinse your hair again. 

Salt can have drying properties if used excessively, so be careful if your hair tends to be dry already. It’s best to exfoliate your scalp only once a week. 

2. Promote Healthy Hair

Another benefit of Himalayan salt scrub is that it promotes healthy hair follicles. Salt scrubs are natural clarifiers, stripping hair follicles of excess oils and sloughing off any product buildup. They leave hair feeling clean and very smooth. 

When the natural oils on the scalp have a healthy balance, they coat hair follicles all the way down. A healthy balance of sebum protects hair from breakage, minimizes dryness and damage, and adds shine. 

Increasing blood flow to the scalp with exfoliation can also promote hair growth, leading to thicker and healthier hair. A gentle scalp massage is enough to increase blood flow – no roughness or force is necessary. 

In addition to promoting healthy hair straight from the scalp, a salt rinse can benefit the length of your hair. Follow this recipe to treat your hair at home with Himalayan salt – or take a trip to the beach and spend some quality time floating in the ocean.

• Fill a small tub with warm water. 
• Add 3-5 teaspoons of Himalayan salt until the water feels slick. 
• Dip your hair in the salt bath, trying to get as much of your scalp underwater as possible. 
• Let soak for 5-10 minutes. 
• After you’re done, pour the tub over your head in the shower to completely wet your scalp. Scrub it in before rinsing your hair. 

A salt rinse will clarify and nourish your hair from its tips to its roots, leaving it shiny, smooth, and healthy. 

3. Add Volume and Texture

Sea salt sprays can also be used to texturize and style hair. Salt treatments add volume by lifting hair at its roots, and they create “beach waves” that mimic the way hair responds to the salt in ocean water. 

To style hair with Himalayan salt spray, follow these simple steps: 

• Combine a tablespoon of Himalayan salt, a tablespoon of coconut oil, and a cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake thoroughly. 
• Prepare your hair by getting it thoroughly damp. 
• Turn your head upside down, and spritz the salt spray toward your roots. 
• Scrunch, and either air-dry or blow-dry for the final look. 

Because Himalayan salt is a natural ingredient, it’s better for your hair than using heat to create waves. However, it’s important to monitor your hair for dryness when using a salt spray. Salt can be drying if used too often, causing hair to tangle and break off. Be especially careful with salt treatments if your hair is dyed or chemically treated. 

Some store-bought sprays come with amending ingredients to protect hair from dryness during use. You can also treat your hair with argon oil or another nourishing oil before using a salt spray to prevent excess dryness. 

How Often Should I Salt My Hair?

While there’s no definitive recommendation on how often to use salt in your hair, it’s best to start slow and see how your hair reacts. Try using salt in your hair routine once a week. Be aware of any side effects, such as dryness or itchiness.

If you are using Himalayan salt to treat dandruff or dry scalp, you may even see the results immediately. Salt may not need to be part of your daily or weekly routine, but rather a treatment you try every once in a while when you need it.

Salty, Healthy Hair

Himalayan salt benefits hair in many ways, ranging from scalp care to promoting hair growth and controlling natural oils. It can even be used as a texturizing product, creating effortless waves as hair naturally dries. Next time you’re looking to practice some self-care, try out a Himalayan salt mask or product.

Follow these three beauty recipes with Himalayan salt to invest in healthy, shiny hair.