Hair • 11/19/2024
5 Benefits of Himalayan Salt for Hair
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Looking for a natural way to transform your lackluster locks into vibrant, healthy hair? The secret might be sitting right in your kitchen.
Himalayan salt, with its captivating pink hue, is more than just a seasoning for your avocado toast. This ancient mineral treasure holds surprising beauty benefits that could revolutionize your hair care routine. From adding incredible volume to fighting stubborn dandruff, this rosy-colored crystal is becoming a growing sensation in the beauty world — and for good reason.
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 that 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 for purposes ranging from skin treatments to surgical medicine. Today, people around the world use Himalayan salt for beauty treatments, cooking and even respiratory cleansing 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 five ways Himalayan salt can benefit hair health:
1. Nourish the Scalp
Salt treatments are excellent for the 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 regulate sebum, the oil that nourishes it. Because salt is antifungal, it can also help 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 is already dry. It’s best to exfoliate your scalp only once a week.
2. Promote Healthy Hair Follicles
Another benefit of Himalayan salt scrubs is that they promote 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.
Exfoliation can increase blood flow to the scalp and 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. Strengthen Hair Strands
The mineral-rich composition of Himalayan salt can help strengthen hair strands from the inside out. The presence of minerals like iron and zinc helps reinforce the hair shaft, potentially reducing hair loss caused by breakage. These minerals can also improve the hair’s ability to retain moisture, leading to stronger, more resilient strands over time.
4. Boost Detoxification
Himalayan salt doesn’t just care for your scalp — it actively helps detoxify your hair and skin. Thanks to its mineral-rich composition, it acts as a gentle cleanser, drawing out impurities and balancing the natural pH of your scalp. This can help remove environmental pollutants, sweat and the remnants of styling products, leaving your hair feeling lighter and fresher.
5. 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 will probably 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.
Tips for Maximum Benefits
To get the most out of your Himalayan salt hair treatments, consider these expert tips:
- Always use fine-ground salt to avoid rough particles that could damage your scalp.
- Combine salt treatments with natural oils like coconut or jojoba for added moisture.
- Start with widely-spaced treatments and adjust frequency based on your hair’s response.
- Never apply salt treatments to broken or irritated skin.
- It’s best to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.
Salty, Healthy Hair
Himalayan salt benefits hair in many ways, 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 want to practice self-care, try out a Himalayan salt mask or product.
Follow these three beauty recipes with Himalayan salt to invest in healthy, shiny hair.
Originally published on 06/10/2022. Updated on 11/20/2024
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