If you Google "how to get beach waves at home UK," you'll find two competing answers: a sea salt spray, or a texturizing powder. Both create texture, but the finish is meaningfully different.
This guide breaks down what each does, when to use which, and how the pros layer both for maximum effect.
What a sea salt spray actually does
A sea salt spray uses dissolved magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) or sodium chloride to roughen the cuticle slightly, creating texture and grip along the entire length of the hair. The result is the "just came back from the beach" finish: wavy, lived-in, slightly matte.
The Moné Beach Chic Sea Salt Spray is built around exactly this brief: a lightweight 150ml spray that adds natural beach waves, root volume and lived-in texture. Works on damp or dry hair.
What a volume powder does
A volume powder like the Moné Texturizing Volume Powder works only at the root. It absorbs slightly into the cuticle and creates grip that lifts hair from the scalp. The texture you get is structural — less wavy, more voluminous.
Where a sea salt spray adds texture along the length, a volume powder adds lift at the base.
Side-by-side: which gives better beach waves
For genuine beach waves, sea salt spray wins. The matte, wavy finish along the length is what defines that look. Volume powder gives structure but the waves themselves come from the salt.
Use sea salt spray when:
- You want defined waves along the length
- Your hair is naturally wavy and you want to enhance it
- You're going for a lived-in, beachy, undone look
Use volume powder when:
- Your hair is flat at the root but already has shape lower down
- You want structure for an updo or messy bun
- You want lift that lasts hours, not minutes
The pro move: layer both
The strongest finish uses both products in sequence:
- On damp hair, spray Beach Chic Sea Salt Spray through mid-length to ends.
- Scrunch with hands or diffuser-dry.
- Once 90% dry, apply Texturizing Volume Powder at the very roots, rub in.
- Flip head, shake, flip back.
Result: defined waves with serious root lift that lasts the whole day.
What to avoid
Three common mistakes:
- Over-spraying salt. Salt dehydrates hair over time. Use 4–6 sprays max per styling. Always finish with a lightweight oil or leave-in on the ends.
- Powder on the length. Volume powder belongs at the root only. On the length, it creates white residue.
- Skipping conditioner the day before. Salt spray on dry, parched hair amplifies the dryness. Always condition the night or wash before.
Frequently asked questions
Does sea salt spray damage coloured hair?
Salt is mildly drying, which can accelerate fade if overused. Limit to twice per week on coloured hair, and pair with a hydrating mask weekly.
Will Beach Chic Sea Salt Spray make my hair crunchy?
No. It's a lightweight spray formula, not a gel. It dries to a soft, matte texture without crunch.
Can I use both on the same wash day?
Yes — in fact it's the best combination. Salt spray on damp hair, powder at the root once dry. They complement each other.
For fine vs thick hair?
Fine hair: lighter on the salt spray (3–4 sprays), generous powder at the root for structure.
Thick hair: heavier salt spray for definition, lighter powder (root grip is less critical).
How does sea salt spray hold against humidity?
Salt absorbs moisture from the air, which is why beach waves form naturally near the sea. In humid UK weather it can frizz over time — reapply lightly mid-day to refresh.
Build your texture kit: Beach Chic Sea Salt Spray for waves, Texturizing Volume Powder for root lift. Volume & Texture collection. Free UK delivery over £20.