Best Sea Salt Sprays for Men: Expert-Tested for Volume and Texture
There’s something magical about post-beach hair — when your barnet has been blessed by the perfect combination of salt water and sea breeze, delivering an effortlessly textured, thickened finish. While bottling the ocean might be a touch ambitious, the grooming world has managed to capture that essence in the best sea salt sprays, giving a straight-from-the-coast look without sand in awkward places.
More editor-approved grooming buys from Men's Health
Whether you’re dealing with fine strands or thicker tresses, the right sea salt spray can transform your daily routine. And trust me, once you find the perfect spray, you’ll wonder how you ever styled your hair without it.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve worked through various sprays, separating the coastal kings from the watery pretenders. Each has been thoroughly tested, from early morning styling sessions to post-gym touch-ups, to ensure they deliver on performance and practicality.
Best Sea Salt Spray 2025: Verdict
After thorough testing, Toni & Guy’s Sea Salt Spray emerged as my winner, delivering professional-grade results and consistent coverage at an unbeatable price. The even spray distribution and balanced formula make it a reliable choice for most hair types.
I also found the Fudge Professional Salt Spray excellent for curly hair, with its nourishing formula and UV protection. Meanwhile, Dear Barber’s XL spray offers professional quality at a bulk-buy value.
For those wanting serious hold without crunch, special mention goes to Dapper Dan’s spray, which has a matte finish, and the heat-activated formula from TRU•MAN.
How I Tested the Best Sea Salt Sprays
When testing sea salt sprays, my approach was simple but thorough: I tested products fresh out of the shower with slightly damp hair. While the manufacturers might recommend waiting until your hair is completely dry, who has time for that? I wanted to see how these sprays performed in real-life scenarios where you’re trying to get out the door without spending hours in front of the mirror.
Now that I’m over 30, my hair has started to lack the natural volume it once had. My medium-length style, which isn’t particularly thick, tends to fall flat without some intervention, even if I try my best to shampoo it into action. So, volume was a key testing criterion — could these sprays give my hair the lift and texture that seems to come naturally to those lucky 20-somethings?
Beyond volume, I evaluated each spray on these factors:
Initial application (How easily did it distribute through my hair?)
Drying time (Did it make my hair take longer to dry?)
Texture (Did it create that coveted beach-hair effect?)
Hold (Did it last through a standard day in my life?)
Build-up (How did it feel after a day’s wear?)
Washability (How easily did it shampoo out?)
I also paid attention to less obvious factors like scent (because no one wants their head to smell like a chemical factory) and nozzle performance (since there’s little worse than a spray that clogs up after a few uses).
In addition, I tested each product with and without extra styling products to see how well it played with other items in my grooming arsenal.
I completed all testing during regular work weeks. There’s no controlled environment here — just real-life usage, including commutes, gym sessions and the occasional dash through the British rain. Because if a product can’t perform in the real world, what’s the point?
The 12 Best Sea Salt Sprays to Shop Now
Sea Salt Texturising Spray
The classics are classics for a reason. With 50+ years of salon expertise, Toni & Guy has nailed it with its Sea Salt Texturising Spray. While some other options offer more sophisticated ingredients or stronger holds, this is a fantastic spray that does exactly what it should — and does it brilliantly.
The standout feature is the applicator. It delivers an even, consistent mist that helps avoid patchy, oversaturated spots you’d get with lesser sprays. The spray’s formula is also great (and suitable for all hair types). It perfectly balances adding texture and maintaining natural movement without feeling crunchy or sticky.
At this price point, this spray is hard to fault. For this buying guide, I tested 12 options, and while some have fancier packaging or a stronger hold, this is the kind of reliable performer you’ll reach for daily. It’s become a salon staple — and my top pick for 2025 — for good reason.
Rough Up Sea Salt Spray
My job of reviewing grooming products becomes infinitely easier when something just works, and Fudge Urban’s Rough Up Sea Salt Spray certainly does that. This budget-friendly option proves you don’t need to splash out on premium brands to achieve manageable volume and that coveted beachy texture.
It’s ideal for straight hair and those with fine or medium-density tresses but works for all hair types. Applied to damp hair, the spray adds a decent amount of grit and volume, though you might notice a slight stickiness until it fully dries. The coconut-tinged scent is also a pleasant surprise — masculine enough without being overpowering.
One thing to note: This isn't a hairspray replacement. If you’re after a strong hold, you’ll need to layer it with other products. But as a foundational styling product that adds texture and body? This spray is tough to beat.
Sea Salt Spray
Slick Gorilla has made quite a name for itself on TikTok and among UFC fighters (I'm looking at you, Paddy Pimblett), and its sea salt spray shows why. The lightweight formula is perfect for an effortless, just-rolled-out-of-bed texture that stays put.
I also love how clean it feels in the hair. There’s no crunchy texture or sticky finish — just natural-looking volume you can rework throughout the day.
While it might not have enough grip for longer styles, it’s genuinely impressive for shorter cuts. It adds just the right amount of grit and volume without weighing down your locks. If you’re rocking anything from a crop to a medium cut, the Slick Gorilla Sea Salt Spray should definitely be on your radar.
Original Styling Salt Spray
Bulldog’s grooming range has always impressed me with its ability to create premium-feeling products without the eye-watering price tag, and this sea salt spray continues the tradition.
The star of the show here is undoubtedly the fragrance — a clean, citrusy scent that reminds me of fresh-cut lemons and oranges. I also love that Bulldog has used sustainably sourced Mediterranean sea salt and 100%-natural essential oils in this product. When you use salt spray as often as I do, you want to know what’s going into your hair.
The hold is on the lighter side, making it perfect if you’ve got thicker hair that just needs some gentle texture and direction. However, if you’re working with finer strands, you might find it leaves your hair a touch too damp without enough grip to create real volume.
For this price, though, the spray is a standout in terms of affordability and performance.
Sea Salt Spray
There’s nothing worse than a grooming product trying too hard to be subtle, and Gents of London certainly isn’t guilty of that. The fragrance hits you immediately — it’s a bold, zesty citrus that verges on being toiletry-esque. (If you're sensitive to strong scents, you might want to proceed with caution.)
What surprised me about this spray compared to others I’ve tested is the finish and hold. While some salt sprays are a foundation for other styling products, this one’s strong enough to stand alone. You can skip the wax or clay altogether.
The initial application is quite wet — almost greasy, dare I say — and takes time to dry. However, the formula feels nourishing, like it’s doing your hair some good rather than simply styling it.
This might not be your bottle if you’re after a classic, matte look. But for those wanting a shinier finish with their texture — and perhaps looking to streamline their morning routine by cutting out additional styling products — this could be your perfect match.
Ocean Mist Sea Salt Spray
I know the price tag might make you wince, especially given the somewhat modest 50ml bottle size, but you truly get what you pay for with Sachajuan’s Ocean Mist Sea Salt Spray.
What sets this spray apart from others in the lineup is how it treats dry hair. While products like Bulldog’s and Fudge Urban’s sprays can leave hair feeling slightly parched, Sachajuan’s formula seems to nourish as it styles — without compromising texture or volume.
For those whose dry locks can handle a little heat, this spray delivers a powerful hold when used with a blowdryer. During testing, I was seriously impressed by the heat-activated hold.
The scent is refreshingly subtle — a welcome change from some of the more overpowering options and exactly the refined touch you’d expect from a premium Swedish brand. While some might find it too understated, I appreciate a product that lets my cologne do the talking instead.
Texturising Sea Salt Spray
If you have long locks and want a perfect blend of volume and texture, Brickell Men’s Texturising Sea Salt Spray could be your ideal pick. Unlike some of the lighter sprays in the lineup, this one packs enough punch to make an impact on thicker, longer styles.
What helps it stand out is its ingredient list. While some sea salt sprays can leave your hair feeling stripped and dry, Brickell has loaded this one with vitamin E, argan oil and hydrolysed proteins. The result? You get beachy texture without sacrificing your hair’s health. It’s essentially like giving your hair a treatment while styling it.
Plus, the hold is substantial enough to make this a proper styling product rather than just a texturiser. That said, if you have shorter or finer hair, you might find this spray a bit too heavy for everyday use.
Sea Salt Spray
After an everyday spray that doesn’t scream, ‘I’ve just used product in my hair’? Viking Revolution’s Sea Salt Spray is spot on. The formula — enriched with kelp, aloe vera and red algae — offers a perfect level of 'barely there' styling.
The hold is light but effective, the shine is minimal and the scent is pleasantly understated. The generous 240ml bottle also offers excellent value, and the spray nozzle delivers a fine, even mist — no patches of product build-up here.
While it might not have the sophisticated formula of Brickell’s spray or the professional-grade hold of Dapper Dan’s product, its size and reliable performance make it perfect for everyday styling without breaking the bank.
Sea Salt Spray
While testing TRÜ•MAN’s salt spray, I was blown away by how it transforms with heat. While it feels incredibly light going into your hair, blast your locks with a hairdryer, and you get serious bounce, volume and hold. This spray is a bit of a shapeshifter in this way: what starts as a seemingly subtle product turns into something with genuine staying power.
Another standout is the nozzle. It offers a super-wide spray distribution, so you don't have to faff about trying to get even coverage. A couple of spritzes, and you’re done.
There’s also barely any fragrance, which is refreshing in a market where some brands seem determined to make your head smell like a perfume counter. That said, some might prefer the scent to be slightly stronger.
All in all, this spray can go toe-to-toe with any of the heavier hitters in my lineup.
Sea Salt Texturising Spray XL
If you like to be liberal with your styling products (really, who doesn’t love a good few spritzes?), Dear Barber’s XL spray is an excellent choice. At around £12 for 250ml, it offers better value for money than premium options like TRÜ•MAN or Sachajuan while maintaining professional-grade quality.
For me, the standout feature is the trigger-style applicator, typically found only on more expensive products. It doesn’t cause awkward finger-cramping like standard spray nozzles often do. Also, the formula delivers solid volume with a natural matte finish that I love.
Sure, the large bottle means this spray isn’t the most travel-friendly option, but for home use? It’s basically the wholesale approach to hair styling — bulk buying for the win!
Professional Salt Spray
Fudge Professional’s Sea Salt Spray is something special for those with natural curls and waves. Rather than simply adding texture, this spray brings curls to life while keeping them nourished — which is no small feat in the world of salt sprays.
I've tried a lot of sprays that claim to be packed with good stuff, but this one delivers. I can feel the difference the giant sea kelp, red algae and ocean salt minerals make to my hair.
The UV protection is another thoughtful touch that shows the brand has considered hair health, not just styling. Plus, the spray’s coconut scent is proper summer in a bottle but not overpowering.
With this salt spray, you get salon-quality results without the price tag of some premium brands. While it works on all hair types, curly-haired folks will especially appreciate it.
Sea Salt Spray
Tired of sprays that promise to keep your style in place but fade by lunchtime? Dapper Dan’s Sea Salt Spray is your answer. During testing, it effortlessly held my styles without making my hair feel like it had hairspray in.
What also impressed me is how the spray delivers its super-strong hold while maintaining a proper matte finish. There’s no hint of shine or greasiness to be found — only natural-looking texture that stays put.
The sandalwood scent is a bonus. It’s pleasantly understated and adds a touch of sophistication without overwhelming your cologne.
At under £12, this spray is punching well above its weight, especially considering the 200ml bottle size.
How Often Should You Use Sea Salt Spray?
You can use sea salt spray daily, but it can be drying on your hair. I recommend using it every other day if you have dry or damaged hair and always following up with a good conditioning routine.
Can You Use Sea Salt Spray on Dry Hair?
Yes, absolutely. While many prefer to use sea salt spray on damp hair for that true beachy effect, applying it to dry hair can give you more control over the final look. It also works great for touch-ups throughout the day.
Does It Matter What Sea Salt Spray You Use?
It definitely matters. Like any grooming product that will sit in your hair all day, quality counts.
I’ve found that cheaper sprays often rely too heavily on less-kind chemicals, which can leave your hair feeling like you’ve been swimming in the Dead Sea. The best sprays balance mineral salts with nourishing ingredients — think vitamins, proteins and natural extracts.
You also want a spray that disperses evenly. Too many come out in aggressive jets that concentrate product in one spot, leaving you with patches of gritty, overly textured hair.
How Much Sea Salt Spray Should I Use?
For shorter styles, 2-3 spritzes of sea salt spray are usually enough, focusing on the roots if you’re after volume or the mid-lengths for texture. If you have longer hair, you might need 4-5 sprays, but start conservatively. You can always add more, but trying to rescue heavy, crunchy hair isn’t fun.
Through trial and error, I've learned that spraying from about 8-10 inches away gives the most even distribution.
What Are the Disadvantages of Sea Salt Spray?
A big downside of sea salt spray is that it can potentially dry out your hair. By nature, salt absorbs moisture, and if you use it daily without proper hair care, you might notice your strands feeling a bit strawlike.
Some sprays can build up over time, especially if you aren’t thorough with washing. This can lead to a gritty residue that makes your hair feel less than fresh. I recommend using a good conditioner and giving your hair a break from salt sprays every few days.
Is Too Much Sea Salt Spray Bad?
Think of sea salt spray like coffee: brilliant in moderation, but too much can cause problems. Overuse can lead to dry, brittle hair, especially if you’re prone to dehydrated strands. If you notice your hair feeling rough or looking dull rather than naturally textured, you’re probably overdoing it. When in doubt, less is more — you're aiming for that ‘just left the beach’ look, not ‘trapped in a salt mine.’
How to Choose the Best Sea Salt Spray
Start with your hair type. For fine hair that tends to fall flat, look for lightweight formulas that add volume without weighing strands down. For thick or textured hair, you can handle something more substantial. Got curly or wavy hair? Find a spray with moisturising ingredients to prevent frizz while defining your locks.
On the topic of ingredients, the best sea salt sprays will balance salt content with nourishing elements. Look for:
Sea salt or mineral salts for texture
Magnesium for volume
Aloe vera or glycerin for hydration
Vitamin E or B5 for hair health
Natural oils for shine
The spray nozzle matters as well. I’ve found that a fine mist gives you more control and better distribution. Too many sprays have harsh jets that leave you with splotches of built-up product.
You can also consider price, but it isn’t everything. The sweet spot is £6-10 per bottle.
Fancy packaging doesn’t guarantee better results, so consider cost per use, too. A good bottle should last 6-8 months with regular use.
Most importantly, remember that finding your perfect sea salt spray might take trial and error. What works brilliantly for your mate might not suit your hair type or styling needs. Start with these guidelines, but don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your ideal match.
Subscribe to the MH Edit Newsletter
Want more tried and tested product recommendations from the editors of Men’s Health? Sign up for free to our weekly shopping newsletter, The Edit.
More of Our Favourite Grooming and Haircare Buys
You Might Also Like
