If you’re looking to add that effortlessly beachy vibe to your hair with minimal effort, then Not Your Mother’s Sea Salt Spray might just be your new best friend.
Perfect for creating that textured, tousled look with UV protection and a subtle tropical vanilla coconut scent, this sea salt spray promises a casual yet stylish appearance for all hair types—no heat tools necessary!
I’m here to share my experience with it, breaking down its performance, the pros, cons, and how to get the most out of it. Ready to see if this product deserves a spot in your haircare lineup?
My Experience With Not Your Mother’s Sea Salt Spray
When I first tried Not Your Mother’s Sea Salt Spray, I was hoping to achieve that carefree, beachy look without the need for a curling iron or tons of product.
My hair is naturally wavy but tends to fall flat by the end of the day, so I was looking for something that could add texture and volume without weighing it down.
The first thing that hit me was the scent—it’s a soft, tropical vanilla coconut fragrance that felt like a mini vacation in a bottle.
I loved that it wasn’t overpowering, but instead subtle and pleasant.
I spritzed it on my damp hair, scrunched the ends, and let it air dry to see what kind of waves I’d get.
The results were pretty impressive! My natural waves were more defined, with a soft texture that wasn’t stiff or crunchy. I appreciated how lightweight the product felt, especially because my hair is on the finer side.
It added that piecey, tousled look without any greasiness or residue, which is a common issue I’ve faced with other texturizing sprays.
I’ve also used it with a blow dryer for some added volume, and it worked well for creating lift at the roots. I love how easy it is to use—it’s truly a spray-and-go type of product. However, I did notice that if I used too much, my hair would start to feel a little dry, so I’ve learned to keep the application light.
Overall, I’d say Not Your Mother’s Sea Salt Spray is a great product for achieving an effortless, textured look without a lot of fuss!
Pros: What I Loved About Not Your Mother’s Sea Salt Spray
- Effortless Texture: The spray truly delivers on creating a “piecey” look. For my wavy hair, it amplified the natural waves, making them more defined without looking overdone. If you’re after that casual, windswept effect, this does the trick.
- Lightweight Formula: One of my pet peeves with some texturizing sprays is how sticky or heavy they feel on my hair. With this spray, my hair didn’t feel weighed down, which is ideal for my fine hair. Even people with fine, thin hair have noted how it adds volume without leaving any gunky residue.
- UV Protection: This is a small but notable feature, especially if you’re outdoors often. Not Your Mother’s includes UV protection in this spray, helping shield your hair from potential sun damage, which is a rare yet valuable quality.
- Pleasant Scent: The tropical vanilla coconut scent is mild and natural, unlike some sea salt sprays that overdo the fragrance. It’s subtle enough to be fresh without being overpowering, even if you’re sensitive to scents. It genuinely adds to the experience without feeling like you’re being hit with a perfume.
- Budget-Friendly: Compared to some high-end texturizing sprays, Not Your Mother’s offers a reasonably priced option without compromising on quality. It’s definitely an affordable way to achieve that beachy look without breaking the bank.
Cons: A Few Considerations
- Texture Isn’t for Everyone: While I love the piecey texture, people with very dense, thick hair might find this product a bit too light for their needs. The product is great for creating soft texture but might fall short if you’re after extreme volume or defined, dramatic waves.
- Can Require Some Finessing: For straight, fine hair types, a little extra effort may be needed to work the product in. Some users prefer to spray it on damp hair, scrunching sections for more pronounced waves, while others use it with a blow dryer for added volume.
- Scent Might Not Appeal to Everyone: If tropical scents aren’t your thing, the vanilla coconut fragrance might not be your favorite. While I personally enjoyed it, scent preferences are unique, and a beachy vibe isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
How To Get the Best Results with Not Your Mother’s Sea Salt Spray?
To get the most out of this spray, here are some tips that have worked wonders for me and could enhance your experience, too:
- Start with Damp Hair: Spraying on damp, towel-dried hair has been the sweet spot for me. This way, the product distributes evenly and provides the best foundation for achieving defined waves as your hair dries.
- Use the Scrunching Technique: If you’re looking for texture, scrunching is essential. I like to spritz the product lightly, then scrunch sections of my hair with my hands to create those beachy waves. This technique works especially well if you have naturally wavy or curly hair.
- Blow Dry for Extra Volume: For more volume, use a blow dryer on a low setting after applying the spray. This adds a bit more lift and helps set the waves in place, especially for those with fine or flat hair.
- Less is More: It’s easy to overdo it with any sea salt spray, and Not Your Mother’s is no exception. I found that a light mist is all you need to get a good texture, so go easy on the spritzing to avoid any stiffness or crunch.
- Experiment with Hairstyles: This spray is perfect not only for beach waves but also for braids and messy buns. Spraying it into a braid before bed gives you a beautiful, textured look the next day.
How It Stacks Up Against Other Brands?
When it comes to sea salt sprays, there’s no shortage of options. Here’s how Not Your Mother’s compares to a few popular competitors:
- Beach Bum Sea Salt Spray
Beach Bum Sea Salt Spray delivers a high level of texture and volume, ideal for those with thick or dense hair that needs extra hold to maintain waves. If you’re someone with finer hair, Beach Bum may feel a bit heavy, especially if you’re looking for a more natural, tousled look rather than a strong, defined texture.
Beach Bum also has a more pronounced beachy fragrance, which can be a plus for some but a bit overpowering for others. Not Your Mother’s is lighter in both scent and texture, making it a more versatile option across different hair types.
While Beach Bum excels for heavy-duty texture and volume, Not Your Mother’s creates a softer, piecey wave that’s easy to wear and maintain without any stickiness.
- OGX Moroccan Sea Salt Spray
OGX’s sea salt spray offers a similarly lightweight formula, ideal for those looking for soft texture without too much hold.
However, it lacks the UV protection included in Not Your Mother’s, which is a valuable feature for anyone exposed to the sun regularly.
While OGX has a more oceanic scent profile, Not Your Mother’s leans into a softer, tropical vanilla coconut scent, which I personally find more refreshing and pleasant.
Both sprays work well for fine to medium hair types, though Not Your Mother’s adds just a bit more definition to waves without leaving a sticky or greasy residue, making it feel fresher throughout the day. If UV protection and a beachy scent are priorities, Not Your Mother’s edges out OGX for everyday wear.
- TIGI Bed Head Queen Beach Salt Spray
TIGI Bed Head Queen Beach is another popular choice, especially for those with thicker hair who want more intense wave definition. This spray is known for its strong hold, creating deep, lasting waves that are perfect if you’re after a defined, dramatic look.
However, its formula can sometimes leave a slight residue, which might not be ideal for those who prefer a softer finish. Not Your Mother’s, on the other hand, is much lighter and leaves no residue, making it better suited for a natural, touchable texture.
It works well for both fine and medium hair types, adding a softer, “lived-in” look, while TIGI might be a better choice for those with thicker or more textured hair who want structured, beachy waves that stay in place all day.
Maintenance Tips For Longevity
To keep your hair healthy and ensure your beach waves last, here are a few maintenance tips:
- Avoid Overuse: Sea salt sprays can be drying if used excessively, so try to alternate days or use a hydrating leave-in conditioner to balance moisture. Overdoing it may lead to dryness, especially if your hair is already on the dry side.
- Deep Condition Weekly: If you’re a regular sea salt spray user, a deep conditioning treatment once a week will help keep your hair hydrated and bouncy. This offsets any dryness from the salt and keeps your hair looking healthy.
- Combine with Other Products: Sometimes, I’ll pair Not Your Mother’s with a lightweight hair oil to add extra shine and smooth any frizz. This combo can give you that “day at the beach” look without sacrificing softness.
- Rinse with Fresh Water Before Beach Days: For days when you’ll be at the actual beach, rinsing your hair with fresh water beforehand can prevent excess salt buildup. This tip helps minimize potential dryness and allows your sea salt spray to work more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Not at all! While sea salt sprays can have a drying effect over time, this product is quite gentle. To avoid potential dryness, use it in moderation and incorporate conditioning treatments into your routine.
The best brand depends on your hair type and desired look. Not Your Mother’s is excellent for a soft, natural texture, while Beach Bum and TIGI Bed Head provide a stronger hold for thicker hair types.
In moderation, sea salt spray is perfectly safe. It’s only harmful if overused, as it can dry out the hair. Balancing with moisture treatments will keep your hair healthy.
To use, spritz on damp hair, scrunch with your hands, and let it air dry. For extra volume, use a blow dryer. The result? Beautiful, effortless waves.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try Not Your Mother’s Sea Salt Spray?
If you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-use product that adds just the right amount of beachy texture, Not Your Mother’s Sea Salt Spray is a must-try. With its tropical scent, lightweight feel, and UV protection, it’s a great choice for anyone seeking a natural, carefree look.
Whether you’re styling waves, braids, or an updo, this spray delivers with minimal fuss and maximum style—making it well worth a spot in your hair routine.