Frizz-Free, Beachy Texture Is Not An Oxymoron

I have naturally wavy hair and choose to wear it that way most of the time, especially now that I live in Ann Arbor where a DryBar has yet to open. (Totally unsubtle hint, Alli Webb.). However, achieving beachy waves is trickier as you become older and hair becomes dryer and more fuzz-prone—a reality for anyone who colors, blow-dries, flat-irons or is in the throes of peri, post or full-blown menopause. So basically, all of us. 

My solution: I use a “salt spray” such as John Masters Organics Sea Mist Sea Salt Spray ($17; ulta.com) plus a leave-in conditioner like Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defense Conditioning Spray ($38; philipkingsley.com). I choose the salt spray over gel or mousse because I like the way it makes my waves ropey and defined, rather than crispy or puffy, two frequent, unwanted side effects of the other two stylers.

But the hero in this cocktail is really the leave-in conditioner. Hydration is essential when you wear your hair wavy because when strands become parched, their shingle-like outer layer lifts up, enabling water in the atmosphere to seep in and cause strands to swell and fuzz. However, if hair is well-moisturized, the outer layer remains flat—and the moisture inside the hair leaves little room for water to wiggle in.  The result: Soft waves, sans frizz.

Other salt sprays and leave-in conditioners I like: Verb Sea Spray ($14; sephora.com) and the original Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray ($27; sephora.com)l—plus Color Wow Coconut Cocktail ($24; colorwowhair.com) or It's a Ten Miracle Leave-In Product ($18; ulta.com).