The ultimate guide to keeping your hair healthy while surfing

Surfing, ocean and sun are amazing for the soul—but this combo can be brutal on your hair. This guide is based on insights from more than 40 posts and 190 recommendation comments shared by Girls Who Can’t Surf Good crew. We’re covering everything from pre-surf rituals to post-surf rehab, product reviews, and reef-safe recs.

If you’ve ever emerged from the ocean with knotted, crunchy, impossible-to-comb hair—you’re so not alone. The combo of UV rays, saltwater, wind, and whitewash can wreak absolute havoc on your tresses.

Don’t worry! We got you.

🌊 Pre-surf hair protection

Before you hit the surf, you can do a few small things that make a huge difference:

Start with fresh water. “If you’re really committed, wet your hair with fresh water and apply a serum or leave-in before you go in. Pro tip from a former competitive swimmer,” wrote Jenny.

Then use a “barrier” product. Coconut oil, argan oil, and reef-safe leave-ins act like armor for your strands. I swear by Stream2Sea Leave-In Conditioner: “I put it in before I go in, just lather it all over my hair. OMG, I finally have wavy surfer hair after a sesh.”

You will want to choose a “protective” hairstyle. Braids, low buns, or ponytails with multiple ties (like the Rip Tie biodegradable ones) help prevent your hair from turning into a sea monster. Just don’t braid too tight—wet hair expands and contracts, and tight styles can cause breakage.

Keep your hair out of your face. Aside from minimizing tangles, a secure hairstyle also helps keep hair from whipping across your eyes or mouth while paddling or popping up. You gotta be able to see! Going short is also an option.

And this is something, we tend to forget—consider SPF for your hair. Some leave-ins include UV protection. You can also wear a surf hat or UV swim cap for added coverage.

⛅ Post-surf hair care

Once you’re out of the water, the real rehab begins:

1. Rinse ASAP. Use fresh water right away to get the salt out. If there’s a beach shower nearby—use it!
2. Detangle gently. Apply a good conditioner or detangler while your hair is still wet, then use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Brushing dry or unconditioned hair can cause serious damage.
3. Moisturize deeply. Use a rich conditioner or mask like Surf Soap’s Rehab Balm or K18’s Molecular Repair. A lot of surfers also love SunButter Hair Serum—”greasy pre-surf but amazing post-surf,” says Marta.
4. Be gentle and go natural. Air dry when you can, avoid tight elastics, and skip the shampoo unless you really need it. Shampooing every day can strip away your hair’s natural oils.

🧑🏼‍🎤 Protective accessories & styling

• Loose braids or ponytails with several ties down the length help prevent tangles.
• Silk scrunchies or microfiber towels reduce friction.
• Surf hats protect both your hair and your face from sun exposure.

♻️ Reef-safe & eco-friendly products

So many of us are trying to do right by the ocean we love. Here are some go-to hair products (in order of “most mentioned”) that are kind to both your strands and the sea:

• Stream2Sea Leave-In Conditioner: reef-safe, with UV protection
• Surf Soap Rehab Balm: handmade in Hawaii, biodegradable packaging
• SunButter Hair Serum: all-natural and reef safe
• Coconut Smuggler: small-batch, eco-friendly haircare
• Rip Tie biodegradable hair ties: designed for surfing

✨ And a few additional product recommendations by type:

• Leave-ins: Stream2Sea, Cantu, Ecoslay Rice Pudding, Carina Organics
• Conditioners/Balms: Surf Soap Rehab Balm, Dip Conditioner Bar, Mielle Rosemary Mint Mask
• Repair treatments: K18 Molecular Repair Mask, Briogeo Curl Charisma
• Serums/oils: SunButter, argan oil, rosemary oil (for hydration and scalp health)

⚠️ Common mistakes & watchouts

• Don’t overdo protein-rich treatments like Olaplex—they can make hair brittle
• Coconut oil doesn’t work for everyone (especially color-treated or fine hair)
• Shampooing too often = dry, cranky hair
• Brushing wet hair without conditioner = breakage city
• Braids too tight = snapping strands

🚀 Final thoughts: Everyone’s hair is different

Some people can do a 3-hour session with hair down and come out with mermaid waves (damn you! ☺️). Others get one turtle roll in and it’s a bird nest. Your routine will depend on your hair texture, how often you surf, and what your goals are (damage prevention, curl care, low-maintenance vibes).

So keep in mind that some of these products may not work for you, or may not even be available to you in your country. Hack it by checking the ingredients and searching for them in a single product near you.