Living in LA, we’re spoiled when it comes to beautiful beaches and sunny weather year-round. Don’t you love cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway with the windows down or feeling that ocean breeze in your hair as you pass the palm trees lining Malibu Beach?
Before you pack up your car to head to the sand, prep with this list of beach essentials and haircare tips to keep your strands healthy as you soak up the sun.
Beach Essentials Packing List
Let’s get ready to enjoy a day at the beach! You’ll want to bring a few beach essentials with you that’ll protect your hair and keep it looking soft and sun-kissed shiny. Here’s my list of must-haves to pack in your beach bag:
Leave-In conditioner for the beach is perfect for hydrating your locks as sun and salt water can leave your strands parched.
Tangle Teezer hair brush for wet hair will be a lifesaver when you need to get those tangles out of your tresses after a swim.
Natural sunscreen that is avobenzone-free is important to use if you’re wearing hair extensions because this chemical can permanently discolor your strands.
Large beach hat that not only looks chic with your swimsuit but helps to protect your scalp and hair from the sun’s harsh heat and UV rays.
SPF protectant spray for your hair will work as an added layer of protection from UV rays on your locks to avoid damage to your hair cuticles.
Extra towel for your hair to dry your strands after taking a dip in the water to cool off.
Haircare Tips at the Beach
As fun as lounging seaside is, the ocean and sun can be harsh on your hair.
The high salt concentration and minerals in salt water can damage your hair by actually dehydrating your strands. Overexposure to salt water can also cause your hair color to fade if it’s chemically treated or dyed.
When you’re sunbathing and getting your tan on, keep in mind that UV rays can also affect your hair. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause damage to your hair cuticles, which can lead to dry and brittle strands. You can also risk discoloration with hair extensions, lighter hair, or dyed hair. But with this beach essentials packing list and haircare tips, you won’t have to worry about damaged strands!
If you’re ready to take a dip in the ocean or lay your towel out in the sand, take care of your hair with the following advice:
Brush your hair before swimming. If you don’t, it’s a recipe for extra tangled, matted locks.
Use a wet brush (like the Tangle Teezer hair brush) after swimming to get out any knots that may have formed.
Apply a leave-in conditioner for the beach before you arrive. This will help minimize the effects of the sun and salt water on your strands.
Wear a swim cap or hat if you can. This way, you can dive in without the effects of the salt water.
Tie your hair up in a top-knot bun, this style is a cute beach look, and it ensures your locks are high and dry if you decide to go into the water.
Avoid heat-styling tools a few days before you go to the beach. Try some heat-free styling during that time, as heat styling can strip your hair of natural oils, making them more prone to damage.
Go early or later in the day to avoid the middle-of-the-day hours when the sun is at its highest point and harshest on your skin and strands.
Rinse your hair in the shower after swimming as soon as possible. You could also shower first before going into the salt water. Less salt water will be absorbed into your already-wet hair!
Shampoo your hair after the beach using a sulfate-free shampoo formula to rinse your hair and get rid of any harmful minerals left behind from the seawater.
Condition your hair with a gentle and hydrating conditioner to replenish the much-needed moisture into your locks.
Use a hair mask treatment with nourishing oils to add that extra layer of restorative benefits after exposing your tresses to the elements.
The Best Beaches in LA
Whether you live in LA or are just visiting, you won’t have any issues finding a beach, but you might have trouble deciding where to go first. Now that you know your beachy waves will stay protected and you have everything on your beach essentials list, it’s time to explore what the Golden Coast has to offer!
Malibu Beach: Even if you’re not one of the celebrities living in lavish beachfront properties, you can enjoy miles of sandy beaches, canyon hiking trails, surfing, or strolling down the pier.
Santa Monica Beach: This is one of LA’s most popular beaches to enjoy the surf and sand with its famous pier and convenient location. It’s within walking distance to lots of restaurants and shops.
Huntington Beach: They don’t call it Surf City for nothing. Check out the surfers or hop on a board yourself! If you want a more low-key day, enjoy lounging or exploring everything the area has to offer.
Add Beachy Waves to Your Beach Essentials
If you’re in LA, you’ve got to rock that beachy-waves look to match! At Anastasia K Salon, we specialize in NBR and IBE hair extension methods that will give you a boost of confidence and long, voluminous locks that will make heads turn the second you step out onto the sand. Whether you go with bright blonde or dimensional brunette, you’ll have the California hair of your dreams!
Request your appointment to achieve the look you’ve always wanted.