Beach Hair 101

In a perfect world: I would style my hair by walking down to the beach every single morning, dunking my head into the ocean, and letting it dry freely in the salty air. Unfortunately, I don't have that option on a daily basis. If you do, we're going to take a moment to glare at you with envy. We still love you, we're just extremely jealous and not afraid to admit it!

Here's a few ways to get those waves without your feet having to ever touching the sand:

Salt Spray 
This is one of my favorite methods. Saltwater gives your hair rich texture and volume, allowing it to hold better (especially if you've got fine, flat locks). Spray on to damp hair, scrunch, and let air dry. You can also use a diffuser for faster results. This stuff is amazing on second day hair, too! Here are a few of my picks:

(1) Surf Spray - The classic choice. Adds body and a light hold with a matte finish. $24 at Bumble and bumble.

(2) Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray - A wallet friendly version from Not Your Mother's that smells just like a day at the beach. $5.99 at Ulta.
(3) Marine Summer Hair Beach Waves - Surf-sexy hair with a refreshing, cooling experience and added UV protection. $25 at Fekkai.

You can even bottle up some of the ocean during your next beach trip (leave the sand) or make your own by boiling 8 ounces of water with 1 teaspoonful of sea salt.

Braids and Buns
Not a fan of putting products in your hair? Try the simple braid or bun method. Put slightly damp hair in a couple of braids or twisted buns just before bedtime. Get your in 8 hours, let your hair down in the morning, run your fingers through your mane, and go! Natural and product free.

Surfer's Salve
A healthier option is to put a little Surfer's Salve in your hair. We'll get to how amazing and versatile this product is in another post, but all you need to do is to run a few dabs through your hair to create that wavy, messy beach hair look. Plus you're getting the moisturizing benefits of olive oil, aloe, and vitamin e. Great if you're worried about salt sprays drying out your ends! $10 at Island Soap.

Wave Iron
Want to pick and choose exactly where you want your waves and just how many you want? Try a wave iron. There are many options on the market these days, but I'm a big fan of the double barrel. Just make sure you use a good leave-in conditioner with heat protection before giving this tool a go! $30.95 at Amazon.

How do you get sea-worthy waves?


Photo Credit: Austin Chronicle, Bumble and bumble, Ulta, Fekkai, Island Soap, Amazon

Beach Beauty: Salt'n Sea

Prepare to fall in love with this product!

I recently discovered Love & Toast's Salt'n Sea shower creme during my most recent trip to Whole Foods. The scent is a breath of fresh air -- greens, citrus, mineral salts, and white florals. And it's perfect if your skin is in need of some refreshment after a day of playing in the sun. I love how it makes my skin come alive again after that dried out too much sand and surf feeling. It detoxes, nourishes, and protects from dehydration, plus it's free of all the yucky stuff. I'm looking forward to trying more from this line! Check your local Whole Foods, or browse even more products here.

What's your favorite product to refresh your skin after a day at the beach? 


Photo Credit: Love & Toast

Health Tip: Coconut Oil

Some of you ladies are probably already aware of this, but coconut oil is a surfer's miracle in a jar. I use it for everything, and I mean everything!

First, let's talk about that jar you should be keeping in your kitchen. Ingesting coconut oil on a daily basis has many health benefits. It's an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, and it improves your digestive health. Let's face it. Depending on the location of your home break, the ocean is not always the cleanest place to be. And if we're spending a lot of time it in, we're exposing ourselves to those toxins over and over again (especially during the rainy seasons). Surf sickness is not cute, and we don't want to be curled up in bed feeling sorry for ourselves as a killer set comes rolling in. 

Not only does coconut oil increase immunity and help ward off those unwanted bugs, it also can boost your energy levels. First one in, last one out? Spoon up, chickies!

The daily recommended dosage is 1-4 tablespoons per day. I suggest starting with 1 tablespoon and working your way up to what works for you and your body. How can you add it into your diet? Use it in place of other oils for your cooking and baking (it's the only oil that creates no toxic byproducts and retains its nutritional properties when heated). Mix it into your smoothies. If you're really brave, just take it straight. Personally, I like to stir it into my coffee. Adds a yummy coconut kick!

Moving on to that jar you should be keeping in your bathroom. Girls, this product is about to become a staple in your beauty regimen. Here are just a handful of cosmetic uses for coconut oil:

1. Hair conditioning treatment - Too much sun and saltwater? Smooth a generous amount onto strands, braid, get your 8 hours in, and wash out in the morning to reveal softer and stronger hair.
2. Chapped lips and skin - A natural alternative to your standard lip balm and lotion. Don't forget to exfoliate first for the best results!
3. Sun damage, fine lines, acne, puffy eyes - Say hello to your new night cream.
4. Sunburn - Because reapplying every 2 hours is not always possible (or easy to remember). Coconut oil is soothing and healing. Slather it on to reduce redness, moisturize, and ease that sting.
5. Makeup remover - Gently wipe your face clean with a dab of coconut oil on a cotton swab.

Amped on buying a jar? You can find it at most grocery and health food stores. Make sure you get the organic extra virgin coconut oil. Try Nutiva or Nature's Way.

Enjoy!

What's Your Drug?

Surf Is My Drug.


For every girl who has ever felt the love of the ocean. A new blog that will touch on the things you want the most all in one place: health, beauty and fitness tips, beach-inspired fashion, the latest on your favorite surfer girls, decorating ideas for that seaside pad, sweet escapes, and much, much more. Whether you surf or love the beach, this is the place for you.