Bumble and bumble Surf Sea Salt Spray is one of the most iconic sea salt sprays on the market. A true OG, I first purchased a bottle back in middle school (over 15 years ago). While that’s a true testament to its longevity and quality, there’s still a learning curve with the product and it takes a little trial and error to really tap into its potential.

Known for its gritty texture and volume-boosting effect, Surf Sea Salt Spray gives you that classic, matte, beachy look, yet it’s not for everyone, especially if your hair is prone to dryness and breakage.

I have highlights and try lots of different hair products all the time, so hydration and overall hair health are my top priorities, but I’ve still found a way to make Surf Sea Salt Spray work on. my fine, straight hair. Below, I share exactly how to use Surf Sea Salt Spray, its pros and cons, whether it’s still worth the money, and tips to get the best results.

bumble and bumble surf sea salt spray review

Bumble and bumble Surf Sea Salt Spray creates texture, volume, and a matte, beachy finish. A true sea salt spray, it is formulated with magnesium sulfate (a type of salt) to add grit and structure to the hair, helping it hold waves and create that slightly messy, undone look. However, it’s not just beachy in name; it also includes seaweed and kelp extracts, which help add light moisture and reduce static while still keeping the overall finish textured and airy.

The result is piece-y beach waves with a little volume and natural, slightly gritty texture.

Surf Sea Salt Spray was created to mimic what your hair feels like after ocean water. Think textured, lifted, and a little undone - the ultimate cool “it girl” hair, if you will.

bumble and bumble surf sea salt spray before and after

how to use the bumble and bumble surf sea salt spray

To use on damp hair:

Spray evenly, focusing on mid-lengths to ends.
Start small as this product is very gritty and a little goes a long way!
Scrunch your hair to add waves and body; you can also twist small strands for a piece-y look.
Air dry.

To use on dry hair:

If you have straight hair, I recommend starting off with a curling iron, waver, or straightener to add bends and waves to create a little texture - they can be very subtle and just a few pieces; don’t think they have to be perfect or that you have to spend a lot of time on your whole head.
Spray evenly focusing on mid-lengths to ends.
Scrunch your hair, or twist a few strands for piece-y sections.
If necessary, touch up a few pieces with a curling iron, waver, or straightener to create more definition (like around face-framing layers).
Allow to set to create a tousled, beachy look.

pros

Adds natural-looking texture without heat styling
Gives you a true beachy, piece-y look
Strong enough to add texture to straight hair
For all hair types
Adds volume
Mild beachy scent

cons

Can be drying due to the salt content
Will make your hair feel gritty or dirty if you use too much
Does not have hold (like texturizing or hairspray does)
Can cause tangles or frizz

who the bumble and bumble surf sea salt spray works best for

As I’ve mentioned, there’s definitely a learning curve with the Bumble and bumble Surf Sea Salt Spray. It gives you lots of volume, grit, and the classic beachy texture, but on the other hand, can make your hair dry or sticky, or hard to work with.

If you have fine to medium hair that struggles to hold waves or texture, you will love this spray. It’s a stronger formula, so you’re going to get body and lift, and that messy, lived-in look.

It’s also a dream if you have slightly wavy hair or a little bend, as it’ll enhance that natural texture and give it a boho vibe.

For straight hair, it’ll give you a subtle wave if you style on damp hair; if you want to heat style and add a few bends or waves for the product to cling to, it’ll keep your hair from looking too polished and give you a looser, lived-in look - my favorite.

Because of its salt-based formula, the Surf Sea Salt Spray is especially good at adding fullness and grip, which also makes it easier to recreate boho braids and messy updos.

who it might not work for

While there are thousands of 5-star reviews for Surf Sea Salt Spray, it’s not the best fit for every hair type. You may want to try a lighter wave spray or more hydrating, oil-based formula if you have:

Very dry, damaged, or bleached hair (Surf Spray can feel more drying)
Coarse or thick hair that needs moisture more than texture
Hair that’s prone to frizz or tangling
Very fine hair that gets easily tangled with gritty products

If you hate the feeling of crunchy hair, you might also prefer a lighter wave spray; this one will still give you bend and volume, but is gentler and more hydrating, making it great for all hair types. Thick or coarse hair might prefer Bumble and bumble’s newer Surf Infusion Sea Salt Spray; check out how it compares to the original Surf Sea Salt Spray in my side-by-side guide.

is the bumble and bumble surf sea salt spray worth the money?

If you want lived-in beach waves, yes. It’s $35 which is around the average price for salt sprays, and this is a stronger formula, so you don’t have to use as much and one bottle will last you a long time. I’ve been using it on and off for fifteen years, and have only purchased 4 or 5 bottles (including travel sizes).

A higher-end salt spray, Surf Sea Salt Spray gives you strong beachy texture, volume and matte finish (that isn’t dull). It perfectly simulates how your hair feels after a day at the beach, giving you a gritty yet manageable texture, which is why it’s still a cult classic years later.

I will say that if you already have dry hair, you might find this formula to be too intense (try this instead), but for classic, lived-in beach waves, Bumble and bumble Surf Sea Salt Spray is still worth the hype.

PS: to see how it compares to the newer Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion Sea Salt Spray, check out my Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion Sea Salt Spray vs Surf Infusion guide, which includes side-by-side comparison photos, tips, tricks, and advice on which is best for your hair type and goals.

Bumble and bumble Surf Sea Salt Spray Review