Bumble and bumble Surf Sea Salt Spray vs Surf Infusion

When it comes to beachy texture, Bumble and bumble is one of the first haircare brands that comes to mind. Creator of the OG Surf Sea Salt Spray, their texturizing sea salt sprays have been raved about for years (and rightfully so). They have two surf-inspired sea salt sprays that seem similar, but actually quite different.

One is oil-infused and softening, while the other is all about grit and volume. Both give you natural yet moveable beach waves, yet depending on your hair type and goals, you’ll prefer the results of one over the other.

Below, I share before and after results of each, break down the key differences, and share tips on how to use so you can figure out which Bumble and bumble is truly better for your hair type - Surf Sea Salt Spray or Surf Infusion.

bumble and bumble surf sea salt spray vs surf infusion

bumble and bumble surf sea salt spray results

The OG beach spray, Bumble and Bumble Surf Sea Salt Spray creates texture, volume, and a matte, beachy finish. It’s formulated with magnesium sulfate (a type of salt) to add grit and structure to the hair, to mimic the effect of a day at the beach; the salt adds grip to help your hair hold waves and creates that slightly messy, tousled look.

When you use this spray, you get piece-y beach waves with a little volume and natural, slightly gritty texture.

Key features include:

• Lightweight salt spray

• Matte (but not dull) finish

• Adds volume and grip

• Helps enhance natural waves; no heat styling required

Because it doesn’t contain conditioning oils, the spray focuses primarily on texture and hold rather than hydration, and can feel drying for some.

pros

• Adds natural-looking texture without heat styling

• Gives you a true beachy, piece-y look

• Strong enough to add texture to straight hair

• 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

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.

bumble and bumble surf infusion results

Bumble and bumble Surf Infusion is a more moisturizing version of the original spray. Where the original Surf Sea Salt spray focusing on adding texture, this formula also includes lightweight oils to soften the drying effect sea salt sprays can sometimes cause. You still get beachy waves, but a little more shine and hydration. I also love that Surf Infusion contains UV filters that protect hair from the drying effects of the sun, so it prioritizes hair health as well, not just styling.

Key features include:

• Sea salt for texture

• Lightweight oils for softness and shine

• Slightly smoother finish (less frizz)

• Added hydration

• UV filters to help protect hair from drying effects

Overall, the hydrating oils make Surf Infusion better for those who have dry or thick hair; you’ll still get beach waves but none of that crunchy texture. The oils make it a little heavy for fine or straight hair; you won’t get as much texture, unfortunately.

pros

• Less gritty than the OG Bumble and bumble Surf Sea Salt Spray

• More hydrating than traditional salt sprays; ideal for dry hair

• Contains UV filters that protect hair from the drying effects of the sun

• Adds shine and softness, not just texture

• Works well on medium to thick hair

• Can be used on damp or dry hair

cons

• Can feel heavy, especially on fine hair

• Not as much grit or hold as traditional sea salt spray

• Can be messy if you don’t shake the bottle first

• Can cause some tangling

how to use the bumble and bumble surf infusion

• Shake the bottle well, as the ingredients can separate over time.

• Spray onto damp hair, focusing on mid-lengths to ends.

• Shape your hair by scrunching. You can also twist various strands for a piece-y look.

• Air dry for a wavy undone look.

I have fine, stick straight hair and have found that I get the best results when I spray on dry hair that has been loosely curled; adding a little texture to give the product something to cling to helps a lot.

bumble and bumble surf sea salt spray vs surf infusion results comparison

key differences between bumble and bumble surf sea salt spray vs surf infusion

While both are sea salt sprays, the formulas are completely different, giving you very different results depending on your hair type and styling preference. Here’s my full breakdown:

texture and hold

If you want true beach texture, the original Surf Sea Salt Spray performs better. It give you gritty, textured waves whether you style damp or dry hair. On the other hand, Surf Infusion is noticeably smoother, more hydrating, and softer.

Surf Sea Salt Spray gives you:

• Stronger texture

• More grip and grit

• Better for building volume

• A little more frizz; can feel drying for some

Surf Infusion is better for:

• Softer texture

• Less grit

• Slightly smoother finish

• More shine and hydration

key ingredients

I will say that Bumble and bumble has really nailed formulation for a beachy texture; both products work well and there’s something for all hair types. That said, each surf spray highlights different ingredients to enhance texture or shine depending on which you choose..

The original Surf Sea Salt Spray gives the best grit and texture, and is a stronger formula that contains:

• Magnesium sulfate (salt) - creates texture and grip

• Seaweed and kelp extracts - light hydration and volume support

On the other hand, Surf Infusion focuses more on smoothing and hydrating ingredients that protect and improve shine:

• Sea salt + mineral blend - adds texture

• Coconut- softens, hydrates, and add shine

• UV filters - help protect hair from drying effects

As such, I recommend Surf Sea Salt Spray for those with straight or fine to medium hair. If your hair is thick, coarse, or on the drier side, you will prefer Surf Infusion.

finish

Surf Sea Salt Spray gives you a matte, slightly rough, and gritty texture - it truly makes your hair feel like you spent a day at the beach, so expect a little frizz if you use too much.

Surf Infusion is a little more polished; the finish is softer and shinier, but you get less texture and hold as a result.

hair type compatibility

Surf Sea Salt Spray works best for:

• Fine to medium hair

• Straight hair that needs texture

• Hair that struggles to hold waves

• People who want volume and grit

Surf Infusion works best for:

• Thick hair

• Dry hair

• Coarse or textured hair

• Wavy or curly hair that needs definition and moisture

hold and styling

The original Surf Sea Salt Spray gives you more structure and hold, whereas Surf Infusion gives you less hold but more movement.

If you need your style to last all day, get Surf Sea Salt Spray. If you just want a little extra texture on a day-off style but don’t need it to look perfect all day, you’ll like Surf Infusion.

price

If you’ve visited my website before, you know I love to give a price breakdown and compare not just up-front cost, but the price per ounce. Surf Sea Salt Spray is overall the cheaper product - it’s $35 for a 4oz bottle, which breaks down to $8.75 per ounce. Surf Infusion costs $36 for a 3.4oz bottle, or $10.59 per ounce. The price difference most likely comes down to the UV filters and hydrating oils, driving up the price of Surf Infusion and making Surf Sea Salt Spray the cheaper option.

which is better - bumble and bumble surf sea salt spray vs surf infusion?

There’s nothing worse than purchasing a beach spray that just leaves your hair feeling sticky, crunchy, flat, and tangled, and it’s relieving to say that both Surf Sea Salt Spray and Surf Infusion perform well and are effective, worthwhile products. That said, you don’t need both, and the choice really comes down to your hair type and goals.

Choose Surf Sea Salt Spray if you want:

• True beach texture

• Volume for fine hair

• A matte, gritty finish

Choose Surf Infusion if you want:

• Softer waves

• Hydration and shine

• A little texture

• A smoother, less dry feel

I’d say that Surf Sea Salt Spray is the more universal product and will suit just about everyone as long as you don’t use too much. Surf Infusion is a heavier formula, and while I love the results it gives dry and thick hair types, it’s harder to use and won’t provide lasting texture on fine or straight hair.

In a perfect world, I hope they create a version of Surf Sea Salt Spray that includes the protective UV filters. Until then, it’s still the better product unless you have thick or dry hair.