Getting sand out of your hair can be a pesky task, especially after a fun day at the beach. But with the right steps, you can get rid of the gritty intruders without damaging your hair. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you efficiently remove sand from your hair.
1. Shake Out the Sand
Before you even touch water, try to remove as much sand as possible by shaking it out. Flip your head upside down and gently shake your hair. It’s also helpful to run your fingers through your hair, dislodging sand particles as you go. If you have access to a blow dryer, set it on the cool setting and blow your hair while combing through with your fingers to help remove loose sand.
2. Dry Brushing
Once you’ve shaken out loose sand, use a hairbrush to further remove sand. A brush with wide-set bristles or a comb is ideal to avoid pulling or breaking the hair. Start at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the scalp, taking care to brush gently.
3. Rinse with Water
Rinsing with water should be done thoroughly, yet gently. Stand under a shower or use a hose, and let cool to lukewarm water run through your hair. Avoid hot water as it can dry out your scalp and hair. Lift sections of hair to make sure the water reaches the scalp where sand could be hidden.
4. Apply Conditioner
After you’ve rinsed your hair with water, apply a generous amount of hair conditioner. Focus on getting the conditioner onto the scalp and the length of your hair. The slippery nature of the conditioner can help slide the sand out of your hair. Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes to penetrate the hair strands and loosen the sand.
5. Rinse Again
Rinse the conditioner out of your hair, making sure to do it thoroughly so that both the conditioner and any remaining sand are washed away. Again, lift sections of hair to ensure water reaches all areas of the scalp.
6. Use a Fine-Toothed Comb
After your final rinse and while your hair is still wet, use a fine-toothed comb to gently comb through your hair. Start at the tips and work your way to the roots, which can help to remove smaller particles of sand that may have been missed earlier.
7. Shampoo As Usual
Once you are confident that most of the sand has been removed, shampoo your hair as you normally would. This will help remove any remaining sand and conditioner residue, leaving your hair clean.
8. Final Rinse and Dry
Give your hair one last thorough rinse with clean water. Afterward, gently towel-dry your hair by patting it, avoiding rubbing which can tangle your hair and potentially trap any remaining sand. If needed, use the blow dryer on a cool setting to finish drying your hair.
9. Final Brushing
Once your hair is dry, perform a final brush through. This will help remove any last stubborn sand grains and also help in detangling after the wash.
10. Inspect and Repeat if Necessary
Inspect your hair and scalp to check for any remaining sand. If you find more sand, you may need to repeat some of the steps, focusing on the areas where sand is still present.
Remember, the key is to be gentle throughout this process to avoid damaging your hair and scalp. If you are repeatedly facing issues with sand in your hair, consider using a swim cap or tying your hair up in a bun to minimize exposure to sand next time you’re on a sandy beach.