person on a beach

8 Easy Ways On How To Get Sand Out Of Hair

Summer is here and it’s time to hit the beach! Relaxing in the sun, swimming in the ocean, and making sand castles are all fun and games – until sand gets into your hair.  So how to get sand out of hair?

Why does sand get stuck in your hair? Sand is a hydrophilic substance which means that it will stick to your skin when it is wet. When you go for a dip in the ocean and then lay on a beach towel to relax, some sand is bound to get into your hair. 

Whether from the wind blowing during your beach stay or repositioning yourself on your towel, getting sand in your hair while at the beach is inevitable. Let’s look at some of the best methods for how to get sand out of your hair.  

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How To Get Sand Out Of Hair While At the Beach

Especially if you are going to a restaurant or another entertainment venue after your beach trip, you would want to look presentable without so much sand in your hair. Try these methods on how to get sand out of your hair while you are at the beach. 

How To Get Sand Out Of Hair At the Beach: Baby Powder Without Water

Take a container of baby powder to the beach with you. After packing up your lounge area, shake baby powder as desired into your dry hair. Work it into your scalp with your hands and shake your hair simultaneously.  

Brush your hair to start releasing the sand granules. Use a fine-tooth comb to reassure the sand falls out. 

You may be interested in: When is the best time to go to the beach?, Best Beach Shoes to Keep Sand Out, How to get sand out of shoes, How to get sand off skin

How To Get Sand Out Of Hair At the Beach: With Water And Baby Powder

Rinse your hair in the ocean or at a designated shower area near the beach. Shake baby powder throughout your hair and rub it into your scalp. Comb or brush your hair to release the sand from your hair. 

Even though your hair is wet, the baby powder acts as a dry shampoo and works to remove the sand simultaneously. If you still see sand in your hair, blow dry it and brush simultaneously to further work the sand out of your hair. 

Keep reading: How to use baby powder to remove sand, Is salt water good for your hair?

How To Get Sand Out Of Hair At the Beach: Try Detangling Spray

Take a bottle of detangling spray with you in your beach bag. Whether your hair is wet or dry, this method can remove sand from your hair. Apply the detangling spray throughout your hair. Run a fine-tooth comb through your hair to work the sand granules away from your scalp. 

How To Get Sand Out Of Hair At the Beach: Use a Hand Dryer In the Bathroom

Many bathrooms near a beach have hand dryers for people to dry their hands after washing them. If you need the sand out of your hair immediately and do not have baby powder or detangling spray on hand, you can place your hair under a hand dryer. 

While the hand dryer hits your hair, shake your hands onto your scalp to work out the sand. The combination of the air force from the hair dryer and actively shaking your hair with both hands will remove the sand granules. This is one of the quickest ways to get sand out of your hair at the beach. 

sandy beach

How To Get Sand Out Of Hair While At Home

If you are going straight home after your beach trip, you may not mind waiting until you get home to get the sand out of your hair. Try one of these five methods to get the sand out of your hair while you’re at home. 

How To Get Sand Out Of Hair While At Home: Shampoo and Comb

Step into the shower and wash your hair with your favorite shampoo. Condition your hair as well if you would like to do so. Use a wet brush to free it of the tangles. Then, comb your hair with a fine-tooth comb to work the sand out of your hair faster. 

How To Get Sand Out Of Hair While At Home: Blow Dry It Out

Wait until your hair is fully dry to try this method. Grab your hand-supported hairdryer and turn it on its highest setting. Most hairdryers push out hot air at 40 miles per hour. More professional hair dryers used at hair salons can go at higher speeds, such as 55 miles per hour

Brush or comb your hair while blow-drying it. As another option, move your hands through your hair when blow-drying. 

How To Get Sand Out Of Hair While At Home: Use a Vacuum Hose

This is one of the unconventional ways to get sand out of your hair. However, it can be effective as long as you keep the vacuum hose at least a few inches away from your hair so that it does not accidentally get suctioned into the unit. Attempt this method only as a last resort if you still have sand in your hair after trying the other ways. 

As a word of caution, test the power of the vacuum suction before trying this method. If the hose accidentally comes into contact with your hair at a high suction, it could lead to tangling and undesired hair damage. 

How To Get Sand Out Of Hair While At Home: Sit in Front of An Air Conditioner Or High Powered Fan 

If you cannot find your hair dryer or you do not own one, sit in front of an air conditioner or fan. 

  • Make sure your hair is dry before starting 
  • Turn on the unit at its highest air setting
  • Shake your hair and scratch your scalp to remove sand
  • Finish with a fine-toothed comb to move sand off the middle and bottom strands of your hair

Factors To Consider When Removing Sand From Hair 

Choose a way to remove sand based on if your hair is wet or dry. Some removal methods only work if your hair is dry or wet. It does not matter whether your hair is wet or dry when undergoing other methods. 

Also make sure to consider the resources you already have. This is why we have many suggestions for different body care or air products so you can customize your chosen removal method based on your current resources. 

Final Thoughts

Now you are ready for when sand gets in your hair at the beach this summer. Choose your method and pack your beach bag accordingly!