Can salt water cause wear and damage to hair?

Saltwater can indeed cause wear and damage to hair, making the assertion that it can be harmful accurate. When hair is exposed to saltwater, the high salinity can strip moisture from the hair strands. This dehydration can lead to brittleness and increased frizziness, making the hair more prone to breakage. Additionally, the minerals in saltwater can create a rough texture on the hair cuticle, leading to tangles and split ends over time.

While it's true that prolonged exposure may amplify these effects, even short-term contact with saltwater can have detrimental impacts on hair health. Regular exposure without proper care, such as conditioning or moisturizing treatments afterward, can compound these issues. This is why understanding the relationship between saltwater and hair health is critical for anyone engaging in activities like swimming in the ocean.

It's also important to recognize that chlorinated water can create its own set of problems, but it is distinctive from the effects of saltwater. Chlorine primarily affects hair by causing discoloration and weakening due to its harsh chemical nature.