Spray 3 to 4 times onto towel-dried hair. Then either let it air dry for a loose, textured finish, or blow-dry it into shape as a base for the rest of your styling. Those are the two routines in the directions for the Charlemagne Sea Salt Hair Spray, a texturizing salt spray that comes in three strengths: Light, Medium and Firm. This guide walks through each step in order, then shows which routine suits which situation.
What you need before you start
- Your sea salt spray (this guide uses the Charlemagne directions)
- A towel
- Your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to work the spray through
- A hair dryer, if you want the blow-dried route
- A pomade, if you want more definition on top
Step 1: Start with towel-dried hair
Towel-dry first, so your hair is damp rather than dripping. Wet or dry? For both routines the Charlemagne directions say the same thing: spray onto towel-dried hair. Coming straight out of the shower, that means drying off with the towel before you reach for the bottle.
Step 2: Choose a strength
The Charlemagne spray comes in Light, Medium and Firm. If you have not used it before, start with Medium. Use it for a week, then move up or down depending on whether you wanted the finish to do more or less on its own.
Step 3: Spray 3 to 4 times
The directions call for 3 to 4 sprays (start at 3 if it is your first time). Run your fingers or a wide-tooth comb through afterwards to work it into the hair, then move on to drying.
Step 4: Pick your finish, air dry or blow-dry
Drying decides the finish, and the directions give two routines:
- Messy look. Spray 3 to 4 times onto towel-dried hair, then air dry. Leave it alone while it dries.
- Pre-styler. Spray onto towel-dried hair, then blow-dry into shape. Finish with a pomade if you want to.
The air-dry route suits days when you want a relaxed finish and no extra steps. The blow-dry route suits days when the style needs a shape, because you are building it while the hair dries.
Step 5: Add a pomade if you want more definition
On the blow-dry route, the directions end with a pomade. That is a sensible order: the spray gives the hair texture and grip, and the pomade sets the shape on top of it. Which pomade depends on the finish you want, and our pomade guide covers the differences. If you prefer a matte finish, the Matte Hair Pomade is one option, and the article on applying matte pomade shows how to use it for different styles. Not sure whether you want a pomade, a clay or a wax? Start with clay vs pomade vs wax.
Step 6: Wash it out
Sea salt spray is a styling product, so treat it like one and shampoo it out when you wash. Match the shampoo to your hair rather than to the spray. Our guide to choosing a men's shampoo and conditioner helps with that choice.
Which routine fits which situation?
| Situation | Routine | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| You want a relaxed finish with no extra steps | Air dry | Spray 3 to 4 times onto towel-dried hair, work it through, leave it to dry |
| The style needs a shape | Blow-dry | Spray onto towel-dried hair, blow-dry into shape |
| You want more definition on top | Blow-dry, then pomade | Follow the blow-dry routine, then finish with a pomade |
| It is your first time with the product | Air dry, Medium | Start with 3 sprays and add one if you want more |
Where sea salt spray fits in the daily routine
In a morning routine, the order is short: shower, towel-dry, spray, dry, then pomade if the style calls for it. The spray is the first styling step because it goes on damp hair, before anything that sets the shape. For a wider look at building a routine around the products you already use, see our hair styling tips for men.
Common problems and what to change
- The finish feels stiff or rough. Use fewer sprays next time, and comb or finger-comb it through once the hair is dry.
- The style dries flat. Switch from air drying to the blow-dry routine so the hair is shaped as it dries.
- The style does not last the day. Add a pomade on top of the dried hair, as in Step 5.
Sea salt spray questions
Should I put sea salt spray on wet or dry hair?
The Charlemagne directions call for towel-dried hair in both routines, so damp rather than soaking wet.
How many sprays should I use?
For the messy look the directions call for 3 to 4 sprays. If you are unsure, start with 3 and add a fourth next time if you want more.
How often should I use sea salt spray?
The product directions do not set a schedule. It is a styling product, so use it on the days you want texture and wash it out when you shampoo.
Can I use sea salt spray with pomade?
Yes. The pre-styler routine ends with a pomade, applied after you blow-dry.
What does sea salt spray do?
It is a texturizing spray: it adds grip and a matte finish, which gives you something to restyle through the day.
How do I get sea salt spray out of my hair?
Shampoo it out when you wash. The shampoo guide linked in Step 6 helps you pick one for your hair type.
This article is general information, not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For a persistent or worsening symptom, or any concern about your health, speak to a qualified healthcare professional.
The short version
Towel-dry, spray 3 to 4 times, then choose between air drying and blow-drying, and add a pomade if the style needs it. The Charlemagne Sea Salt Hair Spray comes in Light, Medium and Firm, so you can adjust it to your hair. For more on getting a style to sit the way you want it, read the Barber's Blades & Tales archive, or our test of hair clays compared.
