Sandy Salty Beach Water and Locking Hair

I went to the beach the other day. The sea was fairly rough but the salt water splashing against my in-need-of-a-massage-back was all I wanted that day. The second I got out of the car, however, I was met by sand beneath my feet... that may eventually get into my hair. This isn't usually a bad thing but now that I am trying to lock my hair, I was concerned.

If you checked out the picture above, you'll see my hair after a couple hours of gallivanting in the salty sea water. No visible sand! My hair felt great - until it dried. The salt water made my hair very dry and almost brittle. I wasted no time rinsing out my hair and adding a moisturizer and oil on getting home. I didn't have a significant amount of sand in my hair. I think one key is washing your hair as soon as possible before giving the sand the opportunity settle in. This may prove harder with mature locs but my baby-braidlocs did just fine. I plan to use a apple cider vinegar and baking soda if I go to the beach with mature locs.

Now, a lot of people suggest salt water for encouraging a speedy locking process. I don't like the idea. You basically dissolve sea salt in warm water, cool, then add to your locs (oil optional). My locs, to me, are still hair to be nurtured. I still want some amount of softness and the friends  should not feel like they are touching steel wool when they touch my hair. I like the idea of moisturizing and having the softest locs possible. Sea salt can be very drying to both the scalp and the hair strands. Nevertheless, here are some other ideas on salt water and locs.