Sodium Chloride (Salt)
SOH-dee-um KLOR-ide
INCI: Sodium Chloride
What Is Sodium Chloride (Salt)?
Sodium Chloride is common table salt, used in hair care primarily as a thickening agent for shampoo and body wash formulations. It is the simplest and most cost-effective way to increase the viscosity of sulfate-based cleansers. It is also used in sea salt sprays for textured, beachy styling effects.
Source: Mineral (sea water, salt mines)
Origin: Natural
Also known as: Salt, Table Salt, Sea Salt, NaCl
What Does Sodium Chloride (Salt) Do to Your Hair?
Sodium Chloride thickens shampoo formulations by increasing the viscosity of sulfate-based surfactant systems through an electrolyte effect. In sea salt sprays, it absorbs moisture from the hair and creates a rough, textured surface for beachy, tousled styles. It can strip color-treated hair and contribute to dryness with frequent use.
Best For
Normal to oily hair, beachy texture styling, volumizing needs
Not Recommended For
Color-treated hair, dry hair, keratin-treated hair, chemically treated hair
Concentration Matters
0.5-5% (thickener), 1-10% (sea salt sprays)
Hair Type Compatibility
Method Compatibility
Safety & Regulation
Safe for general use. Can accelerate color fading in dyed hair by opening the cuticle. May dry out hair with frequent use. In high concentrations (sea salt sprays), can be quite drying and damaging with daily use. No systemic toxicity concerns from topical use.
FDA Status: Generally Recognized As Safe
FDA classifies as GRAS for food use. No restrictions for cosmetic use.
EWG Score: 1/10
HairAide Verdict
Sodium Chloride is harmless as a shampoo thickener at low concentrations. However, color-treated or keratin-treated individuals should be cautious, as salt can accelerate color fading. Sea salt sprays are fun for occasional beachy texture but should not be used daily due to their drying effect. HairAide recommends limiting sea salt spray use to 1-2 times per week.
Products That Contain Sodium Chloride (Salt)
Shampoos, sea salt sprays, volumizing sprays, texturizing products
Alternatives to Sodium Chloride (Salt)
If you want to avoid Sodium Chloride (Salt), look for products with these ingredients instead:
Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer (for thickening), Sugar sprays (for texturizing)
Frequently Asked Questions
Sodium Chloride (Salt) has a safety rating of 6/10. It's generally acceptable but may cause issues for some hair types. Safe for general use. Can accelerate color fading in dyed hair by opening the cuticle. May dry out hair with frequent use. In high concentrations (sea salt sprays), can be quite drying and damaging with daily use. No systemic toxicity concerns from topical use.
Sodium Chloride (Salt) is CG-method approved and is generally considered safe for curly hair.
Yes, Sodium Chloride (Salt) is approved for the Curly Girl method.
Some alternatives to Sodium Chloride (Salt) include: Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer (for thickening), Sugar sprays (for texturizing)
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