Surf Balm | Reef-Safe Pre-Swim Hair Protectant for Saltwater, Chlorine & Sun

Say goodbye to dry, brittle strands from salt, surf, and even harsh pool chemicals. This reef-safe, pre-swim hair balm was created by a Santa Cruz surfer who needed serious protection for her own hair. Whether you’re at your local break or packing for a salty vacation, Surf Balm is your carry-on-approved, vacation hair essential — protecting both your hair and the ocean
 

WHAT IT IS:
• A concentrated, nutrient-rich balm that:
• Seals & protects strands before swimming or surfing
• Shields from sun exposure with natural UV-resisting oils
• Nourishes deeply with botanical butters and antioxidants
• Reduces breakage and dryness caused by saltwater

HOW TO USE:
Step 1: Apply to dry hair before you get in the water.
Step 2: If possible, rinse hair with fresh water before the ocean to double-protect.
Step 3: Focus on the ends and hairline or wherever your hair needs the most protection. A little goes a long way.

To remove, you can use conditioner first (no shampoo needed), then rinse. Or you can shampoo as usual. 

WHO IT’S FOR:
Surfers, swimmers, and ocean lovers who care about their hair and the sea.
Perfect for dry, curly, color-treated, or sun-exposed hair.
Also great for anyone experiencing breakage, frizz, or dry, rough-feeling strands.
Protects against harsh pool chemicals.

Q: Will Surf Balm make my hair greasy or be hard to wash out?
A: Not at all. Surf Balm is designed to nourish and protect without leaving heavy residue. One of our testers with fine, easily-greasy hair shared that it washed out effortlessly with her regular shampoo. The balm melts in smoothly to coat your strands for protection in the ocean, and then rinses away easily when you’re ready.

Q: Is this Surf Balm a good gift for surfers?
A: Yes — Surf Balm is designed for surfers and swimmers who want to protect their hair from saltwater and chlorine damage. It makes a unique, eco-friendly gift for anyone who loves the ocean.

Q: Can Surf Balm help with hair damage from salt water, chlorine, and sun exposure?
A: Absolutely. If you’re noticing thinning, breakage, dryness, or frizz after surfing or swimming, it’s often because salt water and pool chemicals strip away your hair’s natural oils. Sun exposure adds another layer of stress, leaving hair weak and brittle. Surf Balm is a pre-ocean (or pre-pool) treatment that coats your strands with a protective blend of botanical oils and butters. Instead of soaking up salt or chlorine, your hair absorbs nourishing ingredients that help maintain strength, moisture, and shine. Regular use supports healthier, stronger hair for surfers, swimmers, and anyone who loves the sun.

Q: What does Surf Balm smell like?
A: Surf Balm has a fresh, botanical scent with hints of citrus and herbs. It’s light, natural, and never overpowering.

Q: Can Surf Balm be used as an everyday hair treatment?
A: Yes. While it’s designed for pre-ocean or pre-pool use, many people also use it as a daily nourishing balm to smooth frizz and protect against dryness.

Q: What hair types does Surf Balm work for?
A: Surf Balm is effective for all hair types — from fine and straight to thick, curly, or textured. It nourishes without weighing hair down, and washes out easily with shampoo.

Q: Is Surf Balm reef-safe and eco-friendly?
A: Yes. We formulated Surf Balm with natural, biodegradable, reef-safe ingredients — no silicones, parabens, or synthetic fillers. It’s safe for you and for the ocean.

Q: What’s the best product to protect my hair from chlorine and saltwater on vacation?
A: Chlorine and saltwater strip natural oils, leaving hair dry and brittle. Surf Balm is a reef-safe, ocean-friendly pre-swim protectant that locks in moisture and shields hair before you swim—whether you’re at a resort pool or the beach.

Q: Can I use Surf Balm in both pools and the ocean?
A: Yes. Surf Balm is versatile enough for both. It acts as a barrier against drying pool chlorine and protects your hair in saltwater, making it ideal for vacations where you’ll be swimming in both.

Q: How should I prepare my hair before swimming on vacation?
A: For the best protection, apply Surf Balm to dry hair first. If you have access to fresh water, wet your hair afterward to double-lock in the nourishing oils. This way, your strands absorb the protective balm before chlorine or saltwater can. After swimming, rinse with fresh water and follow with a gentle conditioner and/or shampoo.

Q: Is Surf Balm carry-on approved for flights?
A: Yes! Each jar is 4 ounces, which is TSA-approved for carry-on liquids. That means you can bring Surf Balm in your carry-on bag and have it handy the moment you arrive at your destination.

Ingredients:

Kokum Butter – Adds firmness and helps balm hold up in warm weather
Mango Butter – Creamy, softens strands without heaviness; contains fatty acids that help shield hair from dryness caused by sun exposure
Shea Butter – Deeply nourishing and supportive of moisture retention; rich in cinnamic acid esters with mild UV-protective qualities
Coconut Oil – Creates an occlusive barrier to help guard against salt and sun; lauric acid helps reduce protein loss from UV damage
Jojoba Oil – Lightweight and balancing, mimics the scalp’s natural sebum to moisturize and smooth strands while reducing brittleness from sun exposure
Beeswax – Seals in moisture and adds structure so the balm stays in while in the water, creating a protective layer against salt and UV stress
Sunflower Lecithin – Improves texture and helps oils bind to hair for better coverage
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) – Natural antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals from UV exposure, preserving both the balm and your hair’s health
Sea Buckthorn Oil – Rich in omega-7 and beta carotene to support repair from UV and environmental damage while boosting scalp vitality
Essential Oils (Rosemary, Sweet Orange, Ylang Ylang) – Rosemary stimulates the scalp and supports resilience under stress, Sweet Orange provides antioxidant protection and an uplifting scent, and Ylang Ylang nourishes and balances scalp oils to keep hair supple after sun and salt.

GOOD TO KNOW:
Reef-safe 
Cruelty-free
Women-owned and founded
No silicones, parabens, or synthetic fragrances 
Small batch, handmade in Santa Cruz 💛

Founder:
I’m Shawna—surfer, mom, and natural beauty lover.
I created this Surf Balm because my thick, wavy hair was drying out, breaking, and thinning. I was not going to stop going in the salt water, so I wanted something that protected my hair and the ocean I love. I formulated a nourishing, reef-safe balm that seals in moisture, shields from sun and salt, and rinses out with ease. 
Every batch is handmade with natural butters, essential oils, and natural waxes in Santa Cruz, CA.
Thanks for choosing reef-safe products.