Cansea Hair Rescue Spray
Sep 16, 2025 10:05AM ● By Rebecca Parsons
Candace Appleby, ready for a paddle.
by Rebecca Parsons
Candice Appleby has centered her entire life around the sea. She was first introduced to the ocean at just two weeks old, and when she was 11 her family made the dream move to San Clemente. From that point forward, she spent every spare moment she had riding waves.
After graduating high school, Appleby moved to Oahu with the goal of making a name for herself in surfing. She competed in both shortboard and longboard events and eventually and to this day is regarded as the greatest female stand up paddler of all time. And in 2020, she founded the Ocean Academy, through which she’s been able to share the joy of watersports through coaching.
Because Appleby spends so much time in the ocean, she prioritizes taking good care of her hair, using high-quality, leave in products before and after each session. After using a favorite product for a while, she soon decided it was time to create one of her own, and in June of 2025 Cansea was born.
Appleby generously shared with this writer the inspiration behind the brand and the high-quality ingredients used in her Hair Rescue Spray, as well as her plans for the future of Cansea.
What challenges does a water person like you encounter in keeping your hair healthy?
Spending so much time in the ocean really puts my hair through the wringer. The sun, salt, wind, waves, and constant duck diving and wipeouts can be incredibly harsh. Even the pool isn’t any gentler; chlorine adds another layer of damage. I have long, relatively fine hair, which means it tangles easily, dries out quickly and is prone to split ends and breakage. Tying it back to keep it out of my face while I’m active adds even more strain. Keeping my hair healthy in these conditions takes serious care and the right products.
What was the inspiration behind Cansea?
Cansea was born out of necessity, passion and purpose. For as long as I can remember, I’ve relied on a leave-in product before and after surfing; and after showering too. It’s the only way I’ve been able to keep my hair healthy and moisturized; it’s as essential to me as sunscreen. Over the years, I’ve recommended and shared the product I was using simply through word of mouth. Eventually, I realized it was time to create my own product, not just to match the performance of what I’d been using, but to improve on it. I focused on creating something clean, intentional, and deeply effective, down to every ingredient.
What products does Cansea currently offer?
Right now, Cansea is focused on our signature product, the Hair Rescue Spray, and building awareness around just how incredible and essential it is. It’s truly the heart of the brand and a game-changer for anyone exposed to sun, salt, or chlorine. But it’s just as powerful for everyday hair care users who want healthy, hydrated, and protected hair no matter their lifestyle.
What are the benefits of your Hair Rescue Spray?
Cansea Hair Rescue Spray is the kind of product that fits seamlessly into real life. It’s lightweight, clean, and incredibly effective, whether you’re fresh out of the ocean, coming back from a swim or just need a daily refresh. It hydrates, detangles, smooths frizz, adds shine, and protects against UV and heat damage, all without ever weighing your hair down. Whether your hair is fine and delicate, thick and coarse, or naturally curly, it gives you that healthy, manageable feel without any heaviness. And the fresh, clean scent is definitely a bonus – it’s subtle, beachy, and totally addictive.
Why is Cansea so close to your heart?
Cansea is more than just a hair care line, it’s a redemption story. Growing up, my hair was actually one of my greatest sources of pain. I was bullied for it, and it made me feel different and insecure. Ironically, over time, the very thing I was teased for became the thing people most complimented me on. My hair transformed from a place of shame into something I deeply cherish.
What kind of high-quality ingredients are used to create your Hair Rescue Spray?
We created Cansea to deliver salon-quality performance with clean, high- performing ingredients that actually support hair health. The formula is crafted in Germany to the highest European beauty standards, so every detail, from hydration to protection, is intentional and effective.
We use ingredients like squalane and panthenol (Provitamin B5) to deeply moisturize, hydrolyzed keratin to repair damage, collagen to improve flexibility and reduce breakage, and Benzophenone-4 to shield hair from UV rays and heat damage. It’s free from sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances because clean beauty should never mean compromising results.
What are your plans for the future of Cansea?
As Cansea continues to grow, the vision is to expand into a complete haircare line. We’re dreaming big: shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, and beyond. But for now, we’re keeping things intentional, starting with one standout product that represents everything Cansea stands for: clean ingredients, high performance, and true care for your hair.
Where can people purchase Cansea (local shops/online)?
Right now, Cansea Hair Rescue Spray is available online at canseahair.com, which has been the primary focus as we build brand awareness and connect directly with our community. My ultimate goal is to partner with high-end surf shops, curated boutiques, and hair salons that really align with Cansea’s mission and aesthetic. We’re just getting started, but you can currently find Cansea in person at Infinity Surf Shop in Dana Point, All Swell Surf Co, and Salon Molinos.
