How to protect your hair while swimming? Swimming, whether in the sea or swimming pool is sure to damage your hair. As different types of hair require their own routines and treatments, we’ve broken down for you how to care for your hair in different water types and how to prevent further damage.
What damage does salt water do?
Too much salt water can make your hair frizzy and dry as it draws water from the scalp and hair, leaving it feeling rough and dehydrated. Over time it leads to split ends and a lifeless mane that is hard to brush and style.
How about chlorine?
If you swim in swimming pools, you are going to face the ravages that chlorine does to your hair. As one of the harshest chemicals your hair can encounter, it strips your hair of its natural oils and causes the protective cuticles to break apart. Split ends again! But that’s not the end of it! Chlorine also affects your scalp, and irritation and dandruff can be the result.
If you dye your hair or use it styling products, you need to be extra careful. Chlorine accelerates the fading of hair colour so that’s also money down the drain!
So what should I do before swimming?
TIP #1: CUT BACK ON USING HOT TOOLS.
This is a lesser-known tip for how to protect your hair while swimming. Let your hair dry naturally and curl your hair without heat as using hot tools on your hair on top of exposure to salt or chlorine is a recipe for disaster.
TIP #2: APPLY CHLORINE HAIR PROTECTION PRODUCTS
If you can’t hold back on the heat, add hair protection products to your hair. A quick spritz before you enter the water and your hair will thank you afterwards!
TIP #3 COVER YOUR HAIR
Perhaps not the best fashion advice, but a hair cap will cover your hair and stop it being exposed to water at all. If appearance is an issue, you can always hunt for some cute swim caps out there!
TIP #4: RINSE YOUR HAIR
If you really can’t bring yourself to wearing a cap, then rinse your hair before you enter the water and immediately after you come out. Re-apply a leave-in treatment after rinsing off and before getting back in the water.
TIP #5: DRY YOUR HAIR WITH A SOFT CLOTH
Don’t reach for a towel when you get out of the water! How rough is that on your hair! A microfibre cloth packed with your beachwear is the loving way to treat your hair.
TIP #6: LET HAIR DRY BEFOE BRUSHING
Since wet hair is more susceptible to breakage, and using a brush on your hear when wet puts tension on the hair strands, leading to more breakage. Wait for your hair to dry in the sun before brushing through.
TIP #7: APPLY A DEEP CONDITIONING HAIR MASK
Your hair needs moisture – end of story. Unfortunately, spending all your time in the water will have the opposite effect on your hair so it needs a little extra TLC! Replenish lost moisture with leave in conditioners, or hair oils and masks. Look for anything with jojoba oil, olive oil, or coconut oil. Leave in for 20-30 minutes or even overnight for an extra boost of moisture.
