Swimming is an awesome source of exercise and it also helps boost your mood and reduce stress and anxiety. One downfall of swimming? It’s not so great for your hair. Chlorine and saltwater strip natural oils from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle, and the natural movement of your hair in water can lead to tangles and damage. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you can’t go swimming, it just means you have to take extra good care of your hair when you do. Take a look at a foolproof haircare routine for swimmers that will keep your strands strong and healthy.
8 Ways Swimming Damages Hair
- Chlorine and saltwater strips natural oils from the hair, leaving it dry and brittle.
- Hair is more prone to tangling and knotting due to chlorine and the natural movement of hair in the water.
- Chlorine can cause chemical reactions in the water after bonding with your hair- this can change its colour, make your hair weaker and cause split ends.
- Salt water draws moisture out of the hair, causing dehydration and leading to dry, dull strands.
- Repeated wetting and drying causes the hair cuticle to swell and contract, weakening its structure. This can lead to frizzy hair.
- Waterlogged hair becomes more elastic and fragile, causing tangles and breakage.
- Chlorine and salt can irritate and dry out the scalp leading to itchiness and flakiness.
- If swimming outdoors, hair can become drier and weakened from UV exposure. The combination of chlorine and sun can be extremely damaging for the hair.
Haircare Routine for Swimmers
8 Best Haircare Tips for Swimmers
1. Rinse Hair Before and After Swimming
Wet your hair with clean water before you go swimming. This creates a protective barrier, preventing chlorine from being absorbed. You’ll also want to rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water as soon as you’re done swimming to remove chlorine and other chemicals.
2. Wear a Protective Hairstyle
A protective hairstyle is one that keeps your hair secure and out of your face. These hairstyles minimize your hair’s direct contact with chlorine and other chemicals and reduce the risk of tangles. They include braids, buns, braided ponytails, twisted styles and more. Wearing a silicone swim cap can also provide an extra layer of protection.
3. Use Swimmers Shampoo and Conditioner
Make sure you’re using shampoo and conditioner made specifically for swimmers. These products gently remove chlorine and buildup and help maintain healthy hair. They’ll restore your hair’s natural oils and combat dryness, brittleness and other damage done by chlorine and salt water. Chlorine can also cause hair to go green, especially colour-treated hair. Swimmer’s products help prevent and remove this discolouration.
4. Apply Leave-in Conditioner
Applying a leave-in conditioner to your hair before swimming can help maintain hydration and protect the hair from chlorine and other chemicals. It creates a barrier that prevents chlorine and salt water from entering the hair shaft, helping prevent dryness and tangles. It helps replenish moisture in dried out hair and can also help with colour fading. Apply it to wet hair before entering the pool, as well as after swimming once you’ve rinsed your hair with clean water.
5. Use Clarifying Shampoo
Incorporating a clarifying shampoo into your regular hair routine is a must for swimmers. They’re designed to strip away buildup, including chlorine and other pool chemicals. Chlorine can collect on your hair almost like a mineral deposit. Strong clarifying ingredients can remove these stubborn compounds and help leave your hair soft and shiny. Using clarifying shampoo regularly can help protect your hair from the damaging effects of swimming and restore overall hair health.
6. Scalp Care
When it comes to taking care of your hair, don’t forget your scalp. Chlorine and saltwater can dry out the scalp, leading to irritation and itchiness. Using a scalp treatment and scalp massager can help soothe and balance a dry, itchy scalp, replenishing moisture and stimulating scalp circulation. A healthy scalp equals healthy hair, so don’t neglect it!
7. Deep Condition Your Hair
It’s important to make deep conditioning part of your regular haircare routine. A deep conditioner will help restore moisture to dehydrated hair and repair damage caused by chlorine exposure. Swimming in chlorine or saltwater can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, frizz and breakage. Using a deep conditioner consistently can help rehydrate and strengthen your hair, reducing breakage and split ends.
8. Limit Heat Styling
Since swimming is already hard on your hair, you’ll want to limit heat styling as much as possible. Tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers can dehydrate hair, weakening its structure. This can cause dryness, frizz and split ends and result in brittle, fragile hair that’s prone to breakage. Stick to heatless hairstyles as much as possible, and if you do use heat tools, make sure to use a heat protectant first.
5 Best Haircare Products for Swimmers
1. AquaGuard Swimmers Essential Hair Protection Bundle
This bundle includes a pre-swim product to lock in moisture and block chlorine damage, and a post-swim shampoo and conditioner to remove chlorine and build-up. The swimmer-safe formula nourishes and hydrates the hair, leaving it soft and shiny.
2. OUAI Detox Shampoo
This clarifying shampoo is made with apple cider vinegar to soothe itchy scalp and remove product build up. Use it 1-2 times per week to restore your hair’s natural volume and shine.
3. L’Oréal Absolut Repair Hair Mask
This is a deep conditioning hair mask that works to nourish dry hair, repair damage and enhance shine. Formulated with proteins and golden quinoa, the rich and thick buttery texture deeply nourishes the hair. Apply to towel-dried hair, leave in for 3-4 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
4. Briogeo Scalp Revival Pre-Wash Oil
Formulated with tea tree oil to soothe itchiness, castor oil to replenish moisture, and rosemary oil to stimulate scalp circulation, this scalp treatment is a must! Your scalp will feel moisturized, your hair will feel softer- simply massage it directly into your scalp and leave it in for 15 minutes or overnight.
5. RHRI Scalp and Hair Sunscreen Spray
If you’re going to be swimming outside, make sure to use a hair sunscreen spray like this one. It’s water resistant and offers superior UV protection to guard your hair and scalp from harmful sun damage. Infused with resveratrol and copper peptides, it helps retain moisture in your hair and protects it from saltwater and chlorine.
Use these swim-friendly tips and products to keep your hair as healthy as can be.
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