A dip in the pool on a hot day will leave you feeling completely refreshed and rejuvenated, but it can leave your hair feeling the opposite way – dry and deflated. Rather than avoiding the pool all together and resorting to staying in the AC during the hottest days of summer, go ahead and dive in! Simply make sure to care for your strands properly before, during, and after your dip.
Get a bathing cap
Bathing caps aren’t only for Olympian swimmers. You might feel a little silly at first, but you’ll get used to it, we promise! They are a great way to prevent damage to your hair instead of working backwards once the damage is already done. Find a bathing cap that fits tightly and covers your hair to protect it from chlorine and other chemicals.
Wash it out
Make sure that you rinse your hair in the shower right after your swim to remove chlorine and bacteria that was soaked up by your strands. Consider lightly shampooing your hair right away to ensure that you get it all out. Ask your hair stylist about shampoos that are meant to remove chlorine from hair.
Condition, condition, condition!
Counteract some of the dryness caused by chlorine and the sun by conditioning your hair often. Your hair is most susceptible to breakage when it is wet, so adding the harshness of the sun and chlorine only makes it worse. Make a habit of conditioning each time you rinse your hair after a swim.
… Did we say CONDITION?
A regular conditioner can do the trick for day-to-day conditioning needs, but if you’re an avid swimmer or are spending a lot of time at the cottage this summer, make sure that you use a deep conditioner once a week. Ask your hair stylist about overnight masks and protectants that can bring your hair back to its normal bounce after a day in the pool. You can also make your own hair mask at home by mixing avocado, olive oil, and an egg. Once you’ve distributed the mask evenly over your hair, cover your hair with a shower cap and wait 15 minutes before rinsing.
Chop it off
If you’re a serious swimmer who spends several days of the week in the pool, take the plunge and consider a shorter hairstyle. It will simplify your post-swim routine, and it’ll be much easier protect your strands from dry hair and split ends. Consult with your hair stylist about a shorter look that works with your style and face shape!
FAQs
You don't necessarily have to shampoo and condition your hair after swimming, but you should at least give it a good rinse with fresh water. Shampooing your hair every day can strip it of its natural oils and cause the hair and scalp to dry out.
How do you take care of your hair after swimming? ›
In addition to your existing post-swim routine, here are our recommended hair care tips for immediately after swimming: Rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water, wash with a clarifying shampoo, and apply a leave-in conditioner. Let your hair completely air dry while you get changed.
What happens if I don't wash my hair after a pool? ›
The chlorine present in swimming pool water has harmful effects on the skin but also on the hair. Indeed, like seawater, chlorinated water damages the hair fiber and dries the scalp. The hair becomes more vulnerable to external aggressions and becomes brittle and rough.
How often should you wash your hair if you swim every day? ›
You should wash your hair every time after swimming. If you skip the anti-chlorine shampoo, the pool chemicals will settle into your hair and scalp, causing dryness, frizziness, and scalp irritation.
How do swimmers keep their hair? ›
Wear a swimming cap to protect your hair at the pool
In addition to its streamlining effects, the humble swim cap tucks away your hair, exposing less of it to chlorinated pool water.
How do you fix damaged hair from swimming? ›
- Immediately rinse hair thoroughly. You want to take out as much of the chemicals or salt as possible.
- Shampoo with a clarifying or swimmers shampoo. We carry Malibu Swimmers Wellness Shampoo and SoCozy Swim 3in1.
- Follow with a good conditioner, even a leave-in conditioner to add moisture back to the hair.
- TBH.
- Xiaomoxuan.
- MOEHAIR.
- Wild Naturals.
- Triswim.
- Lamel.
- LuxeOrganix.
- Haturi.
Use a Chlorine-Fighting Shampoo
You must wash your hair after swimming to remove the chlorine and mineral buildup. This may require a shampoo with sulfates, EDTA or phytic acid.
What is the best hair protection for swimming? ›
When it comes to hair protection for swimming, swim caps are your best bet. Swim caps are designed for men, women, and children. To make it fun for your kids, choose from different designs!
Should you wash your hair straight after swimming? ›
Make sure that you rinse your hair in the shower right after your swim to remove chlorine and bacteria that was soaked up by your strands. Consider lightly shampooing your hair right away to ensure that you get it all out. Ask your hair stylist about shampoos that are meant to remove chlorine from hair.
One of the best ways to get chlorine out of your hair is to immediately rinse and wash it after swimming. Most pools have a showerhead outside, so you can quickly rinse your hair and body after swimming. If you don't have access to clean water near the pool, just hit the shower as soon as you can.
Does wetting your hair before swimming help? ›
Wetting your hair before swimming is an easy trick to prevent damage. Chlorine strips your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and more prone to damage. But in wet hair, chlorine absorbs at a much slower rate. Your hair can take on a lot less water.
Is it OK to wash hair with water everyday? ›
It is OK to was you hair only with water everyday. There would be no harm. But you have to use some kind of soap or shampoo to clean all the oils as water only washes off dust and such water soluble dirt. May be you can shampoo less often, like once a week.
How do you treat your hair after swimming? ›
Rinse Thoroughly: After your swim, head to the showers and rinse your hair with fresh water. This will help remove any residual chlorine or saltwater. Use lukewarm water as hot water can strip your hair's natural oils. Use a Clarifying Shampoo: To remove any remaining chlorine or salt buildup, use a clarifying shampoo.
What does chlorine do to your face? ›
Too much exposure to chlorine dries out the skin and causes irritation and itchiness. Continuous exposure to chlorine over several years can result in premature aging and can affect the skin's health tremendously. Rashes It is common to get rashes when exposed to chlorine for long periods of time.
What is the best product to protect hair from chlorine? ›
Similar to Aquaphor, pure coconut oil can be used as a protective shield on your skin and hair before you dive into the pool. Since oil repels water, applying it to your hair and skin will make it less likely for chlorine to be absorbed.
How do you style wet hair after swimming? ›
Grab a hairbrush or comb and slick your wet hair back into a high or low bun for a perfectly polished look. Feeling extra? Part your wet hair in half and rock two space buns. No one will ever know you've just been grinding it out in the water for hours!
How to protect hair from chlorine tap water naturally? ›
But, you can incorporate a shower cap into your routine to reduce your hair's exposure to chlorine tap water.
- Switch to gentle, sulfate-free shampoos. ...
- Use a leave-in conditioner regularly. ...
- Air dry instead of using hot tools.
