With the summer quickly approaching, it is no surprise if you spent your last few days at the pool, basking in the sunlight before the responsibilities pile up again.
Picture this: You’re at the pool, the sun casts a warm glow, and laughter fills the air as you prepare to take that exhilarating dive. Your hair, essential to your identity and style, should shine as brightly as your summer spirit. But the challenges lie ahead— chlorine, the necessary evil that keeps pool water clean, can wreak havoc on your hair. It strips away moisture, leaving your locks dry, brittle, and prone to damage. And let’s not even get started on the greenish tinge it can impart to light-coloured hair!
Often, people who love swimming (guilty!) face the difficult process of maintaining their hair despite all of the time spent in the pool and its chlorine! We know it can be difficult to navigate. However, it is not impossible to have healthy hair and enjoy swimming regularly. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer, a casual pool lounger, or an ocean lover, these strategies will help you bid farewell to the dreaded effects of chlorine and embrace the season with confidence and gorgeous locks.
Here is how to protect your hair from chlorine.
Rinse hair pre-swim
Before you embark on your aquatic adventures, we recommend you initiate a pre-swim hair ritual that’s as effective as simple. Start by drenching your hair with clean, fresh water before you dive into the pool, as it plays a pivotal role in safeguarding your hair from the potential ravages of chlorine.
Picture it as a hydrating shield, an invisible barrier that your hair dons before it enters the watery realm. By saturating your hair with plain water first, you significantly reduce its capacity to absorb the chlorinated or salt water it encounters during your time in the water.
Leave in conditioner
Leave-in conditioners are your secret weapon against chlorine’s hair-damaging tendencies. These magical elixirs are like an enchanted shield that locks in moisture and fortifies your hair against the harsh effects of chlorinated water.
The concept is simple: Use a leave-in conditioner on your damp hair before taking the plunge. This protective layer creates a barrier that prevents chlorine from penetrating the hair shaft and causing dryness and damage. It’s like giving your hair a luxurious, moisture-rich cocoon, ensuring it emerges from the water unscathed and ready to dazzle.
There are plenty of leave-in conditioners on the market, each suitable for different hair textures. Ask your hair salon for their best recommendations.
Swim cap
We know swim caps are not the most elegant of accessories to don; however, if you are truly dedicated to protecting your hair as you enjoy the water, it may as well be your best friend. Swim caps have come a long way in the past years, so whether you’re into retro vibes or modern minimalism, there’s a swim cap to match your style.
It is a trendy hat for aquatic adventures: it keeps your hair tucked away and shielded from chlorinated water’s potential wrath. Plus, it adds a dash of flair to your swim ensemble. So, embrace the swim cap, let your inner vintage enthusiast shine, and keep your hair looking fabulous throughout your watery escapades.
Rinse immediately after swimming
Timing is crucial for preserving your hair’s health during swim season. After your fill of aquatic fun, make a beeline for the shower – the sooner, the better. Rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water to remove lingering chlorine or saltwater.
This immediate post-swim rinse is like a refreshing reset button for your locks, ensuring they remain free from the harsh chemicals that can lead to dryness and damage.
Invest in chlorine-removing shampoo
Not many people have heard of this shampoo, but it will be your best friend when trying to protect your hair from chlorine. This specialized shampoo is designed with one crucial mission: to bid farewell to chlorine buildup in your hair. Regular shampoos may not be up to the task, as they might not effectively break down and eliminate the chlorine residue.
That’s where chlorine-removing shampoo steps in. Make it a staple in your hair care routine during the swim season, and you’ll notice a significant difference in the health and texture of your hair.
Deep condition weekly
While pampering your hair post-swim, why not take it up a notch with a luxurious deep conditioning session? Your hair deserves extra love and attention; a deep conditioner is the perfect way to provide it.
Whether you opt for a high-quality store-bought conditioner or prefer the indulgent allure of a homemade hair mask, the result is the same – a hair spa day that leaves your locks feeling soft, smooth and revitalized. This weekly ritual is like a reset button for your hair, replenishing lost moisture and fortifying it against the rigours of swim season.
