Ten tips to protect your hair when swimming

I remember when I would avoid getting my hair wet when swimming. Because I just washed it yesterday, because I don’t want to wash it after swimming, because chlorine or salt water is bad for your hair, because, because, because. All that happened was that I felt half present. My daughter would be frolicking in the water, I’m playing with her, but cautiously, so my hair doesn’t get wet. What the hell was the point?

You want to swim, SWIM. Take these ten tips, incorporate them as you see fit, and have yourself a GREAT SWIM DAY 

1. Wet your hair before you go into the pool/ocean

The idea of pre-soaking your hair with clean water is that your hair absorbs that fresh water which helps to reduce the amount of chlorine or salt that your hair absorbs.

2. Apply a light coating of hair oil after wetting your hair.

This again helps to minimize the amount of chlorine or salt that your hair picks up when you go swimming. Explore our Nourishing Hair Oil for this.

3. Keep your hair in a protective style

This helps to prevent tangling and can also help to minimize chlorine and salt pick up. A braid or twists are great options

4. Rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water after swimming

When you’re done swimming, rinse your hair (and body) with clean water. This is especially important if there will be some hours between when you go shower.

5. You must wash your hair after swimming

It’s crucial to remove the chemicals or salt from your hair after your swim and the only way to effectively do this is with shampoo.

If you’re swimming multiple times a week: Opt for a gentle shampoo and we would encourage using a clarifying shampoo once a month if your hair feels like it has a bit of buildup

If it’s a one-off type of swim day: You can use your regular shampoo of choice.

6. Conditioner is key

After you shampoo it’s important to add some nourishing ingredients into your tresses, and that’s where conditioner comes in. No, you don’t need to sit with your conditioner on for 30 mins. 2-4 minutes is enough for most conditioners to do their job

7. Don’t forget your leave-in conditioner

It’s last step after washing your hair to keep your hair moisturized and protected

8. You might need a protein treatment

If you’re swimming very often, consider adding a protein treatment into the mix to help keep your hair strong. Usually, we recommend a good protein treatment be done once every 6 weeks. But if you’re swimming often, you might need a protein mask into your routine a couple of times a month

9. Please don’t go to sleep with wet hair

I know the feeling. You’ve had a great day at the beach, come home, washed your hair and you just want to take a little nap. Please muster the strength to dry your hair prior to your nap.

10. Know your hair and HAVE FUN

Everyone’s hair is different. These tips are things to be made aware of vs. must do. Your hair might not need the added protein treatments, you might not need a clarifying shampoo. What you MUST DO, is enjoy your day at the pool and beach.

Happy swimming :)