We all know that nothing takes you to that summer happy place like the beach or pool. Your hair on the other hand might not be too thrilled to take a dip. Frequent exposure to the sun, salt, chlorine, and perspiration will lead to extreme dryness and cause color-treated hair to look dull or change to an unflattering hue.
Now, I know that this might be a bit of a bummer if you’re like a fish and can’t seem to stay out of the water. Luckily, I’ve got 10 “swim”tastic hair care tips for swimmers that you and your hair will thank me for.
1. Rinse your hair and apply conditioner from root to tip prior to swimming. Allowing the conditioner to saturate your hair will lessen the absorption amount of chlorine or salt. An alternative to conditioner would be to apply what I call “All-Star oils” like coconut or olive oil because they’re all-natural and won’t irritate your eyes.
2. Invest in a swimming cap. While they may not be your cutest option, they drastically cut down on water absorption. Also, try adding a plastic shower cap underneath for bonus protection.
3. If you are not too fond of swim caps, then put your hair up in a bun.
4. Take a shower immediately after you finish swimming. Clarification of your hair and skin is an absolute must.
5. Use a swimmer’s shampoo to cleanse your hair followed by a swimmer’s conditioner. This will remove any chlorine or salt buildup, restore balance and moisture, ease detangling, and strengthen your hair. This will also protect blonde or color-treated hair from fading or turning green. Apple Cider Vinegar is an all-natural alternative to shampoo.
6. After cleansing and conditioning, follow up with a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair moisturized.
7. Use less abrasive fabrics to dry your hair such as a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt.
8. Deep conditioning should be done 1 – 2 times a week. Doing this will keep your hair moisturized and strong.
9. Allow your hair to air-dry whenever possible.
10. Consider wearing shorter hair if swimming is a frequent activity. This will reduce time and maintenance tremendously.
I hope that you took notes on these 10 “swim”tastic tips especially if you or someone you know have a keen interest in swimming. Just remember that swimming doesn’t have to interrupt your hair’s health. All you have to do is simply incorporate these tips into your current hair care regimen. So, go on and be a proud pool or beach bum. You’re free to enjoy your summer happy place while enjoying happy hair, too.
Independently Yours,
I loooove these tips! Now I’m going to have to spend all of my money and buy the products you love.
I never was my hair either. My friends think I’m disgusting, but I swear that not washing my hair is the reason that it hasn’t fallen out with all of the bleaching and heat it goes through. Dry shampoo and conditioner are what save me.
Great tips! It is especially important to take precautionary steps before hitting the pool to preserve the beauty and health of your hair. When all else fails, that is what swimming caps are for 🙂
That’s true! Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you around again. I’ll be sure to stop by you place for a visit. LOL
Great tips. It’s tough to find a swim cap that really protects the hair. The hair always seems to get wet. Any recommendations for a specific type or brand? Thanks for stopping by the Creative Style Linkup.
Thank you Monique! You’re right. There isn’t a swim cap that keeps the hair 100% dry. Some resort to doubling up their caps for increased protection. You might try a silicone cap for medium to long hair. Also, silicone caps conform to your personal head shape and hold your hair in place.
Although I’m not much of a swimmer, these were great tips, ones that I need to remember when I do jump in the water. I do it so infrequently though I’m liable to forget.
Thanks Jay! No worries… These tips will be waiting for you the next time you do take a dip 🙂
Great post! Do you have any recommendations for a leave-in conditioner? I used a great spray by Dove years ago but they discontinued it. 🙁
Brittany, My go to leave in is Giovanni Direct Leave-In. I’m currently trying another to see how that does with my hair.
I, too, am a fan of Giovanni. Another one of my favorites is Knot Today by Kinky-Curly. Both are sure to give you soft and moisturized hair.
Great Tips! I can’t swim but I love the beach 🙂
Candice we have 2 things in common! I’m at the beach almost every weekend, but I can’t swim at all lol.
I can’t swim either. I’m a mean water treader though and I can flow with the best of them. I miss living in VA b/c of the beach.
LOL… Tiki you do a lot better than me! I sink like a dang rock in the water.
Awesome tips and I do usually wear my hair in a bun now that the weather is warmer. So when I go swimming usually already have my hair in a bun anyway.
I do too. I oil it up and put it up in a bun. Then I wash my hair as soon as I get home.
What do you use to cleanse your hair Tiki?
I use both at the same time, Suave Clarifying Shampoo and Mizani Chelating Shampoo
Thanks Janine!