From fitness fanatics to those who only take a dip in more tropical countries, many of us look forward to spending time in a pool.
Whilst swimming is a fantastic way to stay active and cool off, the chlorine used to keep the water clean could wreak havoc on your hair, leaving it feeling dry and brittle. But don’t let this keep you from enjoying a refreshing swim!
Here are some effective ways you can protect your hair from chlorine and keep it feeling healthy all summer long.
How to Protect the Hair Before Swimming
Prevention is better than cure, so with a few simple preparations, you could help protect your hair and maintain that healthy-looking shine you love.
Create a Protective Barrier
Before you dive into the pool, we recommend rinsing your hair thoroughly with fresh water, as this may help it absorb less chlorinated water and reduce the amount that could penetrate the hair shaft.
Wear a Swimming Cap
It might not be the most stylish, but one of the most effective ways to protect your hair from chlorine is to wear a swim cap.
Opt for a silicone or latex cap, as they provide a snug fit to significantly reduce the amount of chlorine that comes into contact with your hair.
Function over fashion!
How to Protect the Hair After Swimming
Once you’ve been for your swim, there are some measures you can put in place to ensure your strands are protected from the after-effects of the chlorine.
Rinse Immediately
As soon as you finish swimming, rinse your hair with fresh water to remove some of the chlorine.
Use a Clarifying Shampoo
A clarifying shampoo is useful to help remove any chlorine that may still be present after rinsing.
However, you need to be mindful not to overuse these, as they can sometimes be drying. If you’re a frequent swimmer, you may just want to incorporate this into your hair wash routine once or twice a week.
Hydrate the Hair
After swimming, it’s crucial to replenish your hair’s moisture. We recommend using a hydrating conditioner or a deep conditioning mask to do this.
Look for products containing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil or argan oil, to help to nourish and soften the lengths.
Avoid Heat Styling
Chlorine could dry out the hair which may leave it more susceptible to breakage from heat styling tools.
Try to minimise the use of blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons, and allow your strands to air dry whenever possible to reduce the strain on your hair.
Note: For those who don’t like to air-dry their hair, ensure a heat protectant is applied beforehand, to shield your strands.
Protecting your hair from chlorine doesn’t have to be complicated. Taking a few simple precautions before and after your swim could help you to enjoy the pool without sacrificing healthy-looking locks.
Explore our pick of the best shampoos for dry hair so you’re ready to lock in some hydration as soon as you step out of the water.
