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Swimming is an excellent low-impact, full-body exercise that improves cardiovascular health. It’s also a beloved summertime activity for all ages. While swimming offers great benefits for your body and mood, it can be hard on your hair. Saltwater and chlorine can dry out your strands, leading to damage, and for those with color-treated hair, it may cause fading. Lighter hair can also develop an unwanted greenish tint from chlorinated water.
But don't worry! With the right care routine, you don’t need to give up swimming to keep your hair healthy.
Use a Swim Cap
To shield your hair from the damaging effects of chlorine or salt, the best approach is to limit your hair’s exposure to these substances. A simple and effective method is by wearing a swim cap that fits securely and provides protection from the water.
The most common swim caps are typically made from latex or silicone, which are water-resistant materials. In comparison, lycra or polyester caps aren't as effective in keeping water out.
Moisturize Your Hair Before Swimming
It's vital to hydrate your hair before entering the water, whether you use fresh water or a nourishing hair oil. As celebrity stylist and co-founder of dpHue, Justin Anderson, shared with Mind Body Green, “Your hair will absorb the oil or freshwater first, minimizing the amount of chlorine or saltwater your hair absorbs.”
Rinse Your Hair Right After Swimming
The longer your hair is exposed to chlorine or saltwater, the greater the damage it will incur. To reduce this, it's essential to rinse your hair right after you exit the water. Most pools provide showers for this purpose, allowing you to cleanse your hair immediately.
If there isn't a shower available, make sure to prioritize rinsing your hair as soon as you get home.
Incorporate Extra Hydrating Products Into Your Hair Care Routine
Even with all the precautions, your hair will need additional care. This means adding hydrating products such as hair oil, a moisturizing leave-in conditioner, or a hair serum to your routine to combat the dryness.
For those with light-colored hair, consider using a swimmer-specific shampoo to prevent the unwanted greenish tint. These shampoos are formulated to remove chlorine, and it’s best to let the shampoo sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out.
