Hair Care for Swimming

Swimming is a great form of exercise and recreation, but the chlorine found in swimming pools can really do a number on your hair, making it dry and brittle. Here are some ways to help prevent and minimize the hair damage that results from overexposure to chlorine.

Preventative Care

There are several preventative measures that you can take to minimize the damaging effects that chlorine has on your hair. Here are a few of the most effective.

Rinse before getting in the pool.

Remember: your hair is like a sponge and will soak up pool water the moment you immerse it underwater. One way to keep your hair from soaking up pool water completely is to rinse before you get into the pool. Rinse your hair thoroughly in the shower so that the majority of water that your hair soaks up is shower water rather than pool water.

Condition your hair.

You shouldn’t necessarily be drenching your hair in gobs of conditioner before entering the pool, but a thin coat of conditioner or serum can further help to prevent hair damage and discoloration. There are even “pre-swim” conditioners available on the market today to target exactly what your hair needs for a day of swimming at the pool.

Wear a swim cap.

A swim cap might not be able to keep your hair completely dry throughout your swimming activity, but it can reduce water exposure significantly. Wear well-fitted latex or silicon swim cap that will keep your hair tucked back and away from major pool water exposure. Some even wet their hair slightly and apply conditioner before putting on the swim cap in order to further keep chlorine damage at bay.

Post-Swim Care

In addition to the preventative measures you can take, you can also do a few things after you step out of the pool to further minimize the potential damage of pool water.

Rinse thoroughly.

Needless to say, thoroughly rinsing your hair for a few minutes will help to wash away high amounts of chlorine that are left on your skin and hair post-swim.

Practice proper hair care.

Certain hair products are better than others when it comes to caring for pool water exposed hair. Be sure to clean your hair with a clarifying shampoo that will wash away chemicals, and then be sure to select a conditioner that is suited to your hair type and that will work to prevent damage. For added impact, you might consider using a specialized hair treatment on those days when you’ve spent some time in the pool.

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