How to protect hair in the pool this summer can be as simple as tying up your hair or wetting it with tap water. While you may be tempted to spend as much time in the water as possible during the summer months, chlorine or salt can have damaging effects on your hair. To keep your hair in tip top condition, take a look at the following tips for how to protect your hair in the pool this summer.
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1. Wear a Cap
Not always the most stylish option, but probably the most practical one, especially when it comes to ideas on how to protect your hair in the pool. If you’re using the pool to do laps or for other athletic purposes, a swimming cap can also help streamline your technique not to mention that wearing one will prove to be quite a handy trick for keeping your hair dry in the water.
2. Wet Hair before Swimming
Wetting your hair with tap water before swimming can hold great benefits. It’s something I used to do out of habit, but only recently learned why it was so helpful. Wetting your hair prior to hopping in the pool is beneficial as damp hair soaks up fewer chemicals than dry hair.
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3. Secure Your Hair
If left loose, hair can easily become tangled while swimming. Tying it up is one of the easier tips on how to protect your hair in the pool. Medium to long length hair can be worn in ponytails or buns, while shorter hair can be pinned back with bobby pins or barrettes.
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Swimming is a great way to stay cool and healthy during the summer months, but it can also be damaging to your hair. Chlorine is a harsh chemical that can strip away your hair’s natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. To ensure your hair stays healthy and strong, here are some tips on how to protect your hair when you’re in the pool.
Secure Your Hair: If left loose, hair can easily become tangled while swimming. Tying it up is one of the easier tips on how to protect your hair in the pool. Medium to long length hair can be worn in ponytails or buns, while shorter hair can be pinned back with bobby pins or barrettes. If you’re using a rubber band to tie up your hair, make sure it’s not too tight as that can cause breakage.
Wear a Swim Cap: Wearing a swim cap is one of the best ways to protect your hair from the damaging effects of chlorine. Swim caps are designed to fit snugly on your head and keep your hair dry. They also help to reduce drag in the water, making you a faster swimmer.
4. Braid It Back
Those with really long hair will find that braiding hair back may be more comfortable. Tying hair back in a severe bun or ponytail could also cause some breakage and a braid is much kinder on the hair.
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A loose braid can distribute the tension along the length of your hair, preventing strain at any single point. Whether you prefer a French braid, a fishtail, or a simple three-strand weave, each style keeps your locks contained and reduces tangling from the swirling pool currents. It's also a swift transition from swim to chic if you have plans immediately after your dip. Just remember to rinse your hair with fresh water after swimming to eliminate chlorine or salt that can dry out your tresses even within a braid.
5. Don’t Shampoo before
Avoid shampooing your hair prior to swimming. This is an important tip to know when it comes to learning how to protect hair in the pool as shampooing can strip your hair of natural oils that create a barrier against the chemically treated water in most swimming pools.
6. Treat with a Natural Oil Beforehand
In a similar vein to the whole wetting your hair before swimming idea, treating it with natural oil like jojoba or coconut can protect it from chemicals used in many pools. The oils help seal the hair cuticles and create a physical barrier from the elements.
7. Condition Beforehand
Figuring out how to protect hair in the pool is all about understanding the importance of creating a barrier between hair cuticles and any chemicals in the water. Much like using natural oils, a leave in conditioner can help seal hair cuticles making them less susceptible to chemicals.
These are a few basic tips on how to protect your hair in the pool that ought to come handy these days! You should, however, have in mind that there are other factors to take into account such as the type of activity and the length of time you’ll be spending in the water. Do you have any other great tips on how to protect hair in the pool?
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Comments
Anonymous: yes! so true about braiding. i went to a water park to day, braided my long hair (an inch or 2 longer than my shoulders) into two french braid "pigtails" It stayed neat, tangle-free, and out of my way. Perf!
Anna: Are there any tips for swimming in the ocean to protect your hair??
Amanda: I work at a pool, teaching lessons and such - so I'm in the pool literally at least 18 hours a week, and my hair gets PITIFUL! I've learned that if I leave in conditioner - no matter what kind - it helps. Also, as soon as you get out of the pool or as soon as you can - take a shower and gently wash your hair with shampoo a couple times before using conditioner. It tends to help get all of the chlorine out for me.
Anonymous: This helps because I'm a swimmer on my high school team! We swim before school so now my hair won't be a tangled and damaged mess all day!!!;)
Anonymous: Here's an obvious one: Don't get your hair in the water!! =D
Kaylee: #4 thanks this really helps
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