A change in hair care habits in and out of the water will do wonders for your strands.
It’s an age-old problem. You head to the pool religiously to keep your joints supple and your body fit, but as you get healthier, your hair goes in the opposite direction. We all know our hair is not friends with chlorinated swimming pools.
Swimming makes us feel fantastic. But our hair? Not so much. Chlorine strips away natural oils, leaving hair dry and vulnerable, which can lead to expensive treatments and hairdresser visits if the pool is part of your weekly routine.
Ageing is already tough on hair. As the years pass, your hair risks becoming dry and prone to flyaways, in part to hormone changes. Add regular swimming to the mix, and your strands break the brittle barrier. Welcome to the nightmare of frizz.
The good news? Protecting locks is quite easy. A few simple tweaks to your pre- and post-swim hair care routine really helps minimise the impact of chlorinated water. You’ll get to enjoy time in the pool without leaving your hair a total wreck.
Before you swim
Chlorine is the arch enemy of fabulous hair, and your job is to keep it from reaching your strands. Wetting hair is a simple trick. This way, chlorinated water has less chance to saturate your hair. Use normal tap water to drench your locks before entering the pool.
For additional hair protection, apply oils like coconut, argan and olive, a leave-in conditioner, or a protectant hair product designed for swimmers. Tie long hair in a ponytail, rough bun or soft plait to further reduce exposure. Your hair will thank you later.
A swimming cap can add another layer of protection for damaged hair. When choosing between latex and silicone caps, know both have pros and cons. Latex caps are thinner and generally more affordable, while silicone caps are more durable.
Out of the pool
The golden rule: once out of the pool, immediately rinse your hair to remove chlorine. Never skip this step. Shampooing straight from the water risks stripping hair oils, especially if swimming daily, but a lighter body and hair wash made for post-swimming might appeal.
Pat dry, you don’t want friction. A rough towel might be doing a bit of damage. Towels designed to be gentle on hair are big sellers nowadays. Check out a microfibre towel, hair towel containing silk or satin, hair towel wraps or T-shirt hair towels.
Back away from the brush. Hair wet from the pool is very vulnerable. A thorough brush now risks snapping your hair, creating broken strands, frizz, and deep regret. Detangle hair gently with your fingers and a wide-toothed comb to reduce friction and the risk of damage.
At home hair care
Heating your hair risks undoing the good you’ve done. Heat is best avoided after swimming as wet hair is easily harmed. If you must blow-dry, apply a protectant, choose a low setting and use a diffuser. Say no to straighteners and curlers.
You don’t need to shampoo after every swim, especially daily. As we age, our hair has different needs. Sulphate-free shampoos are less drying. Clarifying and chlorine-neutralising shampoos are standard post-swim, but for a gentler option try a child swim shampoo.
Prioritise conditioning. A deeply moisturising conditioner is best. Swimming hair care lines offer conditioners that also further dechlorinate hair. On days when you’re not swimming, a spritz of leave-in conditioner or hair oil helps, but try not to oversaturate.
Extra help for hair
Chlorine can affect colour, leading to notorious green ‘swimmer’s hair’. Occasionally, shampoos designed to strip chlorine alter the shade, especially hair dyed blond or silver. Ask for advice at your next salon visit, and consider a rejuvenating hair mask.
On a budget? Make weekly hair masks with ingredients like coconut oil, honey and avocado. Know that constant use of stripping shampoos aggravates some scalps. Switch to a gentler product, and avoid hot water. Aloe vera gel may help. If irritation lingers, see a GP.
Lastly, like the rest of your body, hair is influenced by what you eat. Nutritional deficiencies can leave hair brittle and prone to breaking. Dry hair may reflect low iron or vitamin levels rather than chlorine damage, so your diet might need an overhaul.
Do you experience hair issues after swimming? Share your tips in the comments section below.
Also read: Expert post-swim skincare tips
