How to Protect Your Hair Before Swimming (and Care for It After)

How to Protect Your Hair Before Swimming (and Care for It After)

Spending hours at the beach or pool is one of the best parts of summertime — until you get home and realize that those beachy strands were hiding a dried-out, tangled mess. But there’s no need to choose between enjoying the water or keeping your hair healthy. You have several options available to protect your locks while enjoying a splash in the water this summer.

Consider the humble swim cap

While these silicone caps may not necessarily be the must-have fashion trend of the season, they can be real hair-savers for regular swimmers. If you take daily dips in the ocean or swim laps in the pool every day, a swim cap can protect your hair and seal it off from chlorine or saltwater. This accessory is an especially good decision for those with color-treated hair, as pool chemicals and saltwater can damage the tone you and your stylist spent so much effort perfecting. Keeping the water off your hair is the best way to preserve its color and texture when swimming.

Take preventative steps before swimming

If you’re not into the swim cap look, you can still prevent the worst of the damage by taking a little time to prepare your hair before diving in. A quick shower before getting in the water isn’t just a hygienic measure — it also saturates your hair, which keeps it from absorbing as much saltwater or chlorinated water while you’re swimming.

You can also use a hair finishing spray that closes and seals the cuticles to further reduce damage. If you prefer multipurpose products, you can shower using a specialty conditioner to help your hair ward off saltwater and chlorine damage.

After-care is critical for dry and damaged hair

If you’re spending long hours in the water, your hair will still be susceptible to some water and sun damage, even with preventative care. The good news? This can be mitigated in a few easy steps! First, be sure to wash your hair thoroughly and as soon as possible after drying off for the day. Use a clarifying shampoo and follow it up with a leave-in conditioner. The combination will remove residual chlorine or salt and help your hair recover moisture after your swim.

The more you chemically treat, curl, straighten, or heat-dry your hair, the more vulnerable it can be to potential saltwater or chlorine damage. If home remedies haven’t returned your hair to its former glory, or if you want to look your best for an upcoming event without skipping the beach, visit Pinup Salon for a keratin or specialty conditioning treatment. With a stylist’s help, you’re sure to keep your locks looking lovely all summer long!