Swimming is a great way to stay in shape with minimal impact-related injuries. As an exercise, swimming helps you to work on cardio and flexibility. A pool allows you to indulge in this activity regardless of what the weather is like outside.
Though pools are great for your health, they can be harmful to your hair. There are a few easy tricks you can use to protect your hair from the harsh chemicals used in swimming pools. If you don’t protect your hair from chlorine you may find yourself in a hair salon more often than need be.
Pre-Care
Every good precautionary measure involves a pre-care stage and a post-care stage. Preparing your hair before a swim is the best way to protect your hair in a pool.
Before you jump into the deep end, make sure you give your locks a good soaking. Showering before you get into a pool is about more than cleaning off your lotion. Your hair is like a sponge. Once your hair is saturated, it becomes harder for it to soak in any more moisture. Showering before getting into the pool is a great way to protect your hair from the dehydrating effects of chlorine.
Another trick is to use coconut oil before your swim. Not only is coconut oil, or jojoba oil, moisturizing, it also forms a barrier against the water in the pool. Think of it like mini umbrellas all over your hair.
If you have longer hair, you know that a short dip usually ends with a long stint of brushing out knots. To avoid all of these unwanted knots, try braiding your hair. You can also use a bathing cap to keep your hair dry and without tangles. This is not always an option or one that you may want to choose. With proper pre- and post-care, you can avoid using a bathing cap and still show great care for your hair’s well-being.
Post-Care
It’s not enough to soak your hair, use a bit of oil and throw it in a braid before swimming. To protect your hair in a pool, there is a bit of post care involved.
A good quality sustainable hair care product designed to replenish moisture is a must. Chlorine soaks away the sebum in your hair. Sebum is the natural moisture that gives you that healthy hair shine. Without this sebum, your hair can feel dry and brittle. It is vital to infuse your hair with moisture and wash the harmful chemicals off as soon as you are out of the pool. Moisture-rich shampoos and conditioners, such as the momo shampoo and conditioner, are a great idea.
If you are swimming in a pool frequently, add in a replenishing cream or butter to your hair care routine. This does not need to be used every time you head to the pool. Putting on a treatment like this and letting your hair air dry is the perfect way to end a day.
Before you can air dry your hair, you’ll need to brush it post-swim. Your everyday brush just will not do. A wide-toothed comb and slow even brush strokes are what you hair needs after a swim. The dehydrating effects of the pool can make it more brittle and prone to breakage without proper care and patience.
Taking the time to properly care for your hair when you swim in chemically-treated pools is the only way to retain shiny, healthy hair. Having a healthy trim to remove any split ends is also vital to healthy hair. Being a sustainable eco salon is about more than the products we use in the salon. Using natural products on your hair outside of the hair salon helps it to stand up against harsh unnatural chemicals like those found in pools.
If you would like to learn more about sustainability in your hair care routines or how you can protect your hair naturally when swimming, book an appointment and come to see one of our stylists.