Prioritizing care for healthy hair at the ocean or pool is crucial because exposure to chlorine and saltwater can significantly damage your hair. Chlorine, a harsh chemical used to disinfect pools, strips your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, brittleness, and potential breakage. Similarly, saltwater can dehydrate your hair, causing it to become coarse and more prone to tangling and splitting. The sun’s UV rays compound these effects by further drying and weakening your hair.
Without proper care, frequent exposure to pool chlorine or ocean salt can result in lasting damage, making your hair dull, fragile, and difficult to manage. Therefore, implementing protective measures helps maintain your hair’s health, strength, and appearance, ensuring it remains vibrant and resilient despite regular exposure to these harsh conditions.
Follow these tips to protect hair when swimming and after swimming which will maintain healthy hair at the ocean or pool!
Healthy Hair at the Ocean or Pool
Following these detailed tips for healthy hair at the ocean or pool, especially with frequent exposure.
- Rinse Hair Before Swimming
- Why: Wetting your hair with fresh water before swimming helps reduce the amount of salt or chlorine it absorbs. Hair is like a sponge; if it’s already saturated with fresh water, it won’t absorb as much of the salty or chlorinated water.
- How: Use a shower or a water bottle to thoroughly wet your hair before entering the pool or ocean.
- Apply a Protective Leave-In Conditioner
- Why: A leave-in conditioner or hair oil creates a protective barrier that helps shield your hair from the drying and damaging effects of saltwater and chlorine.
- How: Apply a generous amount of leave-in conditioner or a few drops of hair oil to your damp hair before swimming.
- Wear a Swim Cap
- Why: A swim cap provides a physical barrier that keeps most of the water away from your hair, reducing exposure to harmful substances.
- How: Choose a comfortable, snug-fitting swim cap made of silicone or latex, and tuck all your hair inside before swimming.
- Braid Your Hair
- Why: Braiding your hair helps prevent tangles and reduces the surface area exposed to saltwater and chlorine, minimizing damage and breakage.
- How: Braid your hair into one or multiple braids before swimming to keep it secure and tangle-free.
- Avoid Tight Hairstyles
- Why: Tight hairstyles can cause breakage, especially when hair is wet and more fragile. Looser styles reduce tension and prevent stress on the hair strands.
- How: Opt for loose ponytails, buns, or braids to keep your hair managed without pulling it too tightly.
- Rinse Immediately After Swimming
- Why: Rinsing your hair with fresh water immediately after swimming helps remove salt and chlorine, preventing them from lingering and causing damage.
- How: Use a shower or a water bottle to rinse your hair thoroughly as soon as you get out of the water.
- Use a Clarifying Shampoo
- Why: Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove build-up from products, chlorine, and salt. Using one once a week can help keep your hair clean and healthy.
- How: Apply a clarifying shampoo to wet hair, lather well, and rinse thoroughly. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to restore hydration.
- Deep Condition Regularly
- Why: Deep conditioning treatments replenish moisture and repair damage caused by exposure to saltwater and chlorine, helping to keep your hair healthy and shiny.
- How: Use a deep conditioning mask or treatment once a week if you want healthy hair at the ocean or pool, especially if you visit frequently. Apply it to clean, damp hair, leave it on for the recommended time, and rinse thoroughly. We recommend Redken deep conditioning products and sell them in-store at TRIM NuLu.
- Avoid Heat Styling
- Why: Heat styling tools can further dry out and damage hair that is already weakened by salt and chlorine. Reducing their use helps maintain hair health.
- How: Allow your hair to air-dry whenever possible, and if you must use heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant spray first and use the lowest heat setting.
- Wear a Hat
- Why: Wearing a hat protects your hair from UV damage, which can dry out and weaken your hair further, especially when it’s already compromised by saltwater and chlorine.
- How: Choose a wide-brimmed hat or a cap with UV protection to cover your hair when you’re out in the sun. This is one of the easiest ways to maintain healthy hair at the ocean or pool.
- Use UV Protection Products
- Why: Hair products with UV filters protect your hair from the sun’s harmful rays, preventing damage and color fading.
- How: Look for leave-in conditioners, sprays, or serums with UV protection and apply them before sun exposure.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat a Balanced Diet
- Why: Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports overall hair health, making it more resilient to environmental damage. This is probably the biggest component of keeping maintaining healthy hair at the ocean or pool, or just about anytime!
- How: Drink plenty of water daily and consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Consider supplements like biotin or omega-3 if needed.
Following these detailed tips will help keep your hair in great condition even with frequent exposure to the ocean and pool.
For help with the after effects of the pool or ocean, please click here to schedule a deep conditioning hair treatment.