Pool Hair Care

Nothing compares to the feeling of taking a dip in the pool on a hot summer day. Unfortunately, this very activity can wreak havoc on your hair. That is, if you don't know how to implement mindful pool hair care. If you're at a loss as to how to do that, you're in the right place. This article will share our top pool hair care tips, including pre-pool treatments and post-swim solutions. That way, you can keep your locks looking their best all season long. Let's get right into it!

The Reason Why Pools are So Hard on Your Hair

Pools seem harmless – they hold water, and water is hydrating to the hair, right? Yes. But water isn't the issue. It's the chlorine (and other chemicals) that you need to be concerned about. Chlorine, in particular, can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. This contributes to weak hair with more split ends and even breakage. In addition, chlorine can ruin color-treated hair; many have gone in the pool with blonde hair and left with a green-tinged mess.

Though anyone can experience these effects, you're more likely to experience them if your hair is already compromised (chronically dry, chemically treated, thin, fine, or damaged).

Protect Your Tresses Before Swimming in the Pool

Now that you understand the hair-related dangers of pools, it's time to look at what you can do about it. Protection is the best solution when it comes to pool hair care. Here are some ways to protect your tresses before getting in the pool:

• Drench your hair in plain water. Ensure that all of your hair is completely wet. With your hair shaft full of regular water, it won't be able to absorb much, if any, pool water.

• Apply a carrier oil to your hair before hopping in the pool. It will create a barrier between your hair and the water. Be generous with the oil for the best results. Wash the oil out after getting out of the pool.

• Put on a swim cap before swimming. Swim caps are designed to keep your hair dry while swimming and prevent chemicals from seeping into your strands

• Put your hair up in a tight bun. If you're thinking about taking a swim but don't have a swim cap or access to oil or tap water, you can always decrease the exposed surface area of your hair by putting it up in a tight bun. This will not keep all the chlorine out, but it will definitely help!

Swimming Pool Aftercare Tips

Pool hair care doesn't stop because you're done swimming. Take some time after your swim to give your hair a pick-me-up with these simple tips:

• Do a rinse. After swimming in a chlorinated pool, immediately rinse your hair with fresh water. This can help in a pinch if you don't have access to shampoo.

• Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner. There are shampoos and conditioners formulated for swimmers to restore moisture and prevent damage caused by chlorine exposure.

• Use a leave-in conditioner. If you don't already use a quality leave-in conditioner as part of your hair regimen, now's the time to start. A great way to keep your hair healthy, manageable, and shiny during pool season is to apply a leave-in conditioner after washing and shampooing post-swim.

So, there you have it. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your time in the pool without sacrificing your tresses! Good luck!

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15 years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of NaturallyTextured.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.