Swimming is an enjoyable exercise that helps the body relax and refresh. However, if you swim frequently, the chlorine water can affect your hair and result in split ends and breakage. If you have been wondering how to protect your hair while swimming, we have you covered. Appropriate pre- and post-swimming hair care methods are vital to prevent any damage. This article will provide you with a few pointers on how to keep your hair safe while swimming. Scroll down for a complete guide on how you can protect your tresses while you swim without worry!
In This Article
Hair Care For Swimmers – Tips To Protect It From Chlorinated Water
Pre-Swimming Hair Care
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- Oil Your Hair
Oiling is the primary and most important step to protect the hair from chlorinated water. Oil penetrates the hair shaft, prevents water from entering into the cuticle, and lowers hygral fatigue (swelling and drying of the cuticle). Oil can fill the gaps between the cuticle cells and prevent chlorine from entering into the cuticles (1).
Applying oil before swimming forms a protective layer on the scalp and makes the hair waterproof. It also prevents leaching of hair color and keeps blonde color from turning green. Use coconut or olive oils to nourish and hydrate the hair during and after swimming.
Applying coconut oil (rich in lauric acid) cab help prevent protein loss caused by chlorine water and reduce further damage (2). Massage coconut oil gently on damp hair to protect it from chlorinated water.
Stylecraze SaysYou can also use thick carrier oils like olive oil or castor oil to coat your hair and protect it from chlorinated water.
- Take A Quick Shower With Non-Chlorinated Water
Taking a shower can help prevent chlorinated water from penetrating the hair. Wet hair with an oil coating absorbs less chlorine from the pool water, reducing hair breakage and damage.
- Apply Leave-In Conditioner
A leave-in conditioner is a humectant that protects the hair from chlorine water damage. It not only nourishes your hair but also forms a protective layer against chlorine and other harmful chemicals in the pool.
A leave-in conditioner neutralizes the electrical negative charge of the hair fibers by adding positive charge and lubricates the hair cuticles, making them hydrophobic (waterproof) (1). It mimics the hair natural lipid content, seals the cuticle, and minimizes frizz and breakage.
Related: How To Use Leave-in Conditioner, Benefits, And Precautions
- Spritz Some Hairspray
If you are into outdoor swimming, use a sun protectant hair spray. A hairspray with botanical ingredients nourishes the hair and protects it from UVA and UVB sun damage. It also prevents the fading of hair color.
Stylecraze SaysYou can use a hair protective or pre-swimming chlorine protective spray that coats your strands and protects it from the effects of chlorinated water.
Hair Care While Swimming
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- Wear A Swimming Cap
Wearing a swimming cap is probably the best way to protect the hair from the damage caused by chlorinated water. It covers the entire head, prevents contact with water, and keeps the hair dry. The interesting part is that it has a utilitarian and fashionable approach. You can protect the hair and also match the cap color with your swim wear.
Note: If you are not comfortable with wearing a swimming cap, tie your hair on the top of the head and avoid dampening it as much as possible.
Post-Swimming Hair Care
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- Wash Your Hair Thoroughly
Rinse your hair immediately after swimming. It helps clear the buildup of chlorine and other harmful chemicals. A quick shower removes salt water (in case of outdoor swimming) and all the residue from the scalp.
- Shampoo Your Hair
Chlorine deposition is a disaster for your hair texture and color. Even saltwater bleaches blonde hair, making it dry and frizzy. The best way to rinse the buildup is by using an anti-chlorine shampoo. It not only removes excess deposits from the hair and scalp but also nourishes the tresses.
- Apply A Deep Conditioner
A deep conditioner fights dryness, adds moisture, and nourishes the hair. You can also apply a leave-in conditioner for extra nourishment and shine.
- Comb Your Tresses
Combing with a wide-toothed brush controls frizz and is an easy way to detangle your hair without pain. It loosens the tension built up in the hair and reduces breakage.
There are certain things you should avoid in post-swimming hair care. Check out the following section to know more!
Related: At-Home Deep Conditioning Treatments For Damaged Hair
Things To Avoid In Post-Swimming Hair Care
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- Avoid Dryers Post-Swimming
Blow drying further damages the hair and makes it dehydrated. It is better to towel dry your hair and let it dry naturally.
- Avoid Washing The Hair More Than Once A Day
Though shampooing the hair helps keep the scalp healthy and oil-free, doing it more than once a day might make your hair dry and brittle.
Scroll down to find how chlorine and saltwater can damage the hair.
How Chlorine And Saltwater Damage The Hair
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Chlorine water can turn the hair (and blonde hair) green. It reacts with hair keratin and forms water-soluble chemicals that bond with the hair fiber, resulting in hair breakage, dryness, and hair loss.
The chlorine and other chemicals in the pool strip the scalp’s natural oils and make the hair dry and frizzy. Regular exposure to chlorinated water increases the hair porosity and causes swelling of the scalp, leading to intense damage (1).
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Chlorine and saltwater affect color-treated hair. They dry out the hair and wick off natural oils from the scalp. A study on Japanese elite swimmers shows that hydrochloric acid in pool water penetrates deeply into the hair cortex. This leads to the oxidation and degeneration of melanosome (a pigment responsible for the hair color) (3). If your scalp is sensitive, chlorine may cause itchiness and scalp inflammation.
Infographic: Important Tips to Protect Hair When Swimming
Who doesn’t appreciate a leisurely swim every now and then? Although you may love swimming, your hair may not feel the same. Swimming pools are filled with chlorine that can harm your hair in unpleasant ways, making it rough, unruly and even fading lovely hair colors.
Wondering how to keep your hair safe when swimming? Do not fear; we have mentioned everything in the infographic below. Check it out!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Swimming is arguably one of the best exercises that not only enhances your fitness level but also relaxes your mind and body. But, it could lead to hair damage due to the chlorine content in pool water. Remember to follow the pre and post hair care tips mentioned above to keep your tresses healthy and damage-free. A few pre hair care tips include oiling your hair and applying leave-in conditioner. Some post hair care tips include washing your hair thoroughly after swimming and using a deep conditioner. These simple yet effective care tips teach you how to protect your hair when swimming without having to shell out money on expensive products or treatments. So, follow them and swim away merrily!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a swimmer wash their hair?
Swimmers need not wash their hair regularly. Washing the hair two to three times a week with a shampoo and conditioner can help remove the chlorine buildup.
Can I go swimming if I dyed my hair?
Yes, you can go swimming if you have bleached or dyed your hair. Follow the tips mentioned in the article to prevent the hair color from fading.
What is the best hairstyle for swimming?
Braids, ponytails, and top knots are the best hairstyles for swimming as they decrease the contact area and protect the hair.
Sources
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Check out our editorial policy for further details.
- Hair Cosmetics: An Overview
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/ - Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/ - Hair-discoloration of Japanese elite swimmers
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11092265/
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Anjali Sayee
Anjali specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. Her philosophy… more
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