Warm weather means more time in the pool. But anybody that has ever spent their summer at camp knows that a summer at the pool can wreak havoc on your hair. Whether you're swimming in a public pool filled with strong chlorine and other chemicals or just in your backyard, a dip in the pool causes visible damage, especially to color-treated hair. Check out some of these tips and tricks that can help your locks remain long and strong.
Prevent Damage
If you color your hair, you can get a salon treatment to help lock in the color and moisture and prevent fading and damage from sun and chlorine exposure.
Before you hit the water, there are a few ways that you can prevent chlorine and other chemicals from penetrating your strands and causing damage. Look for hair products that include UVA and UVB protection to prevent sun damage. An important step that you should do before heading into the water is to apply a product. You can find products that are specially created for a pre-swim treatment, like Phyto Plage Protective Sun Veil, or you can use an oil or silicone-based product and apply it to your hair before you hit the pool. If you're going for a natural product, coconut oil is great for this purpose.
Another easy measure to take is to hit the shower first. If you hair is already wet, then the chemicals from the pool won't be able to cause as much damage. This works because hair is porous and will have soaked up the shower water, rather than the pool water.
Rock a Bathing Cap
If you swim often, or swim to stay in shape, then go all out Olympian and rock a swimming cap. You can also try making a fashion statement with a vintage style cap, but they tend to be harder to keep on. Casual swimmers can try keeping your head out of the water whenever possible as well.
Post-Pool Treatments
After your swim, try to wash your hair as soon as possible—even with the rinse-off showers. A clarifying shampoo will remove any chlorine and chemicals and by using a hair mask you'll restore moisture, protecting your ends from splitting and damage.
