Essential Swimmer Hair Care: Tips for Healthy Locks

Swimming is a fantastic sport for kids and adults! There are so many ways to enjoy being active in the water. Swim lessons,  swim team participation, water aerobics, or lap swimming are great ways to enjoy competition or stay fit in the water.  Unfortunately, swimming can take a toll on your hair! Swimmers know the dry, brittle, or frizz y hair that can happen with frequent swimming. Don’t let hair damage from the water keep you out of the pool! There are effective ways to care for your hair while enjoying your time in the water. In this blog post, I’ll dive into swimmer hair care and share tips to keep your hair healthy and vibrant.

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A young swimmer brushes hair as part of a hair care routine for swimmers.

Is Swimming Bad for Your Hair?

Occasional pool or saltwater swimming won’t have much impact on your hair. For competitive or recreational swimmers who are in the water frequently, repeated exposure to damaging agents can change the texture or even color of the hair.  The main culprits are chlorine and salt water. 

Chlorine is commonly used in pools for sanitization and clarity, but it can be harsh on your hair. On the other hand, while salt water from the ocean (or saltwater pools) can create beautiful beachy waves, it can also dry hair out, making it frizzy and difficult to manage.

Swimming doesn’t have to be the enemy of your hair. With the right swimmer hair care products and routine, you can enjoy your time in the water without sacrificing your locks.

How Chlorine and Salt Water Damage Hair

Chlorine

Chlorine can strip hair of its natural oils, which usually help the hair retain moisture.  This results in dry, brittle strands that are more prone to breaking. Additionally, chlorine can create a chemical reaction with the pigments in hair, leading to discoloration, especially in lighter shades. If you’ve ever noticed a greenish tint in blonde swimmers, that’s chlorine doing its work!

Salt Water

Saltwater can give hair those coveted beachy waves, it can also dehydrate your hair. The combination of sun exposure and salt can exacerbate these effects, leaving your hair feeling rough and looking dull.

Both chlorine and salt water can lead to split ends, tangling, and an unhealthy appearance. Don’t let these temporary effects of pool water keep you from an activity you love! Keep reading for a hair care routine that helps!

Young Swimmer brushes hair after swim team practice.

Swimmer Hair Care Routine

Creating a protective hair care routine can significantly improve the condition of your hair as a swimmer. Here are some essential steps to consider:

Rinse Before Swimming

Take a quick shower or wet your hair in a sink with fresh water before you jump into the pool or ocean. This can help reduce the amount of chlorine or salt your hair absorbs and limit the negative effects they have. Think of it as filling a sponge with water before dipping it in salt water!

Use a Swim Cap

While it might not be the most stylish accessory, a swim cap is one of the best defenses against chlorine and salt water. It helps reduce exposure to damaging agents and minimize drying and discoloration.

Post-Swim Care

After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water to remove chlorine or salt. Follow up with a gentle shampoo and a deep conditioner. Look for sulfate-free shampoos that are specifically designed for swimmers, as they are gentler and help to remove chlorine without stripping your hair of its natural oils.

Weekly Treatments or Hair Masks

Incorporate weekly hair masks or deep conditioning treatments to restore moisture and nutrients. Ingredients like aloe vera, honey, and shea butter are excellent for replenishing hydration and repairing damage.

Shampoo and Conditioner designed specifically for swimmers in a bathroom.

Favorite Hair Care Products for Swimmers

The right products can minimize damage for your hair. Here are some of our favorites:

Swimmer-Specific Shampoos

  1. UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo: This shampoo is specifically designed to remove chlorine and restore moisture to your hair. It’s a go-to for many swimmers.
  2. Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Shampoo: Formulated to gently cleanse hair of chlorine and salt, this product also contains moisturizing ingredients to help hydrate hair.

Conditioners

  1. Malibu C Swim Conditioner: This works wonders for swimmers, providing hydration to combat the effects of chlorine and salt.
  2. VitaC Conditioner: This lightweight conditioner adds moisture without weighing your hair down, making it perfect for daily post-swim care.

Deep Conditioning Treatments

  1. RHRI Swim & Sun Deep Conditioning Hair Mask : This deep conditioning mask is excellent for adding shine and hydration.
  2. Malibu C Hair Mask : This helps restore moisture and protects hair from discoloration.

FAQ

1. How often should I wash my hair after swimming?

Ideally, a swimmer hair care routine should include rinsing your hair with fresh water immediately after swimming. If you swim frequently, using a swimmer-specific shampoo 2-3 times a week can help remove chlorine or salt without overly stripping your hair.

2. Can I still dye my hair if I swim often?

Before you go for color, highlights, or balayage, talk to a colorist about swimming. Chlorine and salt can fade color-treated hair faster, so it may be expensive or time-consuming to keep up color-treated hair for swimmers. If you want to go blonde or get highlights, the blonde shade you choose can quickly turn brassy (or even green!) in chlorine!  If you’re a swimmer and have color-treated hair, consider using color-protecting shampoos and deep conditioning treatments regularly. The Color Wow Color Security Shampoo is great place to start.

3. Is a swim cap necessary?

A swim cap will provide some protection to your hair from chlorine and salt water. It can significantly reduce the exposure to salt, chlorine, and sun and help keep your hair healthier. 

4. Can I prevent chlorine from damaging my hair completely?

While it’s difficult to prevent all damage from chlorine, using protective products, a swim cap, and a solid post-swim care routine can greatly minimize its effects.

Pool Ready Hair

Swimming has amazing physical and mental health benefits and is a great sport for many kids, teens, and adults. It would be a shame if something like hair damage got in the way of a swimmer participating in the sport they love! There are many products available now for swimmers to minimize  damage and maxamize their enjoyment of the sport. Let me know which products help manage your swimmer’s hair! 

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