Summer is here, and for many of us, that means spending more time in the pool. While swimming is a fantastic way to stay cool and have fun, it can take a toll on your hair. Chlorine, frequent washing, and sun exposure can all contribute to dryness, brittleness, and damage. But don't worry—we've got you covered! In this post, we'll share practical tips for keeping your hair healthy and beautiful all summer long.
Understanding the Effects of Swimming on Hair
Chlorine is essential for keeping pool water clean, but it can wreak havoc on your hair. It strips away natural oils, leaving hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. It can also cause discoloration, especially for those with color-treated hair.
Constantly wetting your hair and washing it more often than usual can cause several problems. First of all, frequent washing can strip vital oils from your hair, disrupting your scalp's natural oil balance. This can either lead to overly oily hair as your scalp overcompensates for this behavior or excessive dryness if your scalp just can't keep up. Either way, this can lead to unmanageable hair, definitely not the fun time that you're planning this summer!
Just like your skin, your hair can suffer from too much sun. UV rays can damage the hair cuticle, leading to dryness, split ends, and color fading.
Pre-Swimming Hair Care Tips
Here are few easy things that you can do before hitting the pool to keep your hair in tip-top shape!
Rinse Hair with Fresh Water: Before diving into the pool, rinse your hair with fresh water. Wet hair is less likely to absorb chlorine, reducing its damaging effects.
Use a Protective Leave-In Conditioner: Apply a leave-in conditioner to create a barrier between your hair and the chlorine. This will help keep your hair moisturized and protected.
Use UV Protection Products: Just as you protect your skin from the sun, protect your hair too. Apply a UV protectant spray or serum, like Ecoslay's Sangria Hair Refresher, to shield your hair from harmful UV rays. And, just like you reapply your sun screen after a few hours, be sure to do the same with your hair's UV protectant!
Wear a Swim Cap: Because prevention is key, a swim cap is excellent for protecting your hair from chlorine and keeping it dry!
Post-Swimming Hair Care Routine
Once you step out of the water, there are some things that you can do to make sure that your curls look and feel their best.
Rinse Hair Immediately: After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly to wash out any chlorine residue. The quicker you do this, the better.
Use a Chlorine-Removing Cleanser: Swap your regular shampoo for a cleanser specifically designed to remove chlorine. We recommend Ecoslay's Mud Pie Clarifying Clay Treatment. It's gentle yet effective in detoxifying your hair.
Deep Condition Your Hair: Follow up with a deep conditioner to restore moisture and repair any damage. Ecoslay's Banana Cream Deep Conditioner is perfect for this purpose, providing intense hydration and nourishment.
Apply a Leave-In Conditioner: Keeping your hair moisturized is key. Apply Ecoslay's Rice Pudding Leave-In Conditioner and Moisturizer to lock in moisture and keep your hair soft and manageable.
Detangle Gently: Wet hair is more susceptible to breakage, so detangle it gently using a wide-tooth comb. Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid tugging and pulling.
More Summer Tips
Here are some bonus tips to make sure that your hair is gorgeous in and out of the pool this summer!
Regular Trims: Keep your hair looking fresh and healthy by trimming it regularly to get rid of split ends.
Hydrating Hair Masks: Treat your hair to a hydrating mask weekly to keep it soft and nourished. Look for products rich in natural oils.
Avoiding Heat Styling: Minimize the use of heat styling tools to keep damage at bay.
Staying Hydrated: Don't forget that hydration starts from within. Drink plenty of water to keep your hair (and your body) hydrated.
Cheat Sheet
Here's a recap of recommended products and tools to use in and out of the pool this summer:
- Leave-In Conditioner: Ecoslay's Rice Pudding Leave-In Conditioner and Moisturizer
- Chlorine-Removing Cleansers: Ecoslay's Mud Pie Clarifying Clay Treatment
- Deep Conditioners: Ecoslay's Banana Cream Deep Conditioner
- UV Protection Products: Ecoslay's Sangria Hair Refresher
- Swim Caps: Look for caps that fit well and are comfortable, ensuring they provide good protection without pulling on your hair.
Wrap up
With a little extra care, you can enjoy your time in the pool without sacrificing your hair's health. Remember to rinse your hair before and after swimming, use the right products, and protect it from the sun. Your hair will thank you!
Stay tuned for our next post in the summer series: Caring for Your Hair at the Beach! Until then, happy swimming!
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