Whether you swim for exercise or fun, in a pool or an ocean, the fact of the matter is: it can damage your hair. Chlorine from pools, or salt water from the ocean, can dry out your hair. This leaves it more prone to breakage and frizz. Here are some ways to protect your hair when swimming often.
Wear a Swim Cap
The tried and true method to protect your hair while swimming is wearing a swim cap. Although it might not be the most flattering option, it’s the only thing that will truly protect your hair from any damage.
Oil or Leave-In Conditioner Before
If swim caps aren’t your thing, you can also put oil or a leave-in conditioner in your hair prior to swimming. This creates a protective barrier around your hair, which will help prevent the chemicals or salt from penetrating the hair strands. Although this doesn’t protect it completely, it certainly helps.
Rinse Before and After Swimming
If you have no other options, the best thing you can do is to rinse your hair with clean water before and after you swim. When your hair absorbs the clean water, it prevents the hair from absorbing some of the harsh elements of the water you will be swimming in.
