Chlorine and saltwater can play havoc with your locks while swimming. This is because it can be extremely drying to afro hair, which can lead to a multitude of issues such as damaged hair and breakage. There is nothing more frustrating than spending hours washing and styling your hair, only to miss out on summer time fun because you can’t/don’t want to get your hair wet. But swimming with natural hair doesn’t have to be a chore. Yes, there will be more upkeep and maintenance to your hair if you swim regularly, but with some care and planning, you should be able to swim worry-free. Whether you take a dip every day or only on occasion during the summer, following a routine designed for swimmers will help keep your hair healthy.
How To Protect Your Natural Hair From Chlorine
Chlorine and saltwater can dry out natural hair, which is why it’s so important to make sure you’re using the right hair products as it is to make sure you are wearing a swim cap to protect your hair while swimming.
Here are some expert-approved tips to protect your natural hair while swimming during the summer and anytime of the year.
1. Invest In A Quality Swimming Cap
If you want to protect your hair from chlorine and the other chemicals in a swimming pool then wearing a swimming cap is an absolute must. “Chlorine is a skin irritant that can strip the natural protective oils causing dryness, increased brittleness and discoloration. Swimming caps have come a long way, thank goodness! The old caps didn’t really do their singular job of keeping the hair dry. Today’s swim caps are much more varied, and some are even stylish.
2. Saturate Your Strands Before Hitting The Water
Heading to beach or to the pool? It’s best to Cowash your hair with Root2tip’s Comb Out Cowash and then apply olive oil. This way it won’t absorb as much saltwater or chemicals from the pool. It’s also a good idea to try to rinse your hair post swim, we suggest keeping a bottle of water or a spray bottle filled with fresh water in case you aren’t able to head to a shower immediately.
3. Pick The Perfect Hairstyle
Make putting on your swimming cap easier by picking the perfect hairstyle. Yes, a high puff is easy to do but it will make putting on your swimming cap a little difficult. We love chunky twists and braids, flat twists or cornrows. Plus, it’ll make doing your post swimming hair care easier. Trust us, putting your hair into chunky twists will make it easier to wash after your swim as it’ll already be sectioned.
4. Don’t Forget To Rinse Your Hair
Make sure that after every swim that you rinse your hair so that you can get rid of the majority of the chlorine or saltwater in your hair. After rinsing your hair, using a sulphate-free shampoo such as Root2tip’s Stimulate and Cleanse SLS Free Shampoo which is ideal as it will gently cleanse your hair and scalp without stripping it of moisture.
5. Make Conditioner Your BFF
If you swim often, and you shampoo make sure to use Conditioner as well. We recommend using Root2tip’s Comb Out Cowash. Focus on cleansing the scalp, while retaining moisture and make sure your locks are completely rinsed with clean water. If you are going to swim multiple times in a day (like on vacation), we advice to use shampoo but always use a conditioner after that. Then use a Root2tip’s Dream Cream and Grow It Long Scalp Serum so the hair is protected for the next day.
6. Lock In Moisture Post Swim
Let’s be honest, at the best of times natural curly, afro hair is prone to dryness, especially, let alone if you’ve been swimming!
We recommend Using the LOC method of layering moisturising products and oils is a great way to protect against this. After cleansing follow up with a Lotion, Oil and Cream (LOC) is the best way to keep your hair looking and feeling great post swimming. Root2tip’s Just Grow It Kit is an excellent option with proven benefits and results.
7. Dry Hair Thoroughly After Swimming
Make sure to not go to bed with the hair wet from swimming. Going to bed with wet hair causes tangled hair that can be a pain to work with in the morning, and sometimes an unpleasant smell. Using a microfiber towel will dry your hair quickly and help prevent breakage.
Conclusion
Swimming with natural hair doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the health or beauty of your curls. With the right preparation, protective styles, and post-swim care, you can enjoy the water without worry. From investing in a quality swim cap to embracing moisture-rich routines like co-washing and the LOC method, these simple yet effective steps will help shield your strands from chlorine, saltwater, and dryness. So dive in, make a splash, and let your hair thrive all summer long—because healthy hair and summer fun can absolutely go hand in hand. Visit www.root2tip.com for variety of hair care products.