What could be more fun than taking a dip in a cool, crystal clear pool on a hot summer’s day? Swimming in the sea, of course! Whether you choose a pool or a beach as your venue of choice to cool down during the dead heat of the summer season, there are a few things you need to do to make sure that you’re protected at all times. We’re no strangers to the common practice of layering on that sunblock to protect our skin, but did you know that your hair needs protection, too? Let’s not forget that our hair isn’t immune to the elements, and that exposure to chlorine and saltwater can cause damage, dryness, and breakage to our hair, even if it’s exposed for just a short period of time. That’s why it’s important to protect hair from chlorine and saltwater at every point in our summer frolics.

Want to find out what you can do to keep your hair happy, healthy, and protected all throughout the summer season? Read on to learn how.

How to protect your hair from chlorine & saltwater?

1. Wear a hat – If you’ve ever visited the beach or if you’ve ever spent time around the vicinity of a pool, you’ve probably already noticed how the air tends to change in those areas. Breathe in, and the thickness of the air isn’t hard to miss. This is because the water in the pool or the sea itself can evaporate into the air, thus making the atmosphere around these areas different from normal conditions. That also means that the contents of the water – such as chlorine and salt – may be present in the air, exposing your hair to damage without even having to take a dip in the water. Add the harsh sunlight, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for hair disaster. The best way to protect your hair if you’re just hanging around the beach or walking by the pool is to wear a protective hat. This won’t only limit the chlorine and salt that makes contact with your hair, but will also prevent UV rays from wreaking havoc.

2. Don’t go in dry – There’s a reason why people tell you to shower before you dip in the pool. Wetting your hair before diving in gives your hair an extra barrier of protection that keeps in from absorbing too much chlorine or saltwater. According to recent studies, hair that’s immediately exposed to chlorine and saltwater without having been wet first absorbs harmful chemicals and components faster than when it’s wet beforehand. So be sure to visit those poolside showers and get your hair nice and wet before you take a dip.

3. Pack an oil spray – Right before you hit the beach, be sure to tote an oil spray for your hair like Foxbrim Total Hair Repair Oil. There are lots of other sprays available on the market, but the choice really is up to you. It would be best however to go with something that’s hydrating as these work best to protect hair from chlorine and saltwater. Spray the oil in your hair before you arrive at the pool or the beach, and spray it again when you feel its effects wearing off. There’s no need to use oil spray after you dip into the pool however, as this product is only intended for use before taking a swim.

4. Rinse your hair – Lots of people tend to get out of the pool and then towel dry their hair before making their way back inside the resort, hotel, or their home to lounge about, grab a snack, or take a nap. Yes, taking a swim can put you in a relaxed mood, but that doesn’t mean you should slack off and forget to keep your hair’s health in check. You should never leave chlorine to soak in your hair as it could get absorbed into the strands and cause significant damage in the long run. Right after you get out of the pool, head to the nearest shower and rinse away all the pool water or saltwater to protect hair from chlorine. You can also choose to wash your hair with shampoo right after you get out of the water to ensure that the chlorine is aptly removed your hair and scalp.

5. Avoid heat styling – If you’re on vacation and you’re planning on heading out after your swim, it would be best to avoid heat styling your hair for at least 24 hours after you wash it post-swim. This is because heat styling could speed up the absorption process and could cause your hair to take in more chlorine and saltwater than is considered reasonable. If you really can’t avoid the need to use heat styling tools, at least stick to a professional hair dryer and leave the straightener or curler aside. Set the hair dryer to low, and dry hair in sections, avoiding spending too much time heating one area of hair at a time. It also helps to wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner before you heat style it. once you’re done, do apply some leave on conditioner to make sure that your hair is kept moisturized and hydrated.

Final thoughts

Summer can be fun, but don’t forget to protect hair from chlorine. What other techniques do you use to keep your hair healthy during the summer time? Let us know in the comments sections below and let’s start a conversation.

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