How to Properly Prepare your Hair for Swimming this Summer

We’re in the middle of summer, and while there have been a few cool days, for the most part, we want to dive into the pool or lake. Who can blame us? There’s nothing like submerging yourself in cool water, especially if you’re doing it with friends or family. The only problem, at least for us women, is the hair. Once you’ve spent time styling, using an ionic ceramic flat iron, and getting your hair exactly the way you want it, it seems counterproductive to jump into a pool full of chlorine.

Yes, folks, chlorine is still used as a disinfectant, and it has a very important purpose. Chlorine is used to remove and break down bacteria and dirt in the pool, the result being the same on our hair. One dip in the pool probably won’t hurt you, much, but over time you could start to experience serious problems including:

• Severe over drying
• Increased porosity
• Breakage

We cannot stress enough the importance of keeping your hair protected against the effects of chlorine, especially if you have already taken extensive steps to ensure that your hair is presentable. Maybe you have dry hair, color treated hair, or even hair that has been previously damaged. Whatever your circumstances happen to be, you need to take extra steps to keep it safe, especially if you’re planning on taking a dip this summer. If you don’t, then quite frankly, the consequences could be dire.

Before you Break out your Ionic Ceramic Flat Iron, Follow These Steps

As you’re on your way out the door, there are a few important steps that you will want to take to ensure that your hair is in good condition, so let’s go over a few of them.

Soak in Chlorine Free Water – Did you know that your hair has sponge-like properties? If you didn’t know it before, then you do now! It can only absorb so much of any substance, and that includes water. If you saturate it with clean, chlorine-free water, then you give it less chance to soak up the chlorinated water. It might seem odd to dunk your hair in the sink right before you jump into the pool, but this is advice that you’re going to thank us for later.

Use Silicone Products – If you’re looking for a slightly more permanent solution than simply dunking your head in water, then you can always use silicone products to seal off your hair before you jump into the pool.

Swim Caps Still Exist – With all of the products and solutions floating around these days, you might have forget that swim caps are around, but, they are, and you can use them to keep your hair protected.

Clean your Hair after the Pool – You need to make sure that your hair is clean after you exit the pool, no exceptions. Once you step out of the pool, step into the shower and rinse the chlorine out of that hair, even if it’s only on the surface. Additionally, use shampoo! We cannot stress enough the importance of shampooing once you step out of the shower as it will restore softness and make your hair more manageable.

If you’re someone who constantly uses ceramic flat irons and other products to keep your hair under control, then you know the threat of swimming pools and the problems that they pose. Keep your hair safe, and keep the chlorine out by taking the proper precautions!