How to Take Care of Hair After Swimming

Swimming, especially in chlorinated pools, can be damaging to your hair. According to Columbia University Health Services, chlorine can reduce the amount of natural lubricants in your hair, causing the hair cuticle to break or crack. Salt water can also remove these lubricants and cause your hair to become dry and brittle. You may be at even greater risk for this type of hair damage if you already color your hair or use high-heat styling tools. There are several ways you can take care of your hair after swimming to prevent hair damage and dryness.

Things You'll Need

• Conditioning shampoo Moisturizing conditioner Leave-in conditioning spray Wide-toothed comb

Instructions

1. Wash your hair immediately after swimming with a conditioning shampoo. If you can't wash your hair immediately, at least rinse your hair in the shower to remove the chlorine or salt water.

2. After you shampoo, squeeze excess water from your hair and apply a thick, moisturizing conditioner through your hair, concentrating on the ends. Some companies manufacture specific shampoos and conditioners for swimmers that are designed to remove chlorine, but regular hair products formulated for dry hair will work, too. Leave the conditioner in your hair for 3 to 5 minutes.

3. Rinse the conditioner from your hair and squeeze excess water from your hair. Dry your hair gently with a towel, but do not rub your hair excessively.

4. Spray a leave-in conditioner through your hair if it's especially dry or damaged. This step is optional but can provide additional protection for your hair after swimming.

5. Untangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb. Do not use a hairbrush on wet hair, especially after swimming, as it can encourage breakage.

6. Style your hair as normal. If you dry your hair with a hair dryer, use the lowest heat setting possible. Frequently using heated styling products may cause further damage to your hair.

7. Apply a deep conditioning or hot oil treatment to your hair once a week if you swim often. This can help protect your hair from the ongoing effects of repeated exposure to chlorine or salt water. You can apply most of these treatments in the shower. Simply apply them to your hair, leave them on for the instructed time and rinse thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also protect your hair before swimming by using a swim cap or applying conditioner to your hair before you get into the pool.

Resources

• Columbia University Health Services: Chlorine Effects on Hair
• Yahoo! Shopping: Antichlorine Shampoos