How to Keep Your Hair Summer Healthy, Protected from Pool and Sun

Protect your hair from being fried by sun and pool exposure.

You may love summer by the pool, but the prolonged exposure to the sun, as well as the chlorine in pool water, can cause major damage to your hair. The ultraviolet (UVA) rays from the sun damage the cells that keep your hair strong and also burn the hair cuticle, making it feel dry and brittle. The chlorine found in pool water also causes damage to your hair, making it extremely dry and can even turn blond hair green. Preventive care and immediate maintenance after sun and pool exposure keeps your hair healthy and vibrant all summer long.

Things You'll Need

• SPF-rated hair products
• Hat
• Deep conditioner
• Swim cap

Instructions

1. Apply sun-proof spray to your hair. There are several hair products on the market that contain SPF, which acts as a barrier between your hair and the sun. Some are leave-in sprays and others are conditioners or shampoos that you use before going out into the sun. Choose hair products with SPF levels of at least 8 to 10.

2. Wear a hat if you will be out in the sun for several hours. This not only protects your strands from the sun, but it keeps your scalp from being burned on those extra-hot summer days.

3. Soak your hair with cold tap water before going into the pool. The more non-chlorinated water that your hair absorbs before going into the pool, the less it will be able to absorb the chlorine pool water. The cold water helps seal your cuticles, which also help keep chlorine from penetrating deep into your hair.

4. Apply a deep conditioner to your hair before swimming. The oil in the conditioner acts as a barrier on your hair strands, preventing the chlorine from absorbing into the hair.

5. Wear a swim cap. This is the best way to protect your hair from the pool chemicals. Swim caps are somewhat tough to put on and some may not like the way they look, but if you swim a lot, this is a priceless investment in caring for your hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Rinse your hair with tap water immediately after getting out of the pool and then wash and deep-condition when you get home.

References

• She Knows Beauty & Style: Sun-Safe Haircare; Karen Shelton; April 2008
• BellaSugar: 4 Ways to Protect Your Hair from the Summer Sun; Brittney Stephens; June 2011
• Daily Glow: Protect Your Hair at the Beach or Pool; Dr. Jessica Wu; June 2011
• Look After Hair Company: Healthy Hair for Summer; May 2011

Resources

• Endless Beauty: How to Keep Your Hair Healthy All Summer Long
• Real Beauty: 33 New Summer Hair Products to Buy Now