- Many swimmers scoff at the swim cap. Unfortunately, their unwillingness to wear the cap may cost them healthy hair. Though your hair may get slightly wet under the swim cap, the cap prevents most of your hair from soaking in chlorine or saltwater. Consider applying conditioner to your hair prior to putting on your cap to prevent hair from becoming dry and weak. Wear your cap the correct way to prevent water from seeping in. Tie your hair in a bun to keep hair out of the way, then open the swim cap with each hand holding one side. The seam of the cap should be between your hands. Bend your head down and tuck your forehead into the front of the cap. Stretch the cap over your head until it covers your hairline.
- Many pool facilities have accompanying showers. Take advantage of this amenity and wash your hair immediately after swimming. Keep shampoo in your locker, or pack it with your swim gear. If you do not have shampoo, at the very least, rinse your hair before thoroughly washing your hair at home. Washing or rinsing gets the majority of chlorine or saltwater out of hair. The longer these harmful substances stay in hair, the more damage they do. Likewise, wash the rest of your body with soap to remove chlorine and saltwater from your skin after swimming.
- Products made for swimmers' hair specifically address the damage pool or ocean water does to hair. After prolonged exposure to these substances, hair becomes brittle, and may even be in danger of turning green. This happens when there is excess copper in the hair because of chlorine exposure. Hair products designed specifically for swimmer's hair have ample vitamin C, vitamin E and other botanical nutrients to remove copper from hair, and restore hair proteins. An alternative to store-bought products is an at-home remedy. Instead of shampooing, rinse hair with lemon juice or vinegar after a day at the pool. Leave the solution in for about 15 minutes (or longer depending on how long you've been in the pool), and rinse it out with water.
