Hair tips for swimmers

Many women, in an effort to stay fit and cut down some weight, pick swimming as the best option. However, it is important that even as we swim, we remember to take good care of our hair. The chemicals in the in the pool water can wreck havoc on your hair.  So how do you prevent your hair from possible damage caused by chlorine in the water?

Before swimming

• Copper oxidation by chlorine often gives the hair a greenish tinge. Coconut or olive oil will be valuable. They hydrate the hair cuticle with a protective layer of moisture that seals the cuticle, thus preventing it from turning greenish, especially for bright coloured hair.

• Remember to always shower before you enter the pool. As you do this, wet your hair, too. Dry hair is more susceptible to chemical damage; but when you wet it, it doesn’t soak up the chemicals found in the water.

During swimming

• Wear a well-fitting swimming cap so that your hair and scalp does not come into contact with chlorinated water.

After swimming

• Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo that contains an EDTA. The shampoo will ensure no chemical residue is left in your hair after swimming.

• Adding apple cider vinegar to the last rinse for your hair will remove any product residue in your hair that would otherwise, make it look flat.

• Applying conditioner to your hair is also important to maintain your hair health. If you don’t have the luxury of time to condition then rinse again, a hair mousse or leave-in conditioner will do. 

• Even at the end of swimming, there are still things you need to do to ensure healthy hair. Your diet matters a lot. Supplement it by taking multivitamin and omega-3 tablets.

• Swimmers suffer a lot from frizzy hair. When styling your hair, use volumising shampoo and silicone-based styling products. If you can, a hot oil hair treatment every night is also a good option.

• Once a week, apply mayonnaise evenly on your hair. Ensure it covers every bit of your hair including the ends to provide sufficient hydration.