Swimming is a fantastic way to stay active and relax, but it can wreak havoc on natural hair if not properly cared for. Whether you’re taking a dip in the pool or swimming in the ocean, exposure to chlorine, salt water, and prolonged moisture can leave your hair feeling dry, brittle, and prone to damage. This article will explore how to properly care for natural hair after swimming, offering practical tips and steps to maintain the health, strength, and beauty of your hair.
Why Swimming Can Be Harmful to Natural Hair
Before diving into the post-swimming care routine, it’s essential to understand why swimming can be damaging to natural hair. Both chlorine (commonly found in pools) and salt water (found in the ocean) can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, frizzy, and more susceptible to breakage.
Chlorine: Chlorine is used in swimming pools to kill bacteria and keep the water clean, but it’s harsh on hair. It strips away the sebum, which is the scalp’s natural oil, leaving the hair dry and unprotected. Over time, repeated exposure can weaken the hair cuticle, leading to split ends and breakage.
Salt Water: Salt from the ocean draws moisture out of the hair, causing it to become dehydrated. This can make natural hair feel coarse, brittle, and difficult to manage. The salt also causes the hair cuticle to lift, making it more prone to tangling and damage.
Pre-Swimming Hair Care: Protective Measures
Taking precautions before you jump into the pool or ocean is crucial to minimizing potential damage. Here are some essential pre-swimming tips for protecting your natural hair:
1. Rinse Hair with Fresh Water
Before getting into the pool or ocean, rinse your hair with fresh, clean water. Hair acts like a sponge, so if it’s already saturated with fresh water, it will absorb less of the chlorinated or salty water from the pool or ocean. This simple step can act as a barrier to minimize damage.
2. Apply a Protective Oil or Leave-In Conditioner
Coating your hair with a natural oil like coconut oil, olive oil, or a leave-in conditioner provides an extra layer of protection. These oils and conditioners seal the hair cuticle, preventing chlorine or salt from penetrating the hair shaft. They also help to lock in moisture, reducing the drying effects of swimming.
3. Wear a Swim Cap
A swim cap may not be the most fashionable option, but it is highly effective in protecting your hair from direct exposure to chlorine or salt water. Look for a silicone or latex swim cap, as they tend to offer a snug fit and provide better protection than fabric caps.
Post-Swimming Hair Care Routine
Once you’re done swimming, it’s essential to cleanse, hydrate, and protect your natural hair. Follow this step-by-step post-swimming care routine to maintain healthy, strong hair.
1. Rinse Your Hair Immediately
The first thing you should do after swimming is to rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water. This helps to remove any chlorine, salt, or chemicals that may still be sitting on your hair and scalp. The longer these substances stay on your hair, the more damage they can cause.
2. Use a Clarifying Shampoo
While regular shampoo works well for daily washing, a clarifying shampoo is necessary after swimming to remove chlorine and salt residue. Clarifying shampoos are designed to deep-clean the hair, removing any buildup and toxins left by the pool or ocean water. However, because clarifying shampoos can be drying, it’s essential to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment.
For best results, look for a clarifying shampoo that’s sulfate-free and enriched with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera or coconut oil, which help to counterbalance the drying effects of the shampoo.
3. Deep Condition for Moisture Restoration
After cleansing your hair with a clarifying shampoo, the next critical step is to deep condition your hair. Chlorine and salt water strip away moisture from natural hair, so deep conditioning helps to restore the hydration and elasticity that may have been lost. Opt for a hydrating deep conditioner with ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, or honey, which are known for their moisturizing properties.
Apply the conditioner generously throughout your hair, focusing on the ends, which are more prone to dryness and damage. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and allow the conditioner to sit for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing it out. For even better results, use a heat cap or sit under a hooded dryer to allow the conditioner to penetrate deeply into your hair strands.
4. Detangle with a Wide-Tooth Comb
After deep conditioning, it’s time to detangle your hair. Natural hair can become easily tangled after exposure to water, especially if it’s dry or damaged. Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Avoid using fine-tooth combs or brushes, as they can cause breakage, especially when your hair is wet and more vulnerable.
5. Moisturize and Seal
Once your hair is clean, conditioned, and detangled, it’s time to lock in moisture. Apply a leave-in conditioner or a water-based moisturizer to your damp hair, which will help to hydrate your hair and make it more manageable. After moisturizing, use a natural oil like jojoba oil, argan oil, or castor oil to seal in the moisture. This step is critical for natural hair, as it helps to keep the hair hydrated for longer periods, reducing frizz and dryness.
6. Air Dry or Use a Diffuser
After moisturizing and sealing, allow your hair to air dry or use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment. Air drying is the gentlest method, but if you’re in a hurry, using a diffuser can speed up the process without causing as much damage as traditional blow drying. When using a diffuser, be sure to set the dryer to a low heat setting to avoid heat damage.
Additional Tips for Long-Term Hair Health
In addition to your pre- and post-swimming routine, there are a few extra steps you can take to keep your natural hair healthy, hydrated, and strong over time.
1. Avoid Daily Shampooing
Washing your hair too frequently, especially with a clarifying shampoo, can strip away your natural oils and leave your hair dry and fragile. Instead of shampooing daily, try to limit washing to 2-3 times a week. On the other days, you can rinse your hair with water or use a co-wash (a cleansing conditioner) to remove any sweat or residue without over-drying your hair.
2. Use a Silk or Satin Scarf/Bonnet at Night
Natural hair can lose moisture overnight due to friction against your pillowcase. To prevent this, sleep with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet to protect your hair. These materials help to retain moisture, reduce friction, and prevent tangling while you sleep.
3. Trim Regularly
Even with proper care, natural hair is still susceptible to split ends and damage over time, especially if you swim frequently. To keep your hair healthy, make sure to trim it regularly (every 6-8 weeks) to remove any split ends and prevent further breakage.
4. Hydrate from Within
Caring for your hair isn’t just about the products you use—it’s also about what you put into your body. Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining the health of your hair. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and make sure you’re consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients that promote hair growth, such as biotin, vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Best Products for Natural Hair After Swimming
Using the right products is essential for maintaining the health and moisture of your natural hair after swimming. Here are some top-rated products that can help you care for your hair:
Clarifying Shampoos:
- Kinky-Curly Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo
- SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
Deep Conditioners:
- Mielle Organics Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner
- Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Mask
Leave-In Conditioners:
- Aunt Jackie’s Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner
- Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream
Oils for Sealing:
- Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil
- The Mane Choice Ancient Egyptian Anti-Breakage Oil
See also: What Shampoo Should I Use After Swimming?
Conclusion
Caring for natural hair after swimming doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right pre-swimming precautions, a thorough post-swimming care routine, and consistent maintenance, you can keep your hair healthy, hydrated, and protected from the harsh effects of chlorine and salt water. By using high-quality, nourishing products and adopting protective habits, you can enjoy swimming while ensuring that your natural hair remains strong, beautiful, and vibrant.
