For many, a cool dip in the pool after a long, hot summer day is something to look forward to. What you may not realize, though, is while you’re trying to keep cool, this summertime activity could be seriously damaging your hair.
Have you ever gotten out of the pool and felt that your hair was a bit stiff? That’s probably because it absorbed chlorine, a disinfectant used to clean pools. Chlorine can strip your hair of its natural oils, giving it that dry and brittle.
While an occasional swim in the pool is nothing to worry about, repeated exposure can damage hair permanently if the proper care isn’t taken.
There are many hair care options you can choose from to keep your hair safe from harsh pool chemicals. The most basic (and least popular) option is wearing a swim cap each time you get into the pool. This is a foolproof method of protecting your hair from the water and its chemicals, as they won’t even touch your hair! Most people don’t wear a swim cap, though, because it’s a bit inconvenient, and quite frankly, doesn’t look the best.
Another common method to protect your locks is to coat them in an oil-based substance. The oil helps to slow down the absorption of chlorine by your hair and keep it soft in the process.
Our hair oil is a perfect oil to help keep those summer locks hydrated. It contains all-natural ingredients such as amla oil that cover each strand with protection.
Need even more suggestions to enjoy refreshing pool time without overheating your hair? Here are some more tips to keep your hair moisturized all summer long:
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Wet your hair BEFORE getting into the pool with untreated water. This will slow down the absorption of chlorine by your hair since it is already wet.
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Shampoo right after getting out of the pool. This will remove a major amount of the chemicals and give them less time to soak into your hair. Our Everywhere Every Hair Shampoo Bar is perfect for this method!
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Replace the moisture you lost. After showering, remember to apply a hair oil in order to replenish the oils that were just lost.
Now that you’re all set with a routine to keep your hair protected from chemicals, you should also know that there’s one more big element of summer that can cause some damage-- one that’s almost impossible to avoid: the sun.
According to dermatologist Wilma Bergfeld, MD, “the sun’s rays act very much like bleach on hair [and] bleach reacts with the melanin in hair and removes the color in an irreversible chemical reaction. Bleach also damages the hair’s cuticle and protein, which is called keratin.”
In short: damage from the sun can make your hair appear brittle, thin and frizzy.
No one wants frizzy or brittle hair! Here are some steps to take to prevent damage while also still enjoying the summer outside:
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Wear a hat and sunscreen while lounging in the sun in order to protect your scalp, hair and beautiful skin.
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Avoid being in the sun for long periods of time during peak hours of 1:00 PM-4:00 PM.
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Keep your hair moisturized after being in the sun all-day. Deep condition it and finish with a hair oil.
See...you can enjoy your favorite summertime activity and have beautiful hair—you just have to be conscious of your actions before and after! Also remember, this advice goes for hair all over, no matter if it’s on the top of your head or on your face. Beards and mustaches can definitely suffer the consequences from chlorine and sun as well, so grab a had and some beard oil to protect that glorious facial hair.
How do you cool off or have fun in the sun during the summer? Let us know in the comments below!