Tips for Swimming With Natural Hair

Summer is here, and it’s time to have some fun in the sun. If you are ready to have some fun at the pool, you have to remember to protect your hair. Most swimming pools use chlorine to clean the water, and unfortunately, it’s not so good for natural hair.

Chlorine can be very harsh on hair, especially thick, curly hair. That is why it is so important to protect your hair while you swim. There is good news, though! There are things that you can do before and after swimming to make sure your hair is protected. Here are some ways to keep your hair healthy while swimming this summer.

Before Swimming:

Wet Your Hair

Yes, this may sound crazy, but you should wet your hair before getting into the pool. Did you know that wet hair will soak up less chlorine or sea salt than dry hair will? Wetting your hair before swimming will help to reduce the amount of chlorine your hair absorbs while you are swimming.

Apply an Oil to Your Hair

Use Mielle’s Mint Almond Oil before getting in the water. You can even do this step the night before. Your hair will absorb the oil, which will help to strengthen the hair shaft and provide extra protection against the chlorine.

Coat Your Hair With Conditioner

By coating your hair with conditioner before swimming, it will help seal the hair cuticle and also create a barrier between your hair strands and the chlorine. Our White Peony Leave-In Conditioner is perfect for this!

Put Your Hair Up

It is probably not a good idea to leave your hair out when swimming. Place your hair in a bun or twists to keep your hair from getting tangled or matted while swimming.

Wear a Swimming Cap

We know this may not be the best option, but it is an excellent way to protect your hair while swimming. It is one of the best barriers to prevent chlorine from getting in your hair.

After Swimming:

Rinse Hair With Cool Water, Then Shampoo

After swimming, it is essential that you rinse and cleanse your hair. Wash your hair as soon as possible after swimming to remove any chlorine that may have gotten on your hair, and make sure to use cool or lukewarm water to keep the hair from becoming dry. Cooler water seals the cuticle layer of the hair. Use our Babassu Oil Sulfate-Free Shampoo to remove product buildup and chlorine from your hair.

Deep Condition and Moisturize 

Restore moisture to your hair after swimming by deep conditioning your hair. Our Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner is great for adding moisture – and strength – to your hair.

Natural Hairstyles for Swimming

Now that you have some tips for protecting your hair while you swim, here are a few hairstyles that are perfect for swimming.

• Two French braids
• Twists
• High bun

How are you protecting your natural hair while swimming?