Summer is the time that we all flock to the water. Whether you live close to the beach, jump in a swimming pool or find a local river or creek, it’s the ultimate way to cool down during the hotter months.
Growing up in Australia, it’s ingrained in us that sun protection is paramount. Skin cancer is the world’s most common cancers, and yet, once of the most preventable ones. So we know how to slip, slop, slap, but what about other parts of our body? Our hair, for example.
What damage can be caused from salt water or chlorine?
Exposure to chlorine and salt water can affect the look and feel of our hair. It can start to feel dry and brittle, which can lead to loss of elasticity and breakage. If you have colour or chemically treated hair (like a keratin treatment) salt water or chlorine can also fade your results quicker than they naturally would.
What can be commonly known as ‘swimmers hair’, the effects of salt water or chlorine aren’t limited to those who practice the sport. Any prolonged exposure to ocean or pool water can make hair susceptible to damage. Those with thin or fine hair, colour treated or dry hair should also exercise caution as they are more likely to see damage.
How to protect your hair from the sun
Just like our skin, our hair and scalp are important to keep protected from the sun. Prolonged UVA and UVB exposure can cause damage to the hair cuticle, resulting in frizzy, straw-like hair.
While wearing a hat and seeking shade is best, if you are heading out into the sun, try the Sun Bum Protecting Scalp & Hair Mist to protect your scalp. The mist will protect your scalp in areas where the hair parts and can often be missed while applying sunscreen.
To protect the hair itself, try a UV protectant like the Aveda Suncare Hair Veil. It aims to prevent colour fading and dryness in the hair when being exposed to the suns damaging rays.
How to protect your hair from swimmers hair
There are a number of ways you can protect your hair before hitting the beach or pool this summer.
1. Wet and condition your hair before you go swimming
Our hair can act almost like a sponge. If it is already full of liquid, it is unlikely it will absorb much more. So try drenching your hair with normal water before your swim so that there is less of a chance the salt water or chlorine will be absorbed.
To enhance this, you can pop on a deep conditioning hair mask such as the Hairification Pure Hydration Revitalising Mask before you hit the water. Again, your hair will soak up the mask rather than the water, reducing the risk of damage.
2. Wash your hair as soon as possible after being in the water
To avoid swimmers hair, try to rinse your hair out as soon as you leave the water. If possible, wash your hair properly as soon as you can to ensure you’re not going to see any damage.
Opt for a hydrating or nourishing shampoo and conditioner like Pureology to wash your hair afterwards. For an added bonus, finish with a hair oil such as Kerastase 8HR Night Serum to lock in extra moisture.
3. Limit your hair exposure to the water
To really minimise the risk of damage, try wearing a swimming cap if you’re thinking of heading to the beach or pool.
If a cap is not your style, at least try and tie your hair in a tight bun or braid, limiting the amount of water that is absorbed by the hair while swimming.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
