If this summer’s heat dome has driven you to spend more time than ever in the nearest, coolest body of water available (ocean, pool, lake, river, bucket—we don’t judge), then you may be noticing the toll it takes on your hair. “Pool water, saltwater, pollution, and UV rays can be harmful to all hair types,” says New York City hairstylist Stephen Knoll. “The chemicals present (like chlorine and sodium chloride) remove the hair’s natural oils, while UV radiation damages its protein, making strands dry, brittle, coarse, and frizzy.” Whether you have fine, curly, or color-treated hair, there are some simple things you can do before, during, and after your dip to not only keep hair healthy and strong but also make the three D’s (that’s detangle, detox, and damage control) so much easier to handle. Dive right into these pro tips and product recommendations personalized to your hair texture and color:
If you have curly or coily hair
Before you jump in
Your hair is a sponge; it loves to soak up liquid. But it can only hold so much. This is why you want to rinse your hair with fresh, clean water from the shower before you submerge it in the pool or ocean. Afterward, coat hair with an oil-based conditioner to act as a hydrating shield, and then detangle. “To keep it tangle-free, pull it into a ponytail, then braid the tail and pin into a bun. Or consider a two-strand twist or another protective style, like scalp braids, box braids, Dutch, or French braids,” says LaKahyia Moll, an educator coach at Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes Lafayette.
While you splash
“I recommend wearing a swim cap or turban," says Britney Newville, Bumble and Bumble’s West Coast education manager. It won’t keep hair completely dry, but it definitely limits the flow and helps keep curls intact, tangle-free, and hidden from UV light.
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After you dry off
Rinse your hair as soon as you can, then shampoo. Swap your usual conditioner with a deep conditioning mask. “Leave it on for at least five minutes to really drive in moisture,” says Newville.
Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Conditioner
This deeply hydrating formula contains coconut oil, papaya butter, aloe, and glycerin to glide through thick curls.
You can tie this soft, chlorine-resistant scarf as tightly or loosely as you'd like to help keep hair contained and protected from UV rays. The partially recycled material is reversible, with a bold print on one side and a solid color on the other.
SOUL CAP Swim Cap
This silicone cap comes in large, extra-large, and extra-extra-large sizes to easily stretch over weaves, dreadlocks, Afros, braids, or extensions.
You Go Natural V2 Swim Turban
To keep your hair as dry as possible, go with this turban, which has a silicone lining inside the Lycra wrap.
Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask
Bamboo water, coconut, and monoi oil protect and strengthen waves, curls, and coils.
If you have fine hair
Before you jump in
As tempting as it is to throw caution to the balmy wind and immediately cannonball into the water, a little bit of prep will go a long way to ensure your fine hair stays nourished and knot-free. First, detour to the shower to rinse your hair. This helps close the strands’ cuticles (the scales that form the outer, protective layer of the strand), making them less permeable. Then apply a leave-in conditioner (especially to mid-lengths and ends) to reinforce the protective barrier so chlorine, salt, and other impurities can’t penetrate. If you wear a swim cap, you’ll find that the conditioner makes it slip on easily; silicone caps won’t rough up fine strands.
While you splash
Channel the Little Mermaid and let your hair flow. “Hair is at its most fragile when it’s wet, and a ponytail with a tight elastic band can cause stress and additional breakage,” says San Diego hairstylist Gina Rivera. Also, whenever you reapply sunscreen, add a little more of your leave-in conditioner to re-up its protection.
After you dry off
Even if you’ve followed these directions precisely, chlorine may still seep into hair, and after a while, it can feel like straw. The antidote is a clarifying shampoo. Swap it with your regular shampoo as needed (if you swim often, use it once a week at most). Or try this: Mix equal parts baking soda (a natural clarifier) and water, says Rivera, then pour the solution onto your hair and distribute it from roots to ends with a wide-tooth comb. Let it sit for three to five minutes, rinse, and then shampoo and condition with your usual formulas.
LolaVie Perfecting Leave-In
Rose of Jericho, acaí, coconut, bamboo, and yeast extracts offer hydration, frizz control, and heat protection.
The Friendly Swede Silicone Swim Cap for Long Hair
A stretchy, 100 percent silicone caps pulls over hair gently and accommodates a little or a lot.
Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo
This accessible clarifying shampoo offers a major detox, effectively removing chlorine and buildup.
If you have color-treated, blonde, or gray Hair
Before you jump in
Coat your hair in a color-safe hair oil to help maintain the vibrancy of your strands while you swim. “Your hair absorbs the oil, minimizing the amount of chlorine or impurities that enter strands,” says Beverly Hills–based celebrity colorist Justin Anderson. A clear oil will also hydrate, protect hair from the the sun, and make it look shinier—without dulling or tinting your color.
While you splash
Spritz (and re-spritz) your hair with a color-safe leave-in conditioning mist to help deflect UV rays. It will not only protect your color but also leave your hair with loads of softness and shine. When you’re not actively swimming, wear a hat to protect your color (and your skin).
After you dry off
Use a clarifying shampoo made for color-treated, blonde, or gray hair to remove the chlorine, salt, or pollution your hair absorbed. Follow with conditioner. Ideally, let your hair air-dry since hot tools sap moisture from delicate strands.
dpHUE Color Fresh Oil Therapy
This argan-oil-based blend is clear, so it won't change or dull your haircolor.
Kérastase Soleil Huile Sirene Hair Oil Mist
A UV filter helps to neutralize UV rays, while the fragrant mist boosts or sets any natural wave you have. It's light enough that you can apply on dry or damp hair.
Kenra Professional Clarifying Shampoo
Effectively remove chlorine and other mineral deposits while protecting—and even brightening—your color.
