On your Instagram feed, swimming pools look super glamorous and fresh. But most pools do contain chemicals to keep the water clean and free of bacteria. That's important, but it doesn't change the fact that pool water can be very damaging to your hair, causing dryness, frizz and split ends. Here's how to protect your hair from harsh chemicals.
Keep Your Head Above Water
Use a hair tie to put your hair into a ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a bun on top of your head and secure with hair pins. For short hair or hair with many layers, secure loose ends with hair pins. Use a thick, stretchy headband to pull back bangs and small hairs at the nape of your neck. Keep your head above water while swimming.
Wear a Shower Cap and Swim Cap
Swim caps are not made to keep hair dry, but they do provide extra protection against water when placed over a shower cap. Tuck hair into a shower cap, and secure that with a swim cap layered on top.
Apply Leave-In Conditioner
Let your hair absorb clean water and conditioner rather than pool chemicals. Get your hair wet with fresh, clean water and cover it in leave-in conditioner before entering the pool.
Tip
If your hair does get wet in a swimming pool, rinse it with fresh water immediately to minimize chemical damage.
References
Writer Bio
Isabell Hue is a licensed esthetician and makeup artist. She is also a freelance writer. She is published on various websites, specializing in informative skincare articles, and is the Reno-area health expert for yet another prominent online publication.