15 Tips for Caring for Curly Hair if You Swim Regularly

Swimming is a refreshing way to keep yourself fit and healthy, but if you are blessed with curly hair, you may have to face certain challenges. The chemical cocktail that is present in swimming pool water, especially chlorine, can wreak havoc on curly hair. It can leave your hair looking dry, frizzy, and unmanageable. In this blog post, we'll deep dive into the effects of swimming pool water on curly hair and offer tips to care for your curly locks.

The Impact of Swimming Pool Water on Curly Hair:

Chlorine is added to swimming pool water to keep it disinfected, but it can be tough on curly hair. It strips the hair of its natural oils, leaving it parched and brittle. Moreover, it causes the hair cuticles to open up, making the hair more vulnerable to damage.

Apart from chlorine, swimming pool water may contain other chemicals like copper and iron, which may alter the colour of blonde hair and lead to other hair colour changes. Additionally, the pH of swimming pool water is typically higher than the pH of the scalp, leading to scalp irritation and dandruff.

Here are 15 Tips for Caring for Curly Hair if You Swim Regularly:

💦 Cover your hair with a swim cap to protect it from chlorine and other harmful chemicals.

💦 If you’re not going to wear a swimming cap, pre-wet your hair with fresh water before you hit the pool. This will help your hair absorb less chlorine from the pool water.
💦 Apply a leave-in conditioner like the One & Only Creamy Conditioner to your wet hair before swimming to provide a protective barrier for your hair.

💦 Alternatively, you can also wet the hair with fresh water, apply the One & Only Creamy Conditioner, and then apply coconut oil over it. The oil helps to form a protective layer while the conditioner nourishes and hydrates the hair. However, it's essential to wash out the oil thoroughly to prevent any unpleasant odor that may linger in the hair a day or two later.
💦 Use a clarifying shampoo regularly to get rid of any chlorine, oil, and product buildup.
💦 Always rinse your hair with fresh water immediately after swimming to flush out any residual chlorine or chemicals.

💦 Shield your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using a UV-protective hair product.
💦 Use a sulfate-free cleanser or cowash to keep your hair from drying out further. (All IntrinsiCurly Me products are sulphate free)
💦 Use the One & Only Creamy Conditioner to do a deep conditioning treatment once a week to restore moisture to your hair.
💦 Avoid rubbing your hair with a towel after swimming/rinsing. Instead, gently squeeze out extra moisture using a Microfibre Scrunching towel. This will also help prevent frizz.

💦 Use your fingers to detangle your hair when it is wet with conditioner. Never use a brush, as it may lead to breakage.

💦 Steer clear of hot tools on your hair, like a blow dryer or flat iron, as they may cause further damage.

💦 Switch to a satin or silk pillowcase to avoid breakage and frizz while you sleep.

💦 Say no to tight hairstyles like braids or ponytails, as they cause tension and breakage.
💦 Eat a healthy diet filled with vitamins and minerals to promote healthy hair growth and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep your hair hydrated from within.

In conclusion, swimming pool water can damage curly hair, but that doesn’t mean you should never swim. With these helpful tips, you can protect your curly hair from the harmful effects of chlorine and other chemicals found in swimming pool water. A little care can go a long way in keeping your curly hair healthy and gorgeous, even if you swim regularly.

Do you have any tips to add? Let us know in the comments below!