How many times have you stepped out of the sea or pool, only to get home and find your hair dry, damaged and tangled? Damage may have already started to set in, but there are ways to save your hair after a swim. Stock up on the right hair products and follow these tips for the perfect beach hair.
Preparation Is Key
Sea water, chlorine and UV rays strip hair of its natural oils, raise the hair cuticle and leave strands feeling rough and coarse. Much of the damage also occurs because people go straight into the pool or sea with dry hair, leaving it more vulnerable to the water.
So, if you want perfect beach hair without the unwanted effects of salt water or chlorine, it is worth taking a few preventive measures before that long-awaited swim.
Start by wetting your hair with fresh water. Why? If your hair is already wet when you enter the sea or pool, it will absorb less salt or chlorine, respectively, helping reduce the damage.
Whatever your hair texture, apply a hair oil or leave-in conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends before going into the sea. Once you get out, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool, fresh water. This will help smooth the hair cuticle, immediately making your hair look sleeker and shinier.
Hairstylists also recommend a deep cleanse once a week with a clarifying shampoo, followed by a deep conditioner or hair mask to nourish hair from roots to ends.
The Right Post-Swim Hair Care
The simplest way to ensure great-looking hair after a day at the beach or pool is to keep it wet and create a sleek wet look — the ultimate summer hairstyle.
If you have naturally wavy or curly hair, apply a moisturizing hair oil to give it extra shine. If, on the other hand, your hair is naturally straight, spray a texturizing product from the mid-lengths to the ends.
You should also avoid sea salt sprays, as your hair will already contain plenty of salt if you have been swimming in the ocean. Instead, choose a sunscreen spray designed for hair to protect it from UV radiation. This is especially important if your hair is color-treated, as sunlight can cause the color to fade more quickly.
Once your hair begins to dry, spray dry shampoo at the roots and tame frizz with an anti-humidity spray.
Create Protective Hairstyles
Naturally wavy or curly hair tends to be drier, so if you spend a lot of time at the pool or beach, it is particularly important to choose a hairstyle that protects it from harsh environmental factors such as UV rays, humidity, sea salt and chlorine.
Apply a leave-in conditioner to wet hair and then style it into one or two braids. Alternatively, pull it into a high ponytail.
Finally, apply hair oil to the ends for an extra boost of moisture.
