Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD Chlorine and salt water can be particularly drying for African American hair, stripping it of natural moisture and making the cuticle more ragged and porous. An open, ragged cuticle can increase your hair’s porosity, making it more likely to be dry and tangled. The following suggestions for before and after swim hair care that will help keep your hair healthy and moisturized, and help you avoid damage from chlorine and salt exposure.
Before Swim Natural Hair Care
1. Wet Your Hair
If you’re not planning to wear a swim cap, take a few moments to wet your hair before going for a swim. Your hair will absorb the water and be less likely to absorb as much of the chlorine or salt and minerals from the pool or ocean.
2. Apply an Oil
Massage your favorite oil into the length of your strands. Baobab and amla oils are awesome for the hair. Another great pre-swim choice, that’s also much more affordable: Coconut oil! Coconut oil will act as a sealant for your hair, further preventing chlorine and other nasties from entering your hair. You can even apply oil to your hair the night before swimming to help strengthen your strands and provide extra protection.
3. Apply a Deep Conditioner
If you want to go the extra step, apply a conditioner to your hair before swimming. Not your most expensive one, mind you! You’re just going to be washing it off later. The conditioner will further help protect your hair and give it slip, preventing more tangles and knots.
4. Wear a Swim Cap
If you’re a regular swimmer and exposed to a lot of chlorine or sea water, it’s best to wear a swim cap. It will keep your hair in place and prevent tangling, and also will help to keep your hair drier. These days, there are several good caps that are actually made for the largest and most voluminous of fros. There are even caps made large enough for those of us with locs or long braids.
5. Put Up Your Hair
Put your hair in a protective style like a bun or a loose braid or two. By securing your hair in the pool, it’ll be less likely to tangle and form knots. Your post wash detangle session will go a LOT easier if you do this. Also, putting your hair in a protective style allows a bit of extra protection from the chlorine and minerals in the water.
After Swim Natural Hair Care
6. Rinse Your Hair
Always be sure to rinse your hair after a swim. Even if you can’t immediately shampoo and deep condition, hit the shower and take the time to rinse out the chlorine or salt water. The longer it stays in your hair, the more drying it will be. Try to rinse with cool or luke-warm water to help seal your cuticle and make your hair less likely to dry out.
7. Shampoo
When time finally allows, shampoo your hair to get out the chlorine, minerals and other impurities. If you don’t want to use shampoo, try washing with rhassoul clay, or using a bentonite clay mask. If you swim a lot, consider a clarifying shampoo to help get rid of chlorine and mineral deposits. You don’t have to do this all the time, but it’s a good idea to do it every once in a while, especially if you’re a frequent swimmer. A good shampoo to try is Eden Body Works Peppermint Tea Tree Shampoo.
8. Deep Condition
After cleansing your hair, do a deep moisturizing conditioner. Again, this is especially important if you’ve been doing a lot of swimming, or sitting in the sun after swimming. You’ll need to re-hydrate your hair. I love the Shea Moisture Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque. It smells super yummy, and will leave your strands soft and with awesome slip.
