Haircare tips for before and after swimming

POLOKWANE – With a splish and a splash, you decided to dive into the swimming pool or ocean, but what about your hair?

Is it good for your hair to soak up the chemicals and/or sea salt this holiday season? Review spoke to owner of Trendy Beauty Salon, Minkie Molepo, who explained the importance of taking care of your hair, before and after you decide to take a dip. 

“We tend to only think about taking care of our hair after swimming, not taking into consideration that taking care of our hair before and after swimming is the best way to do it,” she said. 

Minkie said potentially damaging agents such as salt and chlorine can make their way into your hair, however, this is avoidable if you drench your hair with fresh and clean water a few minutes before going into the pool or ocean.

“As soon as you have rinsed your hair with clean and fresh water, your hair strands are thoroughly saturated. They won’t be able to absorb nearly as much pool or sea water than they would’ve if you had not rinsed it first,” she said.

Another alternative is putting on a swimming cap, but Minkie advised that you still make use of the same routine of drenching your hair.

“Swimming caps don’t cover your hair fully and somewhere, somehow, water always has it’s way of wetting your hair regardless of the swimming cap or not,” she said.

Minkie feels it is best to treat your hair with a specific hair product that is designed to keep your hair from damaging.

“These kinds of products will protect your hair from salt and chlorine and also condition it while you swim,” she added. 

A natural way of protecting your hair by repelling sea and pool water, while locking in moisture, is to rub some coconut oil into your hair using your fingertips before you go and swim.

“This option is the most effective option to keep your hair strong and healthy,” she explained.

Minkie said that once you’re out of the water and want to keep your hair looking good, the most important thing to do is to rinse your hair immediately.

“While salt may provide the hair with a lust-worthy touch of texture, leaving it to bake into your hair, it is likely to cause bleaching and split ends, especially for guys with longer hair. If you leave some chlorine to sit in your hair all day, it is a disaster waiting to happen. Make sure nothing is left behind by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo. If you’re not sure of what kind of products to use, ask your hairdresser for some advise,” she concluded.