Swimming is healthy, it liberates from stress and makes you feel like it’s only you and the water, and nothing else. Knowing how much time I spend swimming, most women ask me how I manage to keep my hair so healthy and smooth. I have been swimming since I was four and I have always enjoyed spending my time swimming. In time, I needed to come up with an effective way to keep my hair healthy and beautiful after swimming. After spending years experimenting with numerous products and techniques, I’ve finally found the ones that I really like and I want to share some tips with you. So instead of restraining yourself from jumping into the pool, check out these tips and get into that water.
Before swimming
What most women forget is that preparation for swimming is as important as aftercare. Some women dislike swimming because exposure to water and sun usually makes the hair brittle, dull and dry. I had the same problem until I tried out coconut and olive oil that nourishes and protects the hair, thus prevents it from drying and discoloring.
Another thing you should always keep in mind is that, when exposed to water, your hair acts like a huge sponge, it soaks up a lot of water. Believe it or not, this problem can be solved by a simple shower. So, all you need to do is to take a shower, wet your hair, and the clean water will prevent it from soaking up chlorine and other harmful chemicals.
Apart from applying olive or coconut oil to your hair, you also need to apply an effective conditioner or spray with a sunscreen that contains vitamins A, C and E. Believe me, I never leave home without one of those in my bag. While swimming, I make a break from time to time in order to apply a new protective layer to my hair.
Many women make the same mistake and avoid wearing swimming caps. What they don’t know is that these caps protect your skin and ears from numerous parasites that could cause terrible and painful inflammations, and they keep your hair healthy and untouched. When I was a child, I hated swimming caps, but my parents made me wear them. I must admit that, today, I’m very grateful they did so!
After swimming
Keeping your hair beautiful after frequent exposure to the sun and water can be really tricky. That’s why you need to use adequate products that will nourish your hair and make it stay perfectly moisturized. When buying a shampoo or a conditioner, I usually pay special attention to its labels. For example, there are amazing products specially designed for “swimmers’ hair”. I usually prefer products that have both an immediate and long-run effect on my hair. When it comes to brushes, I am very satisfied with the Cloud Nine paddle and dressing brush. These brushes proved to be great for taming my long hair without breaking or split ends, and I wouldn’t change them for any other brush.
Apart from buying hair care products, I’ve also come up with some amazing alternative ways, using ingredients from my kitchen cabinet. One of the most effective DIY products I’ve tried out is made out of a pack of honey, peeled and mashed avocado and an egg yolk. All you have to do is to apply the substance onto your scalp, wrap your hair in a warm towel and leave it for 15 minutes.
What I would also like to recommend to all women is to have their hair cut in the end of the swimming season. No matter how much you nourish it, after being exposed to the sun and numerous chemicals from the water, your hair will definitely be brittle and dry.
All in all, keeping your hair healthy and beautiful isn’t that complicated if you know how to do it properly. With these simple, yet effective tips for taking care of your hair before and after swimming, you will finally be able to enjoy swimming and sunshine and will not have to worry about your hair.
About the Author
Amy Mia Goldsmith is an Aussie who loves to read and has been writing novels and short stories as long as she can remember. She is also a passionate swimmer and loves to water ski. She is currently studying and working in a bookstore. Her passion is beauty and makeup and she loves to spend her free time reading reviews and of course – make up shopping!
Contact Amy on her Facebook page.
