Swimming and Curls: How To Protect Your Curls in the Pool

To keep curls in the best condition, hydration and nourishment is essential.Swimming can make this a little more difficult as chlorinated water tends to dry out hair. With the right preparation and after-care, your curls will stay happy and hydrated.

A simple trick is to wet your hair before swimming. Hair is like a sponge, so if you soak it in water beforehand, this can help minimise the chlorinated water entering the hair. For even more protection, try coating your hair with a thick layer of Conditioner as well. Hair is porous, and using Conditioner fills in the gaps, and stops the hair absorbing too much chlorine.

The best way to protect your hair in the pool is to wear a swim cap. It may not be the most comfortable, but it is the most effective way of keeping your curls in good condition. If you dampen the hair and use some Conditioner before popping on your swim cap, this will act as a deeply nourishing treatment as the heat generated in the cap will help the Conditioner be absorbed more thoroughly into your hair.

After getting out of the pool, wash your hair as soon as possible. Use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo, like our All Curl Cleanser, to remove the chlorine and it won’t further dry out your hair. Sulfate-free shampoos are gentle and don’t strip your hair of its vital natural oils. If you’re a regular swimmer, try alternating the Cleanser with the Co-wash as this will balance out the hydration needed for your hair, while also removing chlorine.

If your hair is feeling a little dry and in need of extra nourishment, use our Deep Hydration Hair Mask to keep your curls happy. The Hair Mask is deeply nourishing and contains protein to reinforce the hair shaft and reduce damage. It contains lots of lovely ingredients like coconut, shea butter, and prickly pear oils, to hydrate and strengthen your hair.

Don’t let your curls spoil your fun in the pool! Follow these simple tips to keep your curls well-nourished and hydrated while you swim. Your curls will thank you.