Summer is here, which means it’s time to hit the beach or pool for a refreshing dip! As much fun as these activities are, they may not be the best thing for your hair. Chlorine and saltwater can leave your locks dirty, damaged, oily, full of deposits, frizzy, and lifeless. But don't worry; we've got you covered! In this article, we'll share with you the best summer hair care tips and tricks to protect your hair from the harmful effects of chlorine and saltwater. From pre-swim treatments to post-swim hair care and an effective hair care routine, you'll learn everything you need to know to keep your hair looking healthy all summer long.
Understanding the Harmful Effects of Chlorine and Saltwater on Hair
Before diving into the best ways to protect hair from chlorine and saltwater damage, it's important to understand their harmful effects on your hair.
Chlorine is a harsh chemical used to disinfect pools, and it can strip your hair of its natural oils. While tap water contains small amounts of chlorine, it doesn’t have enough to cause the same damage. However, pool water is so high in chlorine that it does not just affect the hair strands but also the cuticles and hair protein. It also dissolves hair lipids – this damage causes the hair to become dull and brittle, causing breakage and snagging.
Saltwater, on the other hand, can cause dehydration and leave your hair feeling rough and tangled. The high salt content of ocean water draws water out of your hair, leaving it brittle and unclean with an uncomfortable mix of both dry and sticky. Both can also cause colour fading and breakage. In addition to this, ocean water has much higher pH levels than your hair needs to thrive. This is why prolonged periods in the ocean can cause damage to your hair.
However, don't let that scare you away from enjoying a swim! With the right tips and a well-defined hair care routine, you can keep your hair healthy and beautiful all season long.
Pre-Swim Treatments: Shielding Your Hair from Chlorine and Saltwater Damage
Protecting hair from chlorine and saltwater damage starts before you even hit the pool or beach. Taking preventative measures can go a long way in preserving your hair. One pre-swim treatment that can shield your hair from damage is applying iluvia’s 100% Pure Argan Oil before entering the water. The all-natural oil works as a leave-in conditioner. It helps create a barrier that prevents chlorine and saltwater from completely penetrating your hair shaft and stripping away its natural oils.
Read more about the many benefits of Argan Oil here.
Another option is to wet your hair with clean, non-chlorinated water before entering the pool or ocean. This can help reduce the amount of chlorine or salt water your hair absorbs, as it will already be saturated with water.
With these pre-swim tips, you can help minimise the damaging effects of chlorine and saltwater on your hair and when combined with the right post-swim hair care, you can keep your hair on point. Read on to learn more about how to nourish and protect hair salt water and chlorine after swimming.
Post-Swim Hair Care: Hair Protection After Swimming
After a refreshing swim in the pool or ocean, your hair may be left feeling unclean, brittle, and damaged. To prevent these effects, it's important to take care of your hair after swimming by following the right method. One way to do this is by rinsing your hair with tap water as soon as you get out of the water. This can help remove some of the chlorine or saltwater and help prevent it from further drying out your hair.
However, what you surely need is a range of hair care products in your routine that can help reverse these damaging effects, and if you are a frequent swimmer or if beach destinations are your thing, then it’s even more beneficial to feature such products as a regular. Of the things that are a must, first comes a deep cleansing shampoo designed to cleanse the scalp and hair while removing deposits. Such a shampoo with an advanced formulation can help remove build-up from chlorine and other chemicals that may be present in the water. The next step would be to follow it up with a deep conditioning treatment after shampooing to help strengthen and protect your hair from further damage.
The best treatment for chlorine damaged hair or hair exposed to salt water is the Complete Professional System from iluvia. It includes the Hard Water Shampoo, Squalene Restorative Conditioner and Intensive Hair Care Serum.
The Hard Water Shampoo is a gentle yet effective deep cleanser that rids the hair and scalp of metal ion deposits and other build-ups, such as oil and dirt. It cleans hair and scalp effectively and stops it from becoming oily or sticky. The shampoo also soothes a flaky and itchy scalp, a common side effect of chlorine damaged hair or salt water damaged hair.
Follow it up with the Squalene Restorative Conditioner to deeply condition your hair. Enriched with plant-derived Olive Squalene, it improves elasticity and strengthens the hair without making it dry or dull. Your final step for hair protection from salt water or chlorine should include the Intensive Hair Care Serum. Created with Moroccan Argan Oil and Olive Squalene Oil, it restores the hair’s lipid barrier, making it smooth, shiny, tangle-free and more manageable. If you have thicker, frizzier hair, you can try the Hair Protection Serum instead.
In addition to these post-swim hair care tips, there are other ways to protect your hair while swimming. For example, wear a swimming cap to prevent exposure to chlorine and saltwater. You can also avoid tight hairstyles that can pull on your hair and cause breakage. By taking these steps, you can enjoy your time in the water without worrying about damaging your hair.
In conclusion, while summertime swimming can damage your hair, the right precautions can keep your hair looking gorgeous throughout the season. Remember to shield your hair with pre-swim treatments, nourish it with post-swim care, and take extra precautions with other easy hair protection tips. Start implementing these tips today and dive into summer without worrying about chlorine and saltwater damage.
For more hair care tips and a luxurious range of hair products, head to iluviapro.com.