3 Ways to Protect Your Hair Before Heading to the Beach or Pool

Summertime weather feels hotter and hotter as the months go on, and this summer is no exception. It’s officially pool or beach weather every day, meaning it’s the perfect temperature to take a dip. But, if you have hair that’s been recently colored or chemically treated, you might be hesitant to let saltwater or chlorine touch your mane. 

Both can damage the hair by drying it out, which is an ultimate no for those hair types. But, you definitely can still enjoy a swim in the pool or ocean — you might just have to take a couple of precautions. Keep reading to see how you can protect your hair this summer. 

How to Protect Your Hair From Chlorine and Saltwater

You don’t have to limit your water activities in the summer if having healthy hair is a top priority for you. Here are three ways that you can protect your mane at the pool or beach.

Rinse Hair Before and After

If you have color-treated or chemically-treated hair, chlorine and saltwater can both be pretty harmful to your strands, according to Jonathan Colombini, celebrity hairstylist and L’Oréal Paris Creative Director of Style and Color — he says that both can damage the hair and strip color. But, he has a trick to keep your mane protected. 

“My advice is to wet your hair in a shower first — this way your hair has absorbed the shower water and not the chlorine,” he says. Once you’re back home, make sure to also rinse your hair again thoroughly so that the chlorine or saltwater is completely washed out. This way, both have less time to further dry out the scalp. 

Use A Hydrating Hair System

As we mentioned earlier, chlorine and saltwater can both cause moisture loss in your hair, which can lead to a dry scalp, breakage, and split ends. To prevent that this summer, you want to make sure you’re using a hair care system that can nourish and replenish moisture. 

Try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump Hydrating Shampoo, Paraben-Free and the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump Hydrating Conditioner, Paraben-Free, which both contain hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate dry, dehydrated hair for a plump and bouncy mane. They also deliver long-lasting moisture, being able to replump flat hair for up to 72 hours. 

For an extra boost of hydration, add the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump Moisture Plump Serum, Paraben-Free to your routine. This no-rinse spray is also formulated with hyaluronic acid to make dull hair look shiny and lively.

Use A Swim Cap

Probably the most efficient and obvious way to protect your hair is by using a swim cap. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, wearing a tight-fitting swim cap before entering the pool can shield your mane from the damaging effects of chlorine. Saltwater can also dry out the hair and scalp, so it might be worth it next time you go to the beach as well. 

Next: How to Keep Your Scalp Healthy and Protected This Summer

Written by: Shannon Stubbs, Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn