Essential Hair Care for Swimmers: How to Prep Your Hair Before a Swim

Blog Highlights: 

• Different hair types need unique pre-swim care to prevent chlorine and saltwater damage, reducing dryness, frizz, and breakage.
  
  

• Hydration and protective barriers like leave-in conditioners and water defence sprays help maintain hair health before swimming.
  
  

• Pre-swim routines, including rinsing with fresh water and using protective products, ensure hair stays nourished and damage-free.

Swimming is refreshing and a great workout, but exposure to chlorine, saltwater, and hard water can leave your hair dry, brittle, and prone to damage. Preparing your hair before swimming is just as important as post-swim care. 

The right hair care for swimmers depends on your hair type, ensuring it stays strong and nourished. Here’s how you can tailor your pre-swim routine based on your hair type.

Pre-Swim Hair Care for Curly Hair

Curly hair is naturally dry and prone to frizz, making it more vulnerable to chlorine and saltwater.

• Wet your hair thoroughly with fresh water to prevent excess absorption of pool chemicals.

• Apply a lightweight conditioner to create a protective barrier.

• Gently detangle to reduce post-swim breakage.

Pre-Swim Hair Care for Dry & Damaged Hair

Dry and damaged hair can become even more brittle after exposure to chlorine and salt.

• Rinse hair with clean water to prevent excessive chemical absorption.

• Apply a hydrating leave-in conditioner to add an extra layer of protection.

• Braid or tie hair loosely to minimize tangling while swimming.

Pre-Swim Hair Care for Colored Hair

Colored hair is at risk of chlorine discoloration and chemical damage from pool water.

• Saturate hair with clean water to reduce chlorine penetration.

• Use a nourishing conditioner to maintain vibrancy and prevent color loss.

• Wear a swim cap for extra protection against harsh chemicals.

Pre-Swim Hair Care for Frizzy Hair

Frizzy hair absorbs excess moisture, making it more unruly post-swim.

• Dampen hair before swimming to reduce water absorption.

• Apply a hair serum to smooth hair cuticles.

• Tuck hair into a braid or bun to minimize friction and frizz.

Pre-Swim Hair Care for Thin Hair

Thin hair can become limp and weak when exposed to chlorine.

• Rinse hair with fresh water to reduce chemical buildup.

• Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner to protect without weighing hair down.

• Avoid tight hairstyles that can cause stress on fragile strands.

Pre-Swim Hair Care for Oily Scalp

Oily scalps can become greasier after swimming due to chlorine buildup.

• Skip heavy conditioners before swimming to avoid extra oiliness.

• Rinse hair with water to prevent over-absorption of pool chemicals.

• Choose a loose ponytail or bun to keep hair out of the face without trapping oil.

Pre-Swim Hair Care for Dandruff-Prone Hair

Chlorine can dry out the scalp, making dandruff worse.

• Moisturize the scalp with a light oil to prevent excessive dryness.

• Rinse hair with clean water to limit chlorine contact with the scalp.

• Avoid scratching or aggressive brushing before swimming.

Following these hair care tips for swimmers will help maintain your hair’s health, no matter your hair type. For more detailed hair care for swimmers, check out our blog that explains all of it. 

Pre & Post-Swim Product for Swimmers

To be the only go-to hair care for swimmers, The Earth Collective Swimmers Hair Care Duo is designed to shield your hair from chlorine and saltwater. This duo includes a Water Defence Spray to create a protective layer before swimming and a Co-Wash to cleanse gently post-swim without stripping natural moisture. 

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