Summer is here, which means pool dips and endless summer fun. Protect your hair from the sun and chemicals with cool soaks, deep conditioning, and protective habits to keep your strands healthy and thriving all summer long.
It’s no secret that summer and swimming go hand in hand. The downside? Together, chlorine and sun can compromise your hair’s vitality.
Proper pool hair care is a must to maintain healthy, lustrous hair and a hydrated scalp. Otherwise, your strands are vulnerable to dryness, discoloration, and damage.
With decades of hair science behind us, YA-MAN has uncovered the secrets to splash-proof strands that stay healthy amid the summer elements. In this guide, we bring you our top tips for gorgeous, nourished hair for your pool, beach, and long summer days.
Let’s dive in!
How Do I Keep My Hair Healthy in the Pool? 6-Step Routine + Bonus Tips
The pool can be tough on your tresses, but with the right pool hair care routine to protect hair from chlorine and sunshine, you can savor summertime swims and good-hair days.
1. Drench your hair ( and body ) with cool, non-chlorinated water
You might think pre-swim showers are only about keeping the pool clean, but there's more to it. When you soak first, your hair and skin act like sponges, and are less likely to absorb chlorine and pool chemicals.
2. Apply a pre-pool hair treatment for protection
Hair masks, like our Deep Moist Repair Treatment , form a protective barrier that reduces chlorine absorption and minimizes chemical damage, keeping your locks hydrated and healthy.
We know what you’re thinking: Should I put oil in my hair before swimming? Absolutely! Natural oils like Coconut or Argan Oil work similarly, shielding your hair and making it less likely to soak up those harmful chemicals.
3. Wear a swim cap or protective hairstyle
You rarely see a swimmer’s hair in the water because they often wear swim caps. These caps protect hair by minimizing chlorine exposure, especially at the roots where damage is the most severe.
If swim caps aren’t quite your style, that’s okay. Try hats or protective hairstyles, like braids or buns when dipping or laying out after swimming.
Next: how should I wash my hair after swimming?
After Pool Hair Care
4. Cleanse with a gentle shampoo
To protect hair from chlorine, one of the most crucial steps is to wash it all out after swimming. But this isn’t the time to reach for that clarifying shampoo. Instead, choose gentle, moisturizing formulas that cleanse without drying out your stands.
5. Finish off with deep conditioning
Follow your shampoo with a moisturizing conditioner to rehydrate, smooth, and repair your hair. This replenishes the cuticles with moisture and nutrients that chlorine draws out of your strands, making your hair softer and more manageable.
6. Apply a restorative leave-in treatment
For ongoing hydration and protection, apply a restorative leave-in treatment after washing your hair. This locks in moisture and shields against further exposure to damaging elements, so your hair remains healthy, shiny, and manageable.
Some formulas, like the YA-MAN Moist Hold Repair Oil, even pack a punch of thermal protection. That way, you can style your hair while combating heat damage and repairing your cuticles all at once.
Bonus: Summer Hair Care Tips
When it comes to fun in the sun, chlorine isn’t the only threat to your hair. Here are a few more tips to protect your strands throughout other summer activities:
Experiment with products designed for swimmers’ hair
Not all hair products are suitable for post-swim use. Look for shampoos, conditioners, and treatments specifically made to combat the effects of chlorine and saltwater on your hair and scalp.
- Use ionic hair dryers for quick and gentle styling
Ionic hair dryers emit negative ions that break down water molecules for smoother, shinier hair twice as fast. This minimizes heat exposure, helps preserve moisture, and minimizes frizz — all of which are essential after exposure to chlorine or saltwater.
Guard your hair against harmful UV rays
Did you know there are hair products with built-in UV filters? Just apply the product evenly to your hair before you head out in the sun. Like SPF for your skin, reapply every few hours for continued protection. For extra defense, combine UV hair care with protective accessories like hats or lightweight scarves.
Nourish your hair from the inside out
What you eat can also impact hair health . Drink plenty of water to fortify your locks from within. Adopt a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, including leafy greens, fruits, nuts, and lean proteins.
Practice healthy hair habits
Your hair deserves TLC every season. Here are some best practices to keep your locks lovely all year long:
Keep up with regular trims
Avoid excess heat styling
Always use thermal protection
Use microfiber towels to dry hair
Sleep with a silk pillowcase or bonnet
Take a break from tight, aggressive hairstyles
Massage your scalp regularly
Limit chemical treatments
Clean your tools frequently
Pool Hair Care: Frequently Asked Questions
The pool can be tough on your tresses, but with the right pool hair care routine to protect hair from chlorine and sunshine, you can savor summertime swims and good-hair days.
How do chlorine and pool chemicals affect hair?
Chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent that strips hair's natural oils and breaks down its proteins. This results in dry, weaker, and more porous hair, allowing more pool water and chemicals to penetrate and damage its structure.
What are the symptoms of pool-damaged hair?
Swimmers’ hair typically experiences issues like:
Dryness or brittleness
Discoloration
Frizz
Split ends
Tangles
Loss of shine
Scalp irritation
Increased porosity
Does sun exposure impact hair health?
Yes, UV rays can damage hair cuticles, leading to dryness, brittleness, and color fading. Prolonged exposure can also weaken your hair's protein structure, which triggers split ends and breakage.
How do you get rid of pool hair?
Thoughtful pool hair care starts before you ever dive in. Prep your hair with a cool rinse, apply a pre-pool treatment, and use a barrier like a swim cap, hat, or protective style. After swimming, thoroughly cleanse and style with the right products. Practice healthy hair habits daily to keep it strong and well-nourished.
Should I wash my hair after swimming every day?
Yes. While overwashing your hair has disadvantages, leaving chlorine and other pool chemicals in your hair can do far more damage. If you plan to take daily dips this summer, you might want to consider a swim cap or avoid wetting your hair to give it a breather.
Splash Away Bad Hair Days with YA-MAN USA
The bottom line: you don't have to choose between endless poolside fun and healthy mermaid locks. The secret? Intentional pool hair care tailored to your sunny escapades.
By prepping your hair before swimming, using protective measures, and following a thorough post-pool routine, you’ll keep your strands pampered and pretty on every sun-soaked day.
Dive into fabulous hair with YA-MAN USA's advanced-tech hair care products today! Shop now and enjoy healthy, gorgeous locks all summer long!
