Swimming with a cap protects your hair.
Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise that works the whole body, says exercise physiologist Robert A. Robergs of the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. The shoulders, back, abs, legs, hips and glutes all get a major workout with swimming, which is both a cardiovascular and strength-building endeavor. However, for all its health benefits, swimming can be harmful to your hair. Proper hair care before, during and after swimming is essential.
Instructions
1. Rinse your hair with water and use a wide-tooth comb to apply conditioner for dry hair to your tresses before swimming. Chlorine can dry out your hair, causing it to split and lose its shine. A layer of conditioner will help your hair keep its sebum, the natural lubricant that protects the hair cuticle.
2. Slip a well-fitting swim cap over your head after you've conditioned and don a pair of goggles to keep it in place. A cap with a good seal will keep the conditioner on your head and limit the amount of water that comes in contact with your hair.
3. Wash your hair with a swimmer's shampoo when you exit the pool and condition some more. Available at drug stores, sporting good stores and some hair salons, swimmer's shampoo "detoxifies" your hair, removing chlorine. Alternate with a shampoo that is high in protein to keep shampoo residue from building up on your hair. After rinsing thoroughly, apply another coat of conditioner and rinse as needed. Alternate as well between regular conditioner for dry hair, a deep-conditioning hair masque and a leave-in conditioner that you can wear until the next time you wash your hair.
4. Skip the hair dryer, hot curls, flat irons and other hot tools, which will further dry out your hair and cause it to break. To dry your hair naturally, squeeze or pat it gently and wrap it in a towel. If you must use a blow dryer, set it on cool or medium.
