Swimming, Chlorine, Sea Salt, and Your Hair

By Katie Snowden, www.katie.es

Hi lovelies

Living on the Costa Del Sol means we are spoiled with sunshine, pools, and beautiful beaches. But while we love a refreshing swim, our hair is not always quite as enthusiastic. Between chlorine in pools and saltwater in the sea, your hair can end up feeling a little worse for wear if you do not look after it properly.

Let’s dive in (pun fully intended) and talk about what really happens to your hair when you swim, and how you can keep it looking fabulous.

Chlorine and Your Hair

Chlorine is brilliant for keeping pools clean, but your hair sees it differently. It strips away natural oils, leaving your strands dry and rough. If you colour your hair, chlorine can fade that colour quickly or even change the tone. Blondes sometimes notice their hair taking on a greenish tinge after too much pool time.

Not the mermaid look anyone was going for.

Saltwater and Your Hair

Saltwater is a little gentler but still not your hair’s best friend. It pulls moisture out of your strands, leaving them dry and brittle. It can also make tangles worse, especially for those of you with longer locks or hair extensions in Mijas. And while the beachy waves might look gorgeous at first, the dryness that follows is less appealing.

How to Protect Your Hair While Swimming

• Rinse your hair with fresh water before getting in the pool or the sea. Wet hair absorbs less chlorine or salt
• Apply a leave in conditioner or protective spray to create a barrier
• Tie your hair into a loose braid or bun to reduce tangling
• Wear a swimming cap if you are doing lots of laps in the pool. Not glamorous, I know, but your hair will thank you

After Your Swim

Do not just let chlorine or salt sit in your hair. Rinse it with fresh water straight away and follow up with a nourishing shampoo and conditioner. If you can, use a deep conditioning mask once or twice a week to keep your hair soft and shiny.

And if you are rocking hair extensions in the Costa Del Sol, remember that chlorine and saltwater can shorten their lifespan. Always take extra care to rinse and detangle your extensions gently after a swim.

My Top Tip

Keep a little bottle of leave in conditioner in your beach bag. A quick spritz before and after a swim makes a world of difference and helps keep your hair feeling soft even after a day of fun in the sun.

Swimming is one of the best parts of living here in Mijas, and with the right care, you can enjoy every splash without sacrificing your hair. If you are unsure which products are best for your hair type or your extensions, come see me at www.katie.es. I would love to help you find the perfect routine so you can swim, sunbathe, and shine with confidence.

Love, Katie x