Protect Your Curls This Summer: Poolside and Seawater Survival Guide

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Summer is here, and with it comes the opportunity to hit the beach, dive into the pool, and bask in the sun. But as much as we love enjoying the water, it can be a serious challenge for our curls. Chlorine, saltwater, and the sun can leave your curls feeling dry, brittle, and prone to damage. But don’t worry! With the right protection, your curls can stay healthy and bouncy all summer long.

Here’s your ultimate guide to keeping your curls safe from pool chemicals and seawater.

1. Pre-Water Prep: Hydrate and Protect

Before you dive into the pool or take a dip in the sea, it’s crucial to prepare your curls. Start by applying a generous amount of leave-in conditioner or a deep conditioning hair mask to your curls. This creates a barrier that will help protect your hair from absorbing chlorine or saltwater.

You can also use a lightweight, water-resistant hair oil or serum to seal the moisture into your curls and prevent them from getting stripped away by the harsh elements. Think of this as your pre-swim shield!

2. Keep Hair Up and Covered

If you’re planning to swim for a long time, consider keeping your curls protected by wearing a swim cap or tying your hair up in a loose braid or bun. This minimizes the amount of exposure your curls have to the water. It also prevents tangling and keeps your curls intact after your swim.

For those days when a swim cap isn’t an option, opt for a cute and functional silk or satin hair wrap. These fabrics are gentle on your curls, reduce friction, and won’t strip away moisture like cotton does.

3. Rinse Before and After You Swim

Chlorine and saltwater can damage your curls by stripping away their natural moisture. Before entering the pool or sea, rinse your curls with clean, fresh water. This helps reduce the amount of chlorine or saltwater your hair absorbs, protecting it from drying out.

After swimming, rinse your hair immediately with fresh water again to remove any chlorine or salt that may have clung to your curls. If possible, try to use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your curls without further drying them out.

4. Deep Condition Post-Swim

After a day in the water, your curls will need some extra TLC. Incorporate a deep conditioning treatment into your routine to replenish moisture and restore shine. Look for deep conditioners that are packed with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil to help nourish your curls back to their natural, bouncy state.

You can also leave a nourishing hair mask on your curls for a few hours or overnight for an intensive treatment.

5. Avoid Excessive Heat Styling

With all the exposure to chlorine, saltwater, and the summer sun, your curls may be feeling a little more frazzled than usual. To keep them in top shape, try to avoid excessive heat styling during the summer months. Instead, embrace your natural curl pattern and let your curls air dry for a more effortless, beachy look.

If you do need to use heat, always apply a heat protectant spray to your curls before styling to prevent any additional damage.

6. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Summer is the season of sun, and the heat can leave your curls feeling parched. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, which will keep your curls looking their best. Dehydration can affect your hair’s health, so make sure you’re replenishing from the inside out.

Final Thoughts

Your curls are meant to shine, even in the summer sun! By following these simple steps to protect your hair from chlorine and seawater, you can enjoy all the fun that summer has to offer while keeping your curls hydrated, healthy, and fabulous.

Your curls deserve the best. Start with the Koru essentials.