Keep your hair damage-free while swimming this summer

If you're ready to cool off by swimming this summer, we have bad news. Chlorinated and salt water are lifesavers in summer, but they aren't kind to your hair.

"Chemicals in pools and saltwater from the ocean can strip the natural oils from the hair, and by constantly stripping our natural oils without proper conditioning, we can end up with dry, straw-like strands," says Aaron Nallo, a hairdresser from Mooi Hair.

Thankfully, hair care technology has advanced far enough for us to protect our strands while still enjoying the benefits of swimming in the summer. We asked Nallo for everything we needed to know about protecting our hair when swimming.

Is chlorine or saltwater worse for your hair?

"They both have their negatives," Nallo tells nine.com.au.

"Chlorine will strip the natural oils from your hair … and can also strip toners and react to other chemicals, causing discolouration.

"Saltwater also has a dehydrating effect on hair that, if not treated correctly, can cause breakage."

So, how can you protect your hair?

Nallo recommends using a leave-in conditioner before you head to the pool, meaning your swimming-associated haircare begins before you even enter the water.

"This will act as a barrier and help protect the hair – there's only so much the hair can absorb at one time."

"Post-swim, I would recommend adding a deep cleansing shampoo into your routine to remove any chemicals or salt from the hair properly," he adds.

"I'd then follow this up with a deep moisturising conditioner or treatment as well as a leave-in conditioner."

What makes a product right for treating pre- and post-swim hair?

The products that seem to work best will provide a barrier, preventing chemicals from attaching themselves to your hair. 

"I'd personally recommend applying Revlon Professional's UniqOne Hair Treatment or a similar all-in-one treatment before and after going swimming… the formula is equipped with UVA and UVB filters, which is perfect for the summertime," Nallo says.

What about coloured hair?

If you have dyed hair, saltwater and chlorine can have a worse effect on your hair. This means you must be extra vigilant when caring for your hair afterwards.

"Post-swimming, make sure to remove the chemicals from the hair by using a deep cleanser shampoo and follow up with a moisturising conditioner or mask to replace the moisture [that can be stripped by chemicals]," Nallo recommends.

Our product recommendations for serial swimmers:

Before swimming...

Revlon Professional UniqOne Hair Treatment

$19.95 | Amazon

Philip Kingsley Swimcap Water Resistant Mask

$46.95 | Adore Beauty

Moroccanoil All-in-One Leave-in Conditioner

$54.50 | Price Attack

AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense

$40 | Amazon

Aveda Colour Control Leave-In Treatment

100mL | $55

Post-swimming...

Revlon Professional Restart Hydration Anti-Frizz Moisturising Drops

$20.25 | SSS Hair$22.95 | Amazon

Revlon Professional Restart Hydration Rich Mask

Now just $21.56

RPR De-Chlorinate My Hair and My Vitaliser Swimmers Duo Bundle

Was $53.90, now $31.54

Olaplex Bond Maintenance No.4 Shampoo and No.5 Conditioner Bundle

Was $108, now $85

Clever Curl Rich Conditioner

$76.95 | Oz Hair and Beauty

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