WELP. We're not really the experts in that subject area, because we don't swim. Maybe this will be my year to finally learn how to swim? I'll put it on my bucket list lol. I want to be the person to break the stereotype of "Black women don't swim because of their hair". My inability to swim is not because of my hair, it's because I don't know how to lol. Which, if you ask me, is a pretty good reason. I actually had a traumatizing event in 6th grade where I almost drowned and that alone has made me not really ever go past the shallow end.
However, I came across some tips that I figured I would share!
Limit Use of Heat Tools- Many Black women blow dry their hair after they've gone swimming to get it dry and blow drying hair that has already been weakened by chlorine further damages the hair. However, many naturals don't blow dry their hair often, so this may not be as much of an issue. If you are a "blow dryer", wear your hair in its natural state for a week or two after swimming to allow it gain some of its strength back before heat application.
Moisturize Often- Chlorine has extra drying properties. Pair that with the structure of Afro-textured hair that already causes drier hair than other textures, and you have a mess. Immediately after swimming would be the best opportunity to pay even more attention to how you are moisturizing your hair. Can you say DC (deep condition)? lol
Invest in Quality Products- After swimming is definitely not the time to break out your old shampoo that's not of quality. Break out the good stuff that is designed to really fortify your hair with moisture, remove the chlorine, and cleanse the hair. "A good moisturizing shampoo and conditioner may be the difference between devastating breakage and luxurious locks."
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What other tips do you have for those who swim?
I would pay good money to the person who invents a swim cap for locs. I bought a swim cap designed for long hair and even when I spend 15 mins stuffing my hair up in it, I can't wear it for long because it's so tight I get a headache.
ReplyDeleteI've heard that it is good to soak the hair in regular water before swimming, to limit the amount of chlorine that gets soaked up by the hair.
ReplyDeleteI wear locs and before I go swimming 1)put a light oil on my hair. 2)section my hair into smaller twist and secure the ends.
ReplyDeleteI'm super excited I cam across this post. I was just getting ready to send an email to a natural hair blogger. Great tips.
ReplyDeleteI like to spray leave-in conditioner or rub conditioner into my hair about an hour before swimming. It protects the strands just enough.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the pool two to three times a week. Prior to entering the pool, I dampen my hair and apply conditioner and swim cap. When I get out of the pool, I rinse it out and add a leave-in conditioner. At one time I was shampooing every time and recently decreased the shampoo to once a week. I agree with the comment of not swimming because I didn't know how! I just learned 2 yrs ago due to having surgery and my running has been cut short!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, ladies!
ReplyDelete@Laneshe- I've heard that too!
@Ashley- Glad to know that our post was right on time! :)
@Monique- I've also heard that. Great tip!
@Quicia- Where do you get your swim cap from?! I've never been able to find one. Glad to see that you learned how to swim though! That's on my bucket list!