Any swimmers out there? What about your hair?

[WingingItMam48]

Hi all, I have recently started swimming 2-3 times per week, mainly on lunch breaks as pool is near mez I work from home and can walk down to the pool, have a quick half hour swim and get back home in an hour. On days I swim, I wash hair on the morning bit don't dry it as it seems pointless if I'm getting it wet again in the pool. I them just let my hair dry naturally and don't wash it again till the next morning.

I feel like my hair is suffering a bit, it feels a bit drier and woolier. I have naturally fine hair that goes fluffy quite easily.

Looking for advice from regular swimmers, do you use anything to protect it or look after it against the chlorine? Are specialist products worth the cost or effective, or does a regular deep conditioning hair mask any goods.
Thanks

Ultraswim shampoo

Or any other shampoo containing sodium thiosulphate (sometimes spelt sodium thiosulfate).

Chlorine bonds to your hair and you need a specific shampoo which will release it.

Ultra swim shampoo and conditioner. I also put a hair mask under my cap while I swim. Doesn’t need to be an expensive one as it’s just a barrier although I’m currently using aqua guard.

I currently swim around 6-8 hours a week. My hair was ruined before I started using a cap. That’s the thing that makes the most difference

I swim in the river so I wear a swimming hat.

I put this on as soon as I finish swimming and comb through with a wide tooth comb.

I tie it up and have five minutes in the jacuzzi before showering to rinse it out.

https://www.boots.com/loreal-paris-elvive-glycolic-gloss-5-minute-lamination-treatment-for-dull-hair-200ml-10338962?traffic=paid.shopping&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19971247868&gbraid=0AAAAA-AdmwQ5eT_l_Jxl8SkF9wHJHYNUZ&gclid=CjwKCAjw7_DEBhAeEiwAWKiCCxnwEN669V83SGYw_nY-eVNWLOTnWaw-3qJqDgEGmPD4JURb70ZtyBoC72kQAvD_BwE

as per a PP, I wear a hat. It has made a huge difference to the number of split ends I was getting. Might actually upgrade from the cheap rubber one I have to something better!

You’re supposed to wet your hair with plain water thoroughly before swimming so it will soak up less chlorine water.
Soak first with plain water under the shower (maybe rub a little plant oil on it afterwards) then put a swimming cap on it.
After swimming wash and condition it.

I wouldn’t bother washing it in the morning (what’s the point?), but would wash with swim shampoo after my swim.

Don’t wash in the morning before you go. Once you get to the pool, Soak hair in shower first (to reduce how much chlorinated water it absorbs) load it up with an intensive conditioner or hair oil. Pop on cap. Swim. In shower afterwards, remove cap and put shampoo on (without too much water) to mix with oil etc and lather. Rinse. More conditioner, leave in or rinse depending on your preference/hair texture. Blot with a microfibre towel (don’t rub). Dry/style as needed.
Use a clarifying shampoo occasionally to deep clean.

Swimmer for over 40 years here, this works for me.

I swear down this is the best product I’ve tried in ages

It’s super @ScanTheCan. With a bit of light frizz ease thrown in It’s taken my hair from ‘Krusty the Clown’ to ‘really quite presentable’.

Are you wearing a hat in pool, OP ?

Why are you washing your hair in the morning if you are going swimming? Sounds like you are washing it then getting it soaked in pool water and not washing that off. Don't wash it in the morning, do it in your post-swim shower.

I used to swim 4 times a week and one of the other bonuses was that I had to clean my own bathroom less often because I was having much fewer showers at home!

Yes I also don’t understand why you’d be washing it in the morning when you know you’re going swimming at lunchtime. Makes no sense!

I just wash my hair post swimming with a curly friendly shampoo and conditioner. I pop on some curly cream, brush, and wrap up in a micro fibre towel. I only wash my hair 2-3 times a week. I think that helps.
I rarely wear a cap because I can't be bothered.

You shouldn't put anything in your hair before getting into pool as this messes with the pool hygiene. People should shower just before entering pool and as people say wet your hair thoroughly and then put swimming hat on. After swim wash with a swimming shampoo and then conditioner.

I put my hair in a plait for my swim, then undo it and wash my hair afterwards.

another one not understanding why you’re doing the washing backwards. Wash it after swimming, not before! Surely this is obvious!

It’s best to wet hair pre swim so it seals the hair and always wash straight after. Shampoos already mentioned are good. And wear a swim hat.

You need to wash it straight after swimming. Wetting it in the shower helps as does wearing a cap. Not washing first in the morning will also help because grease will protect it

I use Philip Kingsley Swimcap hair mask. I shower and wet my hair, apply this then tie it up! My hair feels lovely and soft after I’ve washed it out and prevents a lot of frizz.

www.cultbeauty.co.uk/p/philip-kingsley-swimcap-water-resistant-mask-100ml/14975526/

That's a very strange routine OP!
I use Aquaguard preswim conditioner and a cap. I wash with any shampoo straight after swim, and use any conditioner.
Aquaguard isn't cheap, but I buy a big pump bottle, and it lasts ages.
Soaking your hair before getting in pool also helps.
The most important change you need to make is to switch your wash time tobstraight after swim.

Why are you washing it on the mornings before you go swimming?

Agree - swimming through clouds of other people’s hair product is not nice.

Mine just gets looped up right on the crown of my head then the cap goes on. It doesn’t get wet through this way.

I know you’re supposed to wet it with normal water first, but I just can’t be bothered.

well you can do that if you want, I’ll be protecting my hair, if you’re also wearing a swimming cap there’s not “clouds of product in the water” anyway🤷🏽‍♀️

I have definitely swum though product 🤢 My hair is absolutely fine without coating it in stuff.