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Original poster

Is it possible to have my hair dyed if I love swimming?

31 replies

SweetSakura · 28/12/2022 15:26

I love swimming, it's one of my favourite ways to relax and I generally go at least a few times a week.

I haven't ever dyed my hair, I've been lucky till now that it's been quite a lovely golden brown colour that goes blonder in the sun

But I am feeling crap about how I look (on a hefty dose of steroids that have given me moon face) and my hair is getting a bit of grey in it and it just looks dull. I have no issue with the idea of going grey naturally and think grey hair can look beautiful on people, but right now I just would like the option to add a bit of a glow.

But I don't know if it's possible? Would swimming just ruin it?.

OP posts:
Grabbing2023ByTheBalls · 28/12/2022 15:28

Swim cap?

FarFlungFlamingo · 28/12/2022 15:31

No personal experience but I swim with a club and I know a few who dye their hair. It doesn't ruin it but it doesn't last long at all so expensive to upkeep. More of an issue if you are dying blonde I think.

Original poster
SweetSakura · 28/12/2022 15:34

@FarFlungFlamingo do you mean it lasts less time if you swim?
I don't mind paying for it, I 'm happy to spend a bit of money on myself, but don't want to not be able to swim as that is my happy place!

Would happily wear a cap but never found one that doesn't let some water in

OP posts:
FarFlungFlamingo · 28/12/2022 15:36

Yes, it fades really quickly.

Glittertwins · 28/12/2022 15:37

I don't have red in my hair anymore as it doesn't last long after swimming. Browns and blondes last longer though I don't train as much as I used to do.

Gwenhwyfar · 01/01/2023 14:37

Grabbing2023ByTheBalls · 28/12/2022 15:28

Swim cap?

Water still gets in.
Swimming is shit for hair and skin.

Squishedstormtrooper · 01/01/2023 14:39

You can but lighter colours fade- always thoroughly wet your hair before getting in and then wash afterwards. Wetting it beforehand made a huge difference at keeping my colour a bit longer.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 01/01/2023 14:49

Wet your hair, run colour protect conditioner through it, wear a swim cap.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 01/01/2023 14:50

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 01/01/2023 14:49

Wet your hair, run colour protect conditioner through it, wear a swim cap.

A rubber swim cap

Glittertwins · 01/01/2023 14:59

Swimming hats are only going to limit the water if you never put your head under water swimming breaststroke with your shoulders virtually above the water line.

fivepies · 01/01/2023 15:06

I agree with PP re wetting your hair. I swim 5 times a week and nearly stopped as my hair was suffering, even with a cap. UNTIL I started wetting my hair in the showers first, then putting a swimming cap on. As your hair is already wet it prevents as much chlorinated water getting in. Hair dyes don't last as long but this regime would help.

Hallionflossie · 01/01/2023 15:10

I use Philip Kingsley Swimcap and found my dyed hair was fine after the pool. You get it in Boots for £19, a little goes a long way.

Original poster
SweetSakura · 01/01/2023 15:50

Thank you this is helpful at least. I might give it a try with these tips.

OP posts:
Original poster
SweetSakura · 01/01/2023 15:51

Glittertwins · 01/01/2023 14:59

Swimming hats are only going to limit the water if you never put your head under water swimming breaststroke with your shoulders virtually above the water line.

Which won't work for me as I have to vary my stroke during a swim or I can't swim for long at all

OP posts:
Habreathmint · 01/01/2023 15:54

I'm a dyed red head and swim a lot. I use Philip Kingsley swim cap cream on wet hair then wear a cap. I use a colour depositing shampoo and conditioner and my colour lasts well.

Original poster
SweetSakura · 01/01/2023 16:02

Habreathmint · 01/01/2023 15:54

I'm a dyed red head and swim a lot. I use Philip Kingsley swim cap cream on wet hair then wear a cap. I use a colour depositing shampoo and conditioner and my colour lasts well.

Fab that's encouraging Smile

OP posts:
Notanotherusername4321 · 01/01/2023 16:05

It’s fine. It may take a bit more upkeep, and you may have to stick to certain colours.

dc is a competitive swimmer and quite a few dye or highlight their hair.

what’s the worst that can happen anyway? Might wreck the condition a bit but it’s not like you can’t grow more 😀

MollyRover · 01/01/2023 16:11

I've thought about if it affects it but can't say I've noticed. Get my roots done every 6 - 8 weeks, a rinse twice a year and swim 3 times a week without a swimming cap. I do shower before swimming and wear it tied back, also use colour protective shampoo and conditioner.

MollyRover · 01/01/2023 16:12

Oh, and my hair is a reddish brown colour, if it helps.

Dogsgottabone · 01/01/2023 16:17

I have my hair dyed every 8 weeks or so and I swim and I've never noticed a difference from before I swam.

I do wear a swimming cap for long hair and often only the edges of my hair have got wet. I swim with my head and face in front crawl and breaststroke.

My hairdresser told me to use leave in conditioner before I swim though I don't as I don't have enough time to rinse it out in the crap showers.

I do wash my hair after swimming every single time though, I usually use badedas 3 in 1.

RiverSkater · 01/01/2023 16:20

Put lots of coconut oil in your hair, swim cap, then wash it.

See how you get on.

Use a semi permanent like Casting.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 01/01/2023 16:21

I've just remembered... two silicone swimming hats works very well keep hair dry. I think I had a standard size one, with a long hair one on top.

ZenNudist · 01/01/2023 16:23

I have mousy hair with bleach highlights and 3 shades of tint which I redo roots and tint every 8 or 9 weeks. I swim 3 times a week. I wear a swim cap but that doesn't help my hair. My hair is fine no problems at all. The tints wash out anyway even though they are supposed to be permanent/ semi permanent.

I'd just do it.

My friend has bright red hair and even washing washes that out so swimming helps!

Glittertwins · 01/01/2023 16:45

@SweetSakura - I used to swim competitively and train a lot so keeping my hair dry is not an option. Reds faded a lot, the current dye/highlights are no problem. My hairdresser says my hair is in good condition despite the pool usage but I can't have certain colours now otherwise it would damage my hair. On the plus side, the chlorine maintains the lighter highlights!

FarFlungFlamingo · 01/01/2023 17:54

Please don't put stuff on your hair like coconut oil or conditioner under a swim cap and then go swimming. It pollutes the pool for everyone and means they have to use more chlorine which in turn is worse for skin and hair. If swim caps kept your hair dry, then conditioner or oil wouldn't be needed, as they don't keep hair dry, anything in your hair is getting washed into the pool.