Frequent Swimmer Hair Care

If you are a frequent swimmer, you may find that the chlorine in swimming pool water leaves your hair dry and frizzy, and may even affect the colour of coloured hair. So here are a few tips from a trawl around the Internet.

1. Wet hair before your swim. Your hair takes up the water making it less easy for it to absorb the chlorinated water.
2. Some people also apply some conditioner or a small mount of a light oil (olive or coconut).
3. Wear a swim cap - this will keep much of your hair from contact with the chlorinated water.
4. Shampoo your hair well after swimming (even just a good rinse is better than nothing).
5. Then apply conditioner.
6. Leave to dry naturally - a microfibre towel is kind to the hair and it is best not to use a hairdryer.
7. Between swims, some people also recommend using a leave-in conditioner daily and a deep conditioner weekly.

25 Sep. 2014: If you look for them, there are some shampoos formulated for swimmers' hair care; examples are UltraSwim products and the Boots Sun, Swim & Gym range.

28 Jan. 2016: Before you swim, try putting on Philip Kingsley Swimcap, a protective, water-resistant cream, available from Marks & Spencer, £18.