Most people are very tempted to spend as much time as possible in the water during the summer months. What many don’t realize is the damaging effects that both chlorine and salt can have on your hair. To keep your hair in tip top condition, check out the following tips to protect your hair in the pool this summer.

Wear a cap: While this option is not quite stylish, it is actually the most practical. It keeps the hair covered from all chemicals and salts. It is especially useful for athletic purposes as well as doing laps in the water. If you take a pass on the swimming cap, try and keep your hair pinned back as best as possible to limit exposure as much as possible.

Wet your hair before swimming: Wetting your hair with simple tap water before swimming has many benefits. Keeping the hair damp before jumping in the pool allows for the hair to soak up fewer chemicals rather than when it is dry. Your long locks will eat up the fresh water before the chlorine or salted water, which allows for less room for chemicals.

Don’t shampoo before: It is important to avoid shampooing your hair before you go swimming. Shampooing prior to a swim can strip your have of natural oils which create a barrier against the chemically treated water that is in most pools.

Always rinse post-swim: No matter what, you must rinse your hair after a swim. It is essential to rinse prevent residual chemicals from building up. As Stylecaster explains, even if it isn’t rinsed out with a shampoo, it will still help keep your hair strong.

Try a clarifying shampoo after you swim: It is a good idea to use a clarifying shampoo immediately after swimming in order to get rid of all chemicals and salt from the hair. This kind of shampoo is the most effective for removing all toxins.

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