There’s nothing more refreshing than a cool pool on a hot summer day. But in between practising your dives and swimming laps, or just lounging and chatting with your friends, a quick dip in the water can be disastrous for your beautiful blonde balayage. The fact is, chemically processed hair suffers in chlorine water due to trace particles of copper lurking in pools. These particles stick to the protein in your hair, causing that dreaded greenish hue. Swamp monster hair? Not so cute. To protect the beautiful blonde your colourist has custom-created for you, follow these simple tips for your tresses to stay protected, moisturised, and sleek all summer long. Now, lounge poolside stress-free!
Protect From Chlorine
Ultimate protection starts beforeyou get in the pool. To limit the damaging effects of chlorine, take a cool shower and pre-soak your strands. Wet hair is far less porous than dry, meaning your hair will absorb fewer chemicals. Follow up with another soak immediately post-swim, to rinse out any remaining residue.
Just like your skin, hair will benefit greatly from some SPF protection this summer. UV rays can cause hair to become brittle and frayed, making strands even more susceptible to chlorine damage. Look for products that contain both UVA and UVB filters that will shield hair from the sun. Hair sunscreen will also protect your scalp, a commonly neglected part of your body that needs equal protection from the sun’s harmful rays, so don’t be shy and remember to apply!
If you crave the benefits of extra moisture, adding a leave-in conditioner to your pre-pool regime will ensure strands are optimally conditioned, creating a protective layer that coats the hair. Also, try keeping hair in a ponytail or top knot while you swim. It’s super chic and avoids messy strands in the water.
Chelating Shampoos
If you’ve taken all the necessary precautions, but still got out of the pool looking like the Loch Ness Monster, don’t panic! There are a range of hydrating shampoos on the market specially formulated to get rid of mineral build-up, which are called chelatingshampoos, and are tailored to target hard water minerals and chemicals like chlorine, without depleting hair of its natural moisture barriers.
Clarifying shampoos are also a great alternative to cleanse product build-up and residue. A good one to try: Solu Shampoo from Davines, formulated with buckwheat extract, leaving your hair super clean without ever stripping it of healthy elements, while bringing out its natural vibrancy.
After a long day of sun and swim, the best thing you can do for your hair is to give it a little extra love. We recommend using a supercharged hair mask twice a week to combat the damage the warmer months have on stressed strands. Look out for ingredients like argan oil, macadamia oil, sunflower, and Vitamin E, that are all rich in antioxidants that work to fight environmental damage. So this summer, sit back, relax, and keep hair moisturised, protected, and happy for a green-free beautiful blonde hair season in the hot sun.