Simple products protect hair from chlorine, saltwater

Home Welcome Why Join?Healthy Hair My Salon Drama Salons Beauty Picks Salon Marketing Advertise Videos

Hair-nista Login

Find a salon near you

Healthy Hair

Wednesday, 07 July 2010 00:00

The pool is no longer off-limits for the hair obsessed. (Photo credit: iStockphoto)

Summer fun can include water—again

By Terri Huggins, My Salon Scoop writer

Chlorine, saltwater and a fresh ‘do don't mix. Or, do they? Often this is the excuse many hair-nistas give as to why they only "lounge" at poolside or on the beach. However experts say that by mastering a few simple healthy hair practices, "fun in the sun" will once again include water.

Chlorine care
Lori L. Tharps, co- author of Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America, says timing is important when protecting chemically treated hair from chlorine.

"Just as you should wait four to five days before washing your hair after a (relaxer), you should wait at least four to five days before jumping in that pool," Tharps says.

She also suggests covering your hair in conditioner to protect it and keep it moisturized.

"Chlorine and saltwater are intense drying agents," Tharps says. "Because proper moisture is an important part of all hair textures-no matter how fine or curly-the damage from these substances can be severe."

Keneesha Hudson, a curly hair expert and salon owner of Urbanbella in Atlanta, Ga., agrees. "Chlorine pulls out the hair's natural protective barrier and leaves it cracked. It also causes a lot of scalp damages such as flakiness."

Kinky Curly Come Clean

As a way to combat this, she suggests applying a silicone conditioner on wet hair before getting in the pool. Silicone is typically avoided for day-to-day hair maintenance because it creates a barrier preventing nutrients from penetrating the shaft.

However, Hudson says, this barrier is ideal for preventing harmful substances such as chlorine from getting to the shaft. Applying conditioner also saves hair from breaking when putting on or removing a swim cap.

After swimming, remember to thoroughly wash the hair with a clarifying shampoo. She recommends using the Kinky-Curly product called Kinky-Curly Come Clean. Once washed, Hudson also suggests rinsing the hair with club soda to ensure that all the chlorine is removed. Then, massage an essential oil blend into the scalp. She says that oil massages are perfect for reviving the scalp after being dried out by harsh pool chemicals.

Saltwater safeguards

PhytoPlage Protective Sun Veil

Pool fun isn't the only time hair-nistas should practice healthy hair care. Women should be just as vigilant about their hair when enjoying saltwater.

"Even though ocean water isn't as harsh, you should take precautions," Hudson said. "Sand, wind and other things at the beach that brush up on hair can be just as damaging."

Instead of a heavy silicone conditioner, she says, try a spray-on conditioner such as PhytoPlage Protective Sun Veil. The lightweight product protects the hair from sun, wind, salt and chlorine damage.

Regardless, if you fancy ocean water or you prefer pools, Hudson and Tharps agree that hair should not be a reason to avoid swimming.

"The key thing black women have to remember is that chlorine and salt will damage your hair, but only if you let it," Tharps says.

Terri Huggins is a freelance writer in Sayreville, NJ. who specializes in bridal, beauty and relationship articles. She also writes business paraphernalia such as brochures, press releases and newsletters. For more information, visit her Web site, www.TerriHuggins.webs.com.