Ocean Hair Care

Are you heading to the beach for a much-needed vacation? Before you go, ensure you know how to protect your hair from ocean-related risks. And you're in the right place to do just that. With the right tips and hair care products, you can swim to your heart's content and keep your hair looking as gorgeous as ever. In this article, we'll explain the importance of ocean hair care and then share six expert tips to preserve your hair's health while you have a ball in the ocean water.

Why You Should Protect Your Hair While Swimming in the Ocean

Ocean water has high salt levels, and this is the main problem with it. The salt dehydrates your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. This moisture loss sets off a snowball effect of frizziness, split ends, and breakage. And it doesn't stop there; salt water can also damage your scalp - and a dry scalp leads to a plethora of issues, like itchiness and irritation. What's more is that when your scalp isn't sufficiently moisturized and nourished, it can't grow healthy hair like it would otherwise. The longer you stay in the ocean without protecting your hair, the more damage you may experience.

Top Ocean Hair Care Tips for Healthy Hair: Intro

Now that you understand the hair-related dangers of swimming in the ocean without hair protection, it's time to get into some hair care tips to keep your hair healthy. The following tips are simple ways to shield your hair from the ocean's harsh elements and increase your hair's resilience.

Do a Plain Water Rinse Before Swimming

Perhaps the easiest way to protect your hair from saltwater is to opt for a quick hair rinse before going for a swim. All you have to do is wet your hair with water until it's drenched. Then, you're ready to go in the water. Since your hair shaft will be full of water, it won't be able to absorb much of the saltwater.

Apply Oil to Your Hair Before Swimming

Oil prevents the water from coming in contact with your hair shaft by forming a barrier against the water. And as a bonus, the oil also helps the hair retain moisture, preventing dryness and breakage. But not just any oil will work for this purpose. You need a sealing oil, one that will sit on top of the hair's surface and repel the water; castor oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil are all fantastic sealing oils. To get the benefits, liberally apply the oil to your damp hair before getting into the water.

Wear a Swim Cap When Possible

Swim caps are specifically designed to keep water out of your hair. Just slip one on before going into the ocean, and you won't have to worry about the negative effects of saltwater. Just ensure that the one you choose fits snugly, or else water will get in.

Rinse Your Hair After Swimming

Rinsing your hair with tap water immediately after swimming can remove some of the salt coating your strands after an ocean swim. As you rinse, agitate your hair and scalp with your hands. For best results, use lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can dry your hair out.

Cleanse Your Hair As Soon As Possible

Aside from rinsing, cleanse your hair as soon as possible after swimming in the ocean. Doing so eliminates salt residue from your locks before it has a chance to cause damage. If you have access to one, consider using a shampoo specifically formulated for swimmers. It has enough cleansing power to remove salt residue without ruining your hair. Otherwise, use your regular shampoo or a clarifying shampoo.

So, there you have it - we hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best with your hair!

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15 years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of NaturallyTextured.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.