How Do I Protect My Blonde Hair From Salt Water?

Are you ready to soak up the sun at the beach and hang out with your friends by the pool as summer approaches? Unfortunately, chlorine and salt water, like the sun's damaging UV rays, tend to strip hair of moisture, leaving it feeling dry, brittle, and frizzy, especially on blonde hair. Can't decide between your preference for frequent soaking and blonde hair? In the sections below, we've put together a guide on properly protecting your blonde hair from salt water and chlorine.

1. Remember to pre-soak

Wet hair absorbs more chlorine or salt water than dry hair because it acts like a sponge. Before entering the pool, wet your hair with fresh, clean water. This reduces the likelihood of your hair absorbing water and aids in the prevention of dryness and damage.

2. Maintain your blonde hair

One of the most significant disadvantages of chlorine and salt water is their ability to strip moisture from your hair, resulting in split ends and damage. Furthermore, chlorine and brine can deplete your hair's shine and vibrancy, leaving it dull and lifeless. As a result, we recommend soaking your hair in a rich oil ahead of time, such as argan oil or coconut oil. These natural oils will help to create a slick barrier between your hair and harmful water while also adding moisture and nourishment.

3. Use leave-in conditioners

As previously stated, the salts and chemicals in salt water and chlorine can irritate and strip your hair of its natural oils. A strong leave-in moisturizer that acts as a barrier between your hair and water, in addition to natural oils, can help extend the life of your color. This will also use the sun's energy to help the mask's moisturizing and nourishing ingredients penetrate your hair. To apply the oil, conditioner, or mask, divide your hair into sections and thoroughly apply the formula to each section with your fingers. Then, using a wide-tooth comb, comb through to ensure even distribution.

4. Protect your hair with SPF.

Sun protection for your hair is just as important as for your skin. Make sure to use hair-specific sunscreen. Unlike traditional SPF, which may be too heavy and greasy for your hair, these lightweight products are safe and easy to apply to your hair and are also effective in protecting it from the damaging effects of the sun and chemically treated water. The key is to look for hair-specific sunscreen with both UVA and UVB filters. They can help protect against harsh sun and chemical damage while also extending the life of your color when added to your customizable shampoo, conditioner, or leave-in treatment formula.

5. Tie your hair back.

Wearing a swim cap before jumping off the diving board is ideal because it reduces contact with the pool water. While a swim cap is the most effective way to protect your hair from salt water and chlorine, it is not the most popular hairstyle. If you don't like wearing a swim cap, keep your head and hair as far away from the water as possible. For example, a ponytail, braid, or bun will not only keep your hair from soaking in all that damaging water but will also keep it looking fresh and lovely.

6. After swimming, immediately wash your hair.

Even if you are hot or tired after swimming or playing at the beach, make sure to rinse your hair with clean water thoroughly. This may seem obvious, but it's critical to wash your hair right away to avoid letting chlorine or salt linger in your hair. After all, the longer they remain, the more moisture they absorb.

7. Use the appropriate shampoo and conditioner.

Different hair colors necessitate the use of specific shampoos and conditioners to keep your hair vibrant and moisturized. We always recommend using shampoos and conditioners that are sulfate-free (an ingredient that is known to strip hair of moisture and color) and contain moisturizing ingredients like oils and vitamin E. We also recommend reaching for a purple-toned shampoo, which can help get rid of any brassy tones in your hair and prolong the life of the color, especially for blondes (or even those with gray, bleached, or highlighted hair). This means you'll spend less time in the salon and more time maintaining your color throughout the year.

8. Always use a deep conditioner.

Use a good quality conditioner after your shower to help rejuvenate your blonde hair. It will provide long-lasting moisture and nutrients to your hair and form a protective barrier around your strands to help block out the things that cause them to become dull, dry, and lackluster. If you don't have time, using a mask to hydrate your blonde hair after a towel wipe is a great alternative. Of course, a few drops of serum applied to dry ends will protect your hair from the sun and additional damage.

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