HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HAIR FROM SALT & CHLORINE THIS SUMMER

Freely indulge in a bit of holiday fun without the guilt of discoloured, dry, and breaking hair at the end of the holidays.

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Our hair takes a bit of a beating during the festive season; if it’s not the hot sun that we expose it to or the constant styling before going out, it’s the chlorine or saltwater at the swimming pool or beach. Although the above-mentioned is almost unavoidable, there are ways you can help minimise the damaging effect that chlorine and saltwater have on hair. Follow these steps:

PROTECTIVE HAIRSTYLES
One way to minimise hair breakage on natural hair is through protective hairstyling. This can be through twists, flat twists, braids, or cornrows. Because natural hair tangles easily, whether wet or dry, this causes knots that ultimately cause breakage. Before you take a dip, quickly section your hair in four and twist or plait it. If you have wig lines or braids, then keep your hair as it is.

Related article: Protect your hair while you sleep

SATURATE HAIR
Once your hair is in a protective hairstyle, apply clean water to it until it’s saturated. Because natural hair can be highly porous (easily loses and absorbs moisture), it’s important to saturate it with clean water instead of salt or chlorine filled water, which will have catastrophic effects on the hair. Once done, apply conditioner to coat the hair and further protect it from the harsh ocean and swimming pool water.



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COVER UP
Cover your hair with a swimming cap. Make sure it fits snuggly and that it’s not too tight or too big. For those with long dreadlocks or braids, find a swimming cap that accommodates this. Swimming caps don’t keep hair completely dry, but they do keep your hair away from the face and limit the amount of water your hair is exposed to amongst many other benefits.

RINSE
Once done, rinse your hair with clean water. And if your hair was exposed to a lot of water with chemicals, then follow up with a clarifying shampoo and deep condition. This will help remove all the harsh chemicals and restore your hair’s balance. Do this while your hair is still in twists, cornrows or braids.

NOURISH
Apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair after washing it and follow up with a water-based moisturiser, like a cream. Seal everything in with a light oil. Although light heat is not damaging to hair, it may be a good idea to refrain from using any heat or styling tool for the following 48 hours.

Related articles: 5 Beauty essentials for summer

OTHER WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR HAIR THIS SUMMER
Limit sun exposure: The sun has damaging effects on both skin and hair. When hair has been overly exposed to the sun, it changes colour, becomes brittle and breaks easily.

Use products that contain sun protection: There are a few products that contain SPF, look out for these for added protection. The SPF included will limit the effect that UVA and UVB rays have on your hair.

Wear a hat: Hats protect both the skin on your face (and sometimes shoulders) and your hair from the sun. An umbrella helps with this too.



Reduce the usage of heated styling tools: If you are already exposing your hair to a lot of sun, limit the additional heat from hairdryers, curling irons and straighteners. Go for quick and heatless styles that will have your hair looking good still without the strain.

Extra sources: ebony.com, byrdie.com, essence.com

BY NTHABISENG MAKHOKHA