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With summer fast approaching, it is time to get on top of all the tips and tricks you can take to protect your luscious blonde locks. Bleached hair in chlorine or salt water can be prone to damage or colour change if the right precautions aren’t taken. Although the best thing for bleached hair is to not expose it to these elements as it can affect both the colour and texture, there are several steps you can take to reduce your hair from breaking or drying out. Here are our top ten tips for safeguarding your hair:
Tip 1: Pre-Wet Your Hair
Our hair is highly absorbent so rinsing your hair with fresh water before exposing it to chlorine or saltwater will act as a protective barrier and reduce the likelihood of your hair follicles absorbing damaging chemicals or drying salt water. This simple step will also maintain your hair's natural moisture balance.
Tip 2: Apply a Protective Hair Mask
Making sure your hair is well-nourished and moisturised before swimming in the ocean or chlorinated pools is going to safeguard your hair from drying out. Use a blonde hair mask frequently to make sure your hair is sufficiently hydrated before exposing it to environmental stressors.
Tip 3: Wear a Swimming Cap
Although it's not the most flattering look, using a silicone cap is the best thing you can do to protect your hair from salt water or chlorine as a physical barrier is the most effective way to protect your hair.
Tip 4: Rinse Immediately After Swimming
After your mermaid adventure, make sure to thoroughly rinse your hair with clean water to remove any lingering chlorine or saltwater from sitting in your hair shaft. This will prevent sea or pool water from continuing to affect your hair follicles.
Tip 5: Use a Clarifying Shampoo
Using a clarifying shampoo in your hair care routine will further remove any chlorine or saltwater remnants. This is because clarifying shampoos deep clean your hair by dissolving and removing any minerals or chemical buildup over time. However, it is important to use clarifying shampoos infrequently as they can be drying and affect your bleachy tones.
Tip 6: Leave-In Moisturising Hair Spray
Incorporating a leave-in hair spray that doubles as a hydrating spray as well as protects your blonde locks from drying out is the perfect solution. Bonus points if it is blonde hair friendly as it will keep the brassy tones at bay, leaving your hair shiny and white.
Tip 7: Limit Sun Exposure
Wearing a hat when outside for long periods will protect your hair from unnecessary heat damage. As blonde hair is already prone to breakage, keeping your hair shaded when lounging by the beach or pool will give it that extra layer of protection in between swims.
Tip 8: Stay Hydrated
Hydrated and well-moisturised hair is more resistant to environmental stressors. Staying on top of your hydration and ensuring your hair is getting all the nutrients it needs will also keep your hair balanced and protected. By doing so, your hair will be more resistant to external factors and less prone to breakage.
Tip 9: Protective Hairstyles
Putting your hair into braids or buns is going to reduce how much chlorine or salt water gets into your hair shaft. It will also help your hair from becoming tangled and frizzy when exposed to harmful environmental stressors.
Tip 10: Coconut Oil Pre-Swim Treatment
Incorporating coconut oil into your pre-swim hair care routine can also work wonders as it is deeply nourishing and forms a protective barrier around the hair shaft, reducing the likelihood of your hair colour turning green after swimming. It is an optimal choice as it is a natural and nourishing oil that can hydrate your hair whilst protecting it from the harmful effects of chlorine or saltwater.
Step 1: Apply Coconut Oil to Dry Hair
Take a tablespoon of coconut oil and begin by warming it up in your hands. Once melted, evenly distribute the oil throughout your hair.
Step 2: Wide Toothed Comb
Using a wide-toothed comb, gently detangle your hair and further distribute the oil throughout. This makes sure that the coconut oil is evenly distributed and that all your hair strands are sufficiently coated.
Step 3: Braid or Tie Your Hair
Popping your hair into braids will further keep your hair securely moisturised as well as prevents oil from going onto your swimwear.
Step 4: Wait for Absorption
Give yourself roughly 30 minutes before jumping into the water to give the coconut oil has enough time to absorb into the hair shaft and form a protective layer around it.
Step 5: Rinse Your Hair + Shampoo and Condition
After swimming, give your hair a good rinse and shampoo and condition as usual. Or use a deep conditioning mask for an extra moisture boost.
