A dip in the pool on a hot day will leave you feeling completely refreshed and rejuvenated, but it can leave your hair feeling the opposite way – dry and deflated. Rather than avoiding the pool all together and resorting to staying in the AC during the hottest days of summer, go ahead and dive in! Simply make sure to care for your strands properly before, during, and after your dip.

Get a bathing cap

Bathing caps aren’t only for Olympian swimmers. You might feel a little silly at first, but you’ll get used to it, we promise! They are a great way to prevent damage to your hair instead of working backwards once the damage is already done. Find a bathing cap that fits tightly and covers your hair to protect it from chlorine and other chemicals.

Wash it out

Make sure that you rinse your hair in the shower right after your swim to remove chlorine and bacteria that was soaked up by your strands. Consider lightly shampooing your hair right away to ensure that you get it all out. Ask your hair stylist about shampoos that are meant to remove chlorine from hair.

Condition, condition, condition!

Counteract some of the dryness caused by chlorine and the sun by conditioning your hair often. Your hair is most susceptible to breakage when it is wet, so adding the harshness of the sun and chlorine only makes it worse. Make a habit of conditioning each time you rinse your hair after a swim.

… Did we say CONDITION?

A regular conditioner can do the trick for day-to-day conditioning needs, but if you’re an avid swimmer or are spending a lot of time at the cottage this summer, make sure that you use a deep conditioner once a week. Ask your hair stylist about overnight masks and protectants that can bring your hair back to its normal bounce after a day in the pool. You can also make your own hair mask at home by mixing avocado, olive oil, and an egg. Once you’ve distributed the mask evenly over your hair, cover your hair with a shower cap and wait 15 minutes before rinsing.

Chop it off

If you’re a serious swimmer who spends several days of the week in the pool, take the plunge and consider a shorter hairstyle. It will simplify your post-swim routine, and it’ll be much easier protect your strands from dry hair and split ends. Consult with your hair stylist about a shorter look that works with your style and face shape!