You can swim and still have great hair. Here’s how

Saltwater, chlorine, and sun are a triple threat to your hair. They strip moisture, rough up the cuticle, and leave strands feeling brittle or frizzy. Much like your skin, your hair is vulnerable to UV damage, which can lead to dryness, breakage, and colour fading if you don’t take a few preventative steps.

But with the right approach, you can keep your hair looking and feeling healthy, even if you’re in and out of the water all summer.

The first rule is to create a barrier. A quick mist of leave-in conditioner or even a light oil before you swim can protect your strands from absorbing too much salt or chlorine. Rinsing your hair with fresh water as soon as you’re out of the pool or sea helps, to. It stops that gritty, crunchy feeling from setting in and prevents your hair from getting overly dry.

Post-swim care is all about hydration and balance. A gentle shampoo to remove any residue, followed by a moisturising conditioner, will bring softness back. If you swim often, a weekly scalp scrub or mask can keep everything healthy at the root while adding shine to the lengths. And don’t forget regular trims. Split ends can sneak up faster when your hair is exposed to the sun and water every day.