Swimming is a great way to stay active and healthy. However, spending time in pools can really dry out your hair and strip it of its natural oils. When you swim everyday, you’ll probably need to wash your hair more often than someone who only swims occasionally. Here’s a look at how often you should wash your hair if you’re a daily swimmer.
How Often to Wash
Most dermatologists and hair stylists recommend washing your hair every other day or 3-4 times per week if you swim daily. Washing your hair too often, like daily, can lead to dryness, damage, and breakage over time. Here are some general guidelines on swimmer’s hair washing frequency:
| How Often You Swim | Recommended Washing Frequency |
|---|---|
| 5-7 days per week | Every other day (3-4 times per week) |
| 2-4 days per week | 2-3 times per week |
| 1 day per week | 1-2 times per week |
As you can see, the more often you swim during the week, the more often you’ll need to wash your hair. Washing every other day or 3 times a week is usually sufficient for most daily swimmers.
Tips for Healthy Swimmer’s Hair
If you swim daily, you’ll want to take extra care to keep your hair looking and feeling its best. Here are some tips:
Use a Swim Cap
Wearing a tight fitting swim cap every time you get in the pool can help significantly reduce water exposure and damage to your hair. Latex or silicone caps tend to stay on better than fabric options.
Rinse Before and After
Rinsing your hair with fresh water before and after swimming helps remove some of the chlorine and chemicals before they can be fully absorbed into the hair shaft. Try to rinse off for at least a minute or two after swimming.
Deep Condition Weekly
Using a deep conditioning hair mask or treatment once a week can help replenish moisture and smooth down damaged cuticles. Focus the conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing out.
Limit Heat Styling
Lay off the hot tools! Heated styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners can further dry out and damage swimmer’s hair. Let your hair air dry as often as possible.
Get Regular Trims
Schedule trims every 6-8 weeks to snip away split ends and keep your hair looking healthy. Trims help prevent breakage and manageability.
Use Clarifying Shampoos
Clarifying shampoos can help remove chlorine and mineral buildup from the hair. Use an occasional clarifying wash (like once a week) to deep clean.
Protect With Leave-In Conditioner
Spray or apply a leave-in conditioner from mid-shaft to ends before and after swimming. This helps provide a layer of protection against chemicals.
Upgrade Your Diet
Make sure you’re getting enough protein, omega-3s, vitamins and minerals in your diet to support strong, healthy hair growth. Increase intake of foods like salmon, eggs, nuts and fruits/veggies.
Shampoo and Conditioner for Swimmers
Using shampoos and conditioners formulated for frequent swimmers can also help keep your hair in better shape. Look for ingredients like:
- Chelating agents – Help remove chlorine and minerals
- Hydrating oils – Counteract dryness
- Hydrolyzed proteins – Strengthen and repair damage
- Sunscreens – Prevent fading
Some good shampoo options include:
- Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo
- Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three
- KRMS Brightening Shampoo
- TRESemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo
And some top-rated conditioners:
- It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin
- Redken Extreme Conditioner
- Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioning Balm
- Pureology Hydrate Condition
Using a shampoo/conditioner duo formulated for swimmers can make a big difference in the health and manageability of your hair.
Other Swimming Hair Care Tips
Here are some other quick tips for taking care of your hair as a daily swimmer:
- Pack a post-swim hair care kit for use after every session – include a comb, leave-in conditioner, hair oil, hydrating hair mask, etc.
- Store your swim caps and goggles in a container of clean water – helps prevent funky chemical smells from building up
- Don’t share swim caps, goggles, towels or hair tools with others – prevents transfer of bacteria and infections
- Shower immediately after getting out of the pool to wash skin/hair
- Pat hair dry gently – don’t rub vigorously with towel
- Brush hair gently before washing and condition from ends up
- Avoid hot tubs, excessive sun exposure, salt water pools
- Consider wearing a protective swimmer’s bun or braid
- Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water daily
When to See a Dermatologist
If you notice your hair becoming excessively brittle, dry or breaking despite your best at-home care, make an appointment to see a dermatologist. They can assess your hair and scalp for any underlying damage or conditions that may require treatment, like chlorine poisoning or swimmer’s ear infections. Be prepared to discuss:
- How long you’ve been swimming frequently
- How often you currently swim
- Your current hair washing schedule
- Any changes you’ve noticed in scalp or hair health
- Hair products you currently use
- Any pain, itching or irritation
- Family history of hair or scalp disorders
Early intervention for any swimmer-related hair damage can help get your locks back to feeling healthy and strong again.
The Bottom Line
If you’re a frequent swimmer, you’ll need to wash your hair more often than the average person to keep it looking its best. For most daily swimmers, washing every other day or 3-4 times per week is ideal. Be sure to rinse hair before and after swimming, use a good swim cap and clarifying shampoos, and avoid overdoing heat styling. With the right hair care routine, you can enjoy regular swimming while still maintaining strong, shiny, gorgeous hair.