How to care for your hair after swimming.
How to Care for Your Hair After Swimming: Keep It Strong, Shiny, and Chlorine-Free
Swimming is refreshing and great for exercise, but it can be tough on your hair. Chlorine and saltwater can leave hair feeling dry, brittle, and even discoloured. Here’s how to care for your locks after a swim, keeping them healthy, hydrated, and beach-ready with a little help from some Kevin Murphy favourites.
1. Rinse Immediately After Swimming
The moment you’re done swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water. This first rinse helps remove much of the chlorine and salt that can cause dryness. Rinsing right away is one of the easiest ways to prevent damage before it even has a chance to happen.
2. Use a Clarifying Shampoo Weekly
For those who swim regularly, chlorine can build up in the hair, dulling colour and leaving it feeling rough. A clarifying shampoo, like Kevin Murphy’s MAXI.WASH, is ideal for removing any lingering chlorine, salt, and impurities. MAXI.WASH’s gentle, exfoliating formula lifts away product build-up, ensuring hair is left fresh, soft, and ready for hydration.
How to use: Apply to wet hair, massage gently, and leave it on for a minute or two. Follow with a rinse, then a conditioner to restore moisture.
3. Deep Condition for Maximum Hydration
To counteract the drying effects of chlorine and saltwater, deep conditioning is essential. After swimming, apply a rich conditioner like Kevin Murphy’s HYDRATE-ME.MASQUE. This masque is packed with antioxidants and nourishing ingredients, such as Kakadu plum, to restore moisture and give hair an incredible shine.
How to use: Apply to damp hair, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Use this once or twice a week to keep hair soft, hydrated, and manageable.
4. Leave-In Protection for Extra Care
A leave-in conditioner adds another layer of protection to keep hair from drying out between washes. Kevin Murphy’s UN.TANGLED is perfect for detangling and conditioning post-swim hair. This leave-in spray also protects against UV damage, which can be helpful if you’re swimming outdoors.
How to use: Spray onto towel-dried hair and comb through. It’s a great way to lock in moisture, detangle, and leave your hair feeling light and soft.
5. Dry Carefully to Avoid Breakage
Once you’re done with your post-swim rinse, it’s crucial to be gentle when drying your hair. Instead of rubbing, blot hair with a soft microfiber towel to remove excess water without causing friction or breakage. If you’re in a rush, consider using Kevin Murphy’s EVER.SMOOTH to add heat protection and minimise frizz before blow-drying on a low heat setting.
Protecting Your Hair in the Long Run
Swimming doesn’t have to compromise your hair’s health. With a bit of extra care, you can enjoy your swim sessions while keeping your hair soft, shiny, and resilient. Following these tips—and adding in a few of these Kevin Murphy essentials—will protect your hair, maintaining its natural bounce and vibrancy.
Ready to build your hair care routine? Stop by to see our range of Kevin Murphy products designed to keep your hair healthy and fabulous all year round!
