Swimming is one of the best exercises we can do aside from walking. It’s not only a great cardiovascular exercise, but also works to tone and strengthen the whole body whilst protecting the joints. I am currently waiting for major back surgery, and my consultant has told me that swimming is the number 1 exercise, aside from walking that he recommends to everyone. There is just one minor issue though - swimming absolutely wrecks my hair.
Of course there are many tips to protect the hair from swimming.
- If you can, wear a swim cap, there are many more choices of ‘comfortable’ ones on the market now that don’t snag the hair.
- Wet hair before you go into the water, this stops the chlorine from grabbing dry, porous hair.
- Apply an oil to the hair to give a barrier to protect the hair from chlorine.
- Use specialist products formulated to prevent the effects of chlorine such as Philip Kingsley® Swimcap (see below).
- Always shower, shampoo and condition your hair after swimming, preferably with a formula that protects your hair type (eg colour protection).
Swimcap £20 75ml
Swimcap was originally developed by Philip Kingsley at the request of the first US Olympic Synchronised Swimming Team! (I actually didn’t know this but it’s on their website). I can vouch that it certainly works as I used it over 20 years ago when I used to swim whilst pregnant.
The unique mask is applied in sections, to damp hair, before you go swimming or sunbathing and gives full protection from chlorine and UV rays. It not only protects hair from breaking but also stops hair from having that green tinge (usually blonde hair), as a result of chlorinated water. It protects from sea salt damage, and as the mask is waterproof, it can be applied in the morning for all day protection from these aggressors.
The mask is formulated with an abundance of natural oils that protect from environmental damage and aggressors such as UV rays, pollution etc. Such ingredients include:-
- Ricinus Communis Seed Oil - aka Castor Oil, helps create a barrier to protect the hair from chlorine damage, whilst hydrating the hair and preventing further breakage and split ends.
- Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil - helps restore shine to dull and dehydrated hair. Protects against UV rays and stops colour from fading.
- Hydrolyzed Elastin - prevents breakage, gives hair back elasticity and makes fragile hair stronger and more resilient to heat damage.
Moisture Extreme Enriching Shampoo 250ml £24 / Moisture Extreme Enriching Conditioner 200ml £24
Designed for naturally curly, coiled hair or hair that is very porous, the Moisture Extreme Enriching Shampoo and Conditioner is a must have for anyone who suffers with dry, brittle and frizzy hair. These products give the optimum injection of moisture, giving curls and dry hair a new lease of life, without any of that heaviness that often comes with nourishing shampoos.
The shampoo is formulated with enriching and frizz-fighting ingredients such as:-
- Panthenol - helps seal cuticles, prevents frizzing of the hair as well as sealing off split ends. It’s a humectant so draws water to the hair shaft and prevents it from escaping, so hair is more hydrated.
- Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Amaranth Protein - helps promote hair growth, this rich protein also restores shine to dull hair.
- Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride - helps minimise tangling, de-frizzes hair and is anti-static so controls those pesky flyaway hairs, without weighing hair down.
The Moisture Extreme Enriching Conditioner encourages soft, natural curls and revives dull hair with oils such as:-
- Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil - rich in antioxidants, this oil helps reduce inflammation and ease a dry, itchy scalp. It has a high amount of vitamin E that helps repair dry, brittle hair.
- Persea Gratissima Oil - aka Avocado Oil, ultra conditioning, this emollient adds intense shine and repairs hair that has been damaged by heat and harsh weather elements.
- Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil - contains vitamin A, that helps encourage hair cell growth. Ideal for hair that is breaking and under stress from being chemically processed.
- Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil - contains an abundance of vitamins such as A, D and E and so strengthens fragile hair.
Pure Colour Reviving Conditioner 200ml £27 (currently on sale) £18.90
Pure Colour Friz-Fighting Gloss 50ml £27 (currently on sale) £18.90
If, like me, you have coloured hair (especially highlights and toner), then you need to use a shampoo and conditioner formulated to keep the colour looking fresh and stop it from fading. This conditioner claims that it will hold colour up to 100% longer and gives complete colour protection for up to 24 washes. Ideal if you use a toner, as toners often only last a few washes.
The Pure Colour Reviving Conditioner contains:-
- Oenocarpus Bataua Fruit Oil - ideal for weak and brittle hair, this is a deep conditioning oil, that adds sleekness and shine to dry hair.
- Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil - helps solve a multitude of hair complaints from dandruff, dry hair, thinning hair and makes it feel incredibly soft.
- Yeast Extract - helps encourage stronger hair growth, due to it’s properties of vitamin B. This anti-inflammatory ingredient is ideal for those who are suffering with hair loss and hair snapping, as it fortifies from the cuticle.
Finally to give your hair shiny, bouncy strands without resorting to shampoo or conditioning, then the Pure Colour Frizz-Fighting Gloss does just that, it fights frizzy hair leaving it looking super shiny without giving hair that lank feel.
You only need a very small amount applied to mid-lengths to ends of damp hair or it can be applied to dry hair. The formula protects hair from heat, so it’s a must have if you are using any heat appliances. Not only does it leave hair looking ‘light reflective’ but it also protects hair from colour loss. The product may only be 50ml but it will last months as you only need a couple of drops.
The range can be purchased online by clicking the link HERE
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