How to Get Your Hair Swim-Ready This Summer
Tips from a Master Stylist and Clean Beauty Founder
Summer is around the corner, and if you're anything like me, that means more time in the sun, at the pool, or chasing kids through the sprinklers. It's the best kind of chaos—but all that fun can be pretty hard on your hair (and your kids', too). Chlorine, salt water, and sun exposure are a tough trio. They can dry out your strands, cause breakage, and even fade your color.
Here’s how I prep hair to handle it all—so you can enjoy swim season without stressing over the damage.
1. Rinse Before You Swim
Always rinse your hair with clean water before getting in the pool or ocean. Hair acts like a sponge—if it's dry, it will soak up chlorinated or salt water more quickly. Pre-rinsing helps fill the hair shaft with clean water first, minimizing how much chlorine or salt it can absorb.
2. Use Swim Spray
Our Swim Spray is formulated with vitamin C to help neutralize chlorine and mineral buildup before it can cause damage. A quick spritz over hair and skin creates a light barrier that helps prevent that dry, tight feeling afterward. It’s also great after swimming—just mist it on again to stop any lingering chlorine from sitting on your hair or skin.
3. Add a Mask or Prime + Protect for an Extra Buffer
If your hair is dry, color-treated, or fragile, layering up makes a difference. Before swimming, apply a lightweight hair mask or our Prime + Protect spray, then layer Swim Spray on top. This creates an extra barrier that shields your hair from the harsh effects of chlorine, salt, and sun.
4. Tie It Back or Braid It
Wearing your hair in a braid or low pony helps cut down on post-swim tangles and protects fragile ends. It also helps the products you’ve applied stay in place longer, rather than washing away the moment you hit the water.
5. Spritz Your Swimsuit, Too
This one’s a game changer—Spray your swimsuit with Swim Spray before getting in the water. It helps neutralize chlorine and reduce the risk of your suit fading or developing that stiff, crunchy feel over time.
6. Rinse and Shampoo Right After Swimming
Once you're out of the water, rinse thoroughly and follow up with our Swim Shampoo Bar. It's made with vitamin C to gently remove chlorine, mineral, and salt residue—without stripping your hair. It lathers easily, rinses clean, and leaves hair soft and balanced.
7. Protect from the Sun, Even Outside the Pool
UV exposure can damage your hair just like it can damage your skin. Even if you’re not swimming, your hair needs protection. Our Prime + Protect spray is perfect for this—just mist it on damp hair before styling to help shield against dryness and sun damage throughout the day.
8. Deep Condition More Often in Summer
Between sun, sweat, and frequent washing, your hair needs extra moisture in the summer. Add a mask to your routine at least once a week to help replenish hydration. And if your ends feel especially dry, try sealing them with a few drops of lightweight hair oil. Oils help lock in moisture and smooth the hair cuticle, especially when the heat and humidity kick in.
Summer doesn’t have to mean sacrificing healthy hair. With a little prep and some intentional care, you can enjoy every moment—without worrying about damage.
From my chair to your bathroom counter, I hope these tips help you (and your family) protect your hair all season long.
— Lauren
Master Stylist + Founder of Belle Hue
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