October 15, 2024
Throughout October, Swim England will be celebrating individuals who champion equality from all aspects of sport as part of Black History Month.
Here, Marie Owen, who worked in the hair industry from the age of 16 before taking part in Swim England qualifications, shares her tips on the best way to look after your hair.
“Black girls don’t get their hair wet…If they get their hair wet after a chemical treatment, it all falls out.”
Just like people who spend time and money on their hair, these misconceptions can deter Black people from participating in aquatic activities.
Caring for black hair while swimming presents unique challenges and requires special care to maintain healthy hair and vitality.
Black curly or coiled hair is more prone to dryness and breakage, and is more susceptible to the harsh effects of chlorine and other chemicals in the water.
But that doesn’t mean you’ll be a barrier to participation and miss out on all the physical and mental health benefits that aquatic activities can bring.
Afro or curly hair types can be difficult to style if left alone after coming out of the water, and require a little more nourishment to make the hair more manageable.
If you lead a busy life balancing childcare, work, and home life, traveling with your products or having time to style your hair after getting in the water isn’t always convenient, so this makes aquatic activities a must. may act as a deterrent. .
My advice to anyone who has recently had a chemical treatment such as a relaxer is to listen to your hair care professional, follow their recommended aftercare advice, and wait up to 48 hours before wetting your hair.
After this period, the tips below will help you maintain your style.
A hair care routine includes pre-swim treatments, protective styles, and post-swim conditioning, all of which are essential for maintaining hair health, while also allowing for a more enjoyable and stress-free swimming experience.
three P’s
Prep: Saturate your hair with water and add conditioners that absorb into your hair, leaving less room for harsh chemicals to enter your hair cuticle. Adding an oil or serum as a final step can help lock your hair in place.
Protect: You can prevent your hair from tangling by using a protective style. This includes twists, braids, buns, and more. Consider investing in a quality swim cap. There are now swimming caps designed for thick curly hair, braids, dreadlocks, weaves, and hair extensions.
Products: Especially if you have curly hair, it can require an extensive hair care routine, including using up to seven different products to style your hair. The main products recommended for dark hair include, but are not limited to:
Leave on sulfate/silicone free shampoo conditioner Deep conditioning mask – non-protein based hydrating oil serum like coconut oil, argan oil, sweet almond oil
Post-swim care
Prioritize these hair care steps to stay hydrated and prevent damage after swimming.
Rinse your hair thoroughly with cold or lukewarm water. Cold water helps close the cuticle. Use a deep conditioner once or twice a week.
Co-washing
Simultaneous washing is a method of washing your hair using only conditioner. If you swim regularly, shampooing after each swim can dry out your hair and strip it of its natural oils. Co-cleaning is a good alternative.
Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water Use a cleansing conditioner Use a deep conditioning mask
Rinse and style the mask after 10-15 minutes, or leave it on and your hair will be protected and ready for your next swim.
LOC method
The LOC method is an acronym that describes the products and procedures used to style curly or coiled hair after cleansing.
Leave-in (aqueous) oil/cream
The LOC method is a styling routine in which you layer products on freshly washed hair to maximize hydration, much like how you do skin care by starting with lighter products and moving on to heavier-based products. Masu.
The good thing about this method is that it’s a three-step regime that focuses on hydrating your curls and coils to keep your hair hydrated and frizz-free.
This wash-and-go regime is perfect for people who don’t have much time or don’t want to carry around a lot of products on the go.
By following these steps, you can safely access water without damaging your hair.
Marie also created a video that covers all of this information. Click here to watch the entire video.
