Summertime is by far the most popular season of the year and is a favorite of many individuals. The colder months are somewhat uncomfortable and can become unbearable. The months immediately preceding summer are usually pretty comfortable but it is not until the summer months set in that we begin to experience that nice, warm, beautiful sunshine.

Outdoor activities are usually heightened during this season, not only because of the wonderful weather, but because kids are out on summer break for school. Trips to the park, barbeques, and outdoor cycling are just a few of the activities that take place during the summer. Lots of family vacations are planned around this time and one thing that is common to most family vacations is the well loved activity of swimming. Whether at the pool, the beach or the water park, what better way to cool down the summer heat than with a good splash of water.

For some females, willingness to go swimming is highly dependent on the state of their hair. I remember when I used to get relaxers and my hair was freshly done, I would turn down all invites to go to the beach or opt to go as a spectator. The thought of enjoying a fun day in the water didn’t seem to be worth ruining my freshly styled hair. When I went natural, my hair became less of a concern as it related to swimming because natural hair is more versatile and doesn’t necessarily respond negatively to the introduction of water.

If natural hair is in an afro, it can be easily washed after a swim and if it is in a protective style like twists or plaits, you would still be able to swim with it and wash it afterward with protective style still intact.

Having natural hair, however, is not a free ticket to jump in and out of the water without exercising precautions. Swimming in a pool or the ocean exposes your hair to chlorine and salt water. These two elements can be harsh on the hair and potentially cause damage. Chlorine affects hair by chemical reactions resulting in chemical changes to hair components by changing the physical properties of the hair. Chlorine also removes the hair’s natural oils resulting in loss of hair sheen and flexibility. Salt water can be equally damaging. It removes moisture from the hair and can cause it to become very dry and brittle. We are, of course, aware of such dangers, brittle hair is rough to the touch causing strands to tangle and break easily.

There are steps that can and should be taken to ensure that your hair is protected during and after swimming. Applying these simple measures will minimize if not totally alleviate the possibilities of experiencing damage:

1.      Drench Hair With Water Before Swimming – This tactic may appear pointless because it seem to defeat the whole purpose since your hair is going to get soaked anyway. There is however, a rationale behind wetting your hair with plain water prior to swimming. This strategy of wetting hair ensures that your hair absorbs the fresh water first, leaving little room for the absorption of chlorine or salt water. If dry hair is immersed in salt water or chlorine filled water, then it will fully absorb them and place your hair at greater risk for damage.

2.     Swimming Seal Hair Before – Coating your hair with extra virgin coconut oil will help to prevent salt and chlorine damage. Extra virgin coconut oil is high in saturated fat which means their molecules are small enough to penetrate their shaft. The moisturizing and penetrating properties of this oil make it ideal for sealing the hair prior to swimming. Oils with similar properties such as extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil can also be used for this purpose. Generously coating your wet and oiled hair with a silicone based conditioner will further help to protect your hair. The cones in the conditioner will create a temporary barrier between your hair and the chlorine or salt filled water.

3.     Wear a Protective Style While Swimming – One way to minimize damage is to swim with your hair in a protective style. A protective style will keep the ends of your hair protected and least likely to get tangles and knots. The protective style will also aid in minimizing the absorption of the chlorine and salt water.

4.     Wash Hair Thoroughly After Swimming – Using a clarifying shampoo, be sure to properly wash your hair after a swim. This aids in ensuring the total removal of the potentially damaging chemicals from the salt water and chlorine. If not completely washed from hair, salt water and chlorine can cause hair damage. Repeated exposure to sea water without rinsing or cleansing your hair can over time lead to dryness. This can cause your hair to lose strength, elasticity and shine. Even if you are tired after a long day of fun in the sun, try to muster up the strength to wash your hair….it will be worth it in the end.

5.     Restore Moisture After Swimming – Dryness resulting from repeated exposure to sea water and chlorine can be minimized or totally voided if proper measures are applied. Restoration of moisture is crucial to ensure that damage is not sustained after swimming. One of the best ways to restore to your hair is by doing a deep conditioner. A thick, rich and creamy deep conditioner is usually very effective. I love using Eden Body Works Jojoba Monoi All Natural Deep conditioner. Coconut Oil is also a great source of moisture and can be added to any regular conditioner to restore softness and sheen to your hair.

Natural hair is usually very cooperative and will do its part if you do yours. Applying these simple steps will avoid undue stress and allow you to experience a drama free natural hair journey while enjoying the benefits of the versatility of natural hair.

Candie's Natural Hairnamix was birthed a few months after Jamaican native Rossette "Candie" Allen began her natural hair journey in May 2010. She gears this column toward naturals, transitioning naturals, aspiring naturals and the naturally curious, sharing experiences, expertise and experiments while celebrating emancipation from chemical slavery.