Swimming Precautions before and after?

I am not African-American, but I do like to swim. There are shampoos and conditioners designed to help cleanse chlorine from your hair, so it doesn’t dry it out or change the color if your hair has been color-treated or for those with light hair. A lifeguard once told me that the L’Oreal Swim and Sport shampoo for kids was just as good as the more expensive Ultra Swim products.

I just did a search to find the name of the other products, and I came across this product sold at Target: Mixed Chicks Shampoo for Kids – its description said that it’s good for swimmers. The entire Mixed Chicks product line is designed for curly hair. Maybe they’ll have something else that is suited you your hair texture.

Don’t condition before swimming, it will gunk up the water. Chlorine and salt water won’t damage your hair anymore than anyone elses. I am a blonde and at least you don’t have to worry about your hair turning green from the choline. lol
Just rinse well AFTER swimming, but do not use any funky stuff on your hair that will leave a residue in the pool.

@Coloma is correct. Always wash yourself, including hair thoroughly before swimming and rinse completely after.

@Coloma That happened to me when I was about 15! I lived in the pool and got really lazy about rinsing my hair afterwards. I had green tinted ends. It was very attractive.

@SeleneHenderson Hi Selene and welcome to Fluther. I have extremely fine hair that should fall victim to anything remotely capable of damaging hair. As a kid, I was a muskrat, in the water as often as possible. In college, I took swimming, then lifesaving, senior lifesaving and finally the water safety instructor’s course. I lived in the pool. Never hurt me aside from the greenish tint. I’d say enjoy the water and don’t listen to the old wives tales. Rinse and condition sfter your swim, and you’ll be fine.