how are you relaxed 4a/4b's dealing with regular swimming?

[nomoweavesfome]

Just curious. I have been working out more lately and part of my reggie is swimming. The chlorine is the DEVIL. How are you guys dealing with this?

yes I chelate, but the manipulation and the drying and the stripping of the hair is just too much.

 

[coilyhead]

Well, when I was regularly swimming a month ago, I'd always rinse my hair in water, and work in some conditioner, and even added a little sunscreen. Then I made sure to rinse once I was out of the pool, and used a moisturizing shampoo. Then I deep-conditioned, and didn't touch my hair until it was dry.

I'm 4a relaxed, btw.

 

[TexturedTresses]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ how many times a week were you swimming?

 

[Black NaijaAussie Barbie]

bumping this as i would like to know if there's more ladies out there with relaxed hair swimming often. Winter's going to be over in August and i'd like to start swimming every morning so i want to start getting tips as early as possible so that i'm prepared. TIA

 

[EbonyCPrincess]

I'm relaxed 4b. I also swim for exercise between 1-2x per week. I spritz my hair with water and coat with conditioner, pull into a pony on the top of my head prior to swimming. I then wear a swim cap. The chlorinated water only touches the perimeter of my hair and the high pony prevents it from getting onto my ends. After I get out, I rinse immediately (most pools have those shower thingies) and then whenever I go back home I wash with Dr. Bronners to clarify or just a moisturizing shampoo and DC with a moisturizing conditioner. I have been doing this for years with little to no breakage.

I know some ppl refuse to wear swim caps but if you are swimming on the regular for exercise, I think its a necessity. If it was a once in a while thing for recreation then I think just coating with conditioner is okay....but the swim cap definitely keeps the majority of my hair from getting wet.