I'm new here, so this will be my first (of hopefully many) posts.
I recently just started swimming again. I have long hair that I'd like to keep in good condition and I know the chlorine can be harsh on it. I was wondering if any one can recommend a combination of shampoo and possibly swim cap that can help me not damage my hair while swimming. I do currently have a swim cap, I just can't figure out how to get it on my head and cover the entire thing. Maybe I just have a huge noggin and a small swim cap.
The first thing I did when I came here was do a search of the forums and no results were found. Any links, advice or otherwise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Meridius
Former Member
I feel your pain - I, too, have long hair (which I also get highlighted every 2 months!). I found three products which I think work great! My hairdresser always comments how healthy my hair looks and feels, esp. considering all the swimming I do. It sounds like a lot, but it works for me and I swear by it! Here's what I use:
1) Before swimming: Redken's "UV Rescue" (I use Brunette Guard). I put it right on my dry hair, then I wet it in the shower. Also, I put it back in a ponytail. If you do this, be sure to saturate the ponytail holder, too, with the Redken product - it helps it to come out much better and won't get tangled. My teammates love this product! It also comes for "blondes."
2) Shampoo: Redken's "UV Rescue" shampoo. Removes chlorine like no other product and won't leave your hair dried out. I use it as an everyday shampoo, even on days I don't swim. My color doesn't fade, either. Great for days you're swimming outside.
3) Best conditioner: BedHead (by TIGI) - "Moisture Maniac." LOVE it and you only need a little. You can also use this on your hair before you swim if you don't want to invest in the Redken stuff.
4) After shower: Infusium 23. Awesome product - have been using it for 20 years. I put it in a small spray bottle and use it as a detangler after swimming outside, too. When you sit in the sun, this stuff will leave your hair really silky soft the next time you shampoo.
Hope this helps! This stuff isn't cheap, but it works!!!
-Rebecca
I tried all the fancy "wetting & pre-conditioning" and it works well, but cuts into my swim time! (Our showers are ALL THE WAY downstairs, and I'm pretty lazy before I swim for 90 straight minutes.)
UltraSwim is my go-to, because it's the only shampoo I can get locally (usually CVS has it, way on the bottom shelf between the lice removal shampoo and the stuff that's really for horses.) They also make conditioner that I like, but you have to get it online or at a swim meet.
Then once, I was trying to fill out my SwimOutlet order to get the free shipping, and I saw TriSwim, which they were selling in "shot" form, trial sizes with shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion. I just love the stuff, and I must admit that I'm also quite vain about my hair. This is their website: www.sbrsportsinc.com/triswim_products.htm
There was also a review of hair products in a Swimmer Magazine article from a few months ago. It may be online?
Then once, I was trying to fill out my SwimOutlet order to get the free shipping, and I saw TriSwim, which they were selling in "shot" form, trial sizes with shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion. I just love the stuff, and I must admit that I'm also quite vain about my hair. This is their website: www.sbrsportsinc.com/triswim_products.htm
There were free samples of the TriSwim body wash and shampoo in the goodie bag at spring Nationals. I didn't get around to using it until a couple days ago. The stuff smells good (better than Ultraswim), but I'm in and out of the water so much, I couldn't really say how well it works. Kinda pricey imo.
Best solution, get a hair cut. I prefer the #1 cut with the clipper when I go to Mexico. I just wash my head with a bar of soap and a rough face cloth.
When at home I get the #2 clipper settiing, my hair is just fine. It never gets in my eyes. With the longer hair I just use a rough face cloth and water.
:D
Old Dan Tucker was a fine old man,
Washed his face in a frying pan,
Combed his hair with a wagon wheel,
Died with a toothache in his heel.
Best solution, get a hair cut. I prefer the #1 cut with the clipper when I go to Mexico. I just wash my head with a bar of soap and a rough face cloth.
When at home I get the #2 clipper settiing, my hair is just fine. It never gets in my eyes. With the longer hair I just use a rough face cloth and water.
