How swimming in the summer really affects your hair—and what to do about it

A dip in the water feels like the ultimate summer escape—whether you're floating in the ocean or swimming laps in a pool. But what does all that splashing around really do to your strands?

While you're probably familiar with the frizz and dryness that follow a beach day and the damage chlorine unleashes on your hair, there are also a few unexpected upsides to swimming in the ocean (aka nature) that might surprise you. That being said, with the right hair care routine in place, swimming can not only uplift your mood and cool you down, but it just might give you a great hair day as well.

We spoke to two industry experts—Elton Steve Vessoaker, hairstylist and brand ambassador for K18 India, and Ankith Aroraa, founder & CEO of Streamline Beauty India—to break down exactly what saltwater, chlorine, and sun exposure do to your hair—and how to protect it before, during, and after your swim.

Saltwater and your strands: The good, the bad, and the beachy

So, is saltwater actually good for your hair and scalp? Turns out, it’s kind of a mixed bag. “Salty seawater has both benefits and drawbacks,” says Aroraa. “It contains natural minerals that can help exfoliate the scalp and add texture to the hair, giving it a voluminous, tousled look. But excessive exposure can strip away moisture, making hair dry and prone to breakage.” To sum it up: mineral-rich saltwater can be great as a scalp exfoliant, but for your hair lengths, it can be extremely drying.

Vessoaker agrees, adding that while saltwater can act as a gentle exfoliant, it’s still important to treat your hair with some post-swim love. “Like with skincare, anything in excess can have side effects,” he explains. “If you're swimming frequently in saltwater, you may notice some dehydration over time—but with proper haircare, it's completely manageable.”

The key? Prepping and protecting your strands. Because with the right hair care tips, you can make the best of that much-needed dip in the ocean.

“Use a UV protection spray before heading into the sun,” says Vessoaker, “and always follow up with moisture-replenishing products.” Aroraa recommends rinsing your hair with fresh water immediately after a swim in the ocean and using a hydrating conditioner or leave-in treatment to seal in the moisture and keep your hair soft and smooth. But if you're heading for a swim right this instant and don't have those products handy, an old-school remedy to counter the harsh effects of ocean swimming is a relaxing champi with hair oil just before you dive in.

Colour-treated vs virgin hair: Who wins in saltwater?

Saltwater—and sun exposure—don’t affect all hair types equally.

“Colour-treated hair tends to be more porous and therefore more vulnerable to mineral absorption and dehydration,” says Aroraa. “The salt can dull colour vibrancy and speed up fading, especially in chemically processed shades.” Vessoaker points out that bleached or lightened hair can even shift tone when exposed to ocean minerals, and with sun exposure added to the mix, you may experience unintentional highlights—or brassiness.

That said, it’s not all bad news. “Virgin hair is naturally more resilient,” Aroraa explains. “It can tolerate saltwater a little better, though it may still experience dryness with prolonged exposure.” His advice? Whether your hair is coloured or not, you’ll benefit from a protective leave-in spray or lightweight oil before you swim, especially one that shields against UV rays.

What’s the deal with sea salt sprays, then?

If saltwater can dry out your hair, why are sea salt sprays a go-to for effortless waves?

“It’s really about the look, not the treatment,” says Vessoaker. “Sea salt sprays are styling products—they give you that beachy curl and texture, but most formulations today also include conditioning agents that help soften and protect the hair.” Sea salt sprays are primarily styling products, and thanks to product innovations, these styling products come with hair care ingredients, too.

Aroraa elaborates: “These sprays are inspired by the volume and texture people love after a beach day. But they often come fortified with hydrating ingredients like sea kelp, coconut water, or aloe vera to counteract the dryness of actual seawater.” So yes, you can get that just-dove-into-the-ocean look, without the drying side effects. The whole idea of sea salt sprays is that they can give you the whole vibe of beach-day hair with all that volume and gorgeous wavy texture, sans the drying effects of saltwater.

Ocean vs. pool: Which one does more damage?

This summer’s hair villain might just be your local pool.

“Ocean water contains minerals that can actually enhance texture, though it does draw out moisture,” says Aroraa. “But chlorine-treated pool water is far more aggressive. It strips natural oils from the hair shaft, weakens the cuticle, and in some cases can even lead to discolouration—especially for blondes, who may see a greenish tint.”

Still, that doesn’t mean skipping the swim. Aroraa recommends a simple pre- and post-dip ritual: “Always rinse your hair with fresh water before getting in—wet hair absorbs less chlorine or salt. After swimming, rinse again and apply a nourishing conditioner or hair mask to replenish moisture.”

Hair care products for guilt-free summer dips and happy beach hair days 

Whether you need to get hair prep right, post-swim care, or simply want to get beach waves sans the saltwater damage, these products have got you covered.

The Earth Collective Swimmers Hair Care Duo - Pre-Swim & Post-Swim Hair Care, ₹2,500

Inde Wild Champi Hair Oil, ₹949

Moroccanoil Protect and Prevent Hair Spray, ₹2,880

 

Kevin Murphy Hair Resort and Hair Resort Spray Beachy Textured Style Duo, ₹5,000

Davines Solu Shampoo, ₹1,800

Olaplex No. 4C Blond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo, ₹3,200

Bath & Body Works At The Beach Moisturizing Conditioner, ₹2,099

K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, ₹2,430

“Let’s be real—swimming in the ocean can do wonders for your physical and mental well-being,” says Vessoaker. “And no, it’s not the worst thing for your hair—as long as you're mindful.” So yes, go chase that beach glow—just make sure your hair gets the memo too.

Lead image: IMDb

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