How to Protect Hair From Ocean Water

Seawater can do a number on your hair. Add the seaside breeze and the baking sun, and you might return from your beach vacation with a tanned body and a head full of dried-out frizz. But if you take a few precautions, your hair can survive several dips in the ocean.

Things You'll Need

  • High-silicone hair conditioner
  • Wide-tooth plastic comb
  • Non-metal hair ties
  • Plastic, claw-style hair clips
  • Over-sized nylon swim cap, sleep cap, or cotton bandana (optional)
  • Conditioning shampoo
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Instructions

    • 1

      Work high-silicone conditioner into clean, dry hair before you head for the beach. Pour on one capful of conditioner at a time, squeezing to distribute it throughout your hair. Comb with the wide-tooth comb until you're sure every part of your hair is saturated (not dripping) with conditioner.

    • 2

      Braid your hair, if it is long, using a non-metal hair tie to secure the end of the braid. If your hair is shorter, section it off into several short ponytails, using a hair tie at the top and bottom of each ponytail.

    • 3

      Gather or twist the hair sections together and hold in place with plastic, claw-style hair clips. Cover with a nylon swim cap (the non-waterproof kind used by professional swimmers), fabric sleeping cap, or bandana, held in place with plastic clips. The final covering is just to keep the hair close to your head. Don't try a standard rubber or latex swim cap, as it will slide right off well-conditioned hair.

    • 4

      Squeeze ocean water out of your hair whenever you get out of the water. Readjust the claw clips whenever necessary.

    • 5

      Remove all braids and hair ties every night and wash your hair with mild, conditioning shampoo. Follow with a silicone conditioner. Let dry naturally, if possible, or towel drying indoors (out of the sun). You can also opt to sleep on a towel-wrapped pillow.