Whether you enjoy swimming for fun during the summer or are part of the swim team, constant exposure to chlorinated pools can do a lot of damage to your hair. Swimmers know they need to beef up their hair care routine more than those who spend most of their time out of the water. But if you’ve been searching for an organic route to hair care, you’re in luck because there are products out there made just for you.

In order to keep swimming pools sanitary for us to swim in, a number of chemicals are used, such as chlorine. However, while these chemicals serve their purpose to protect us in certain ways, they can also be damaging to us in other respects - namely, our hair and skin. When it comes to the hair, the presence of chlorine or the salt, dirt and natural pollution found at the beach, can take its toll on your tresses. This is especially true if you spend a lot of time in the water. Because of this, it is important that you use hair care products that are designed specifically for swimmers. Unfortunately, the chemicals put into various shampoos and conditioners aren’t always good for your hair, either. This is why going organic is an excellent choice for swimmers who don’t want to worry about their hair and what goes on it more than they already have to.

Some regular shampoos and conditioners can contain harmful ingredients/chemicals such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate, EDTA (Ethylene Diamine Triacetic Acid), and Methylisothiazoline. These ingredients can cause eye and skin irritation, and some medical studies have shown the presence of Methylisothiazoline can actually cause damage to the nervous system. When in doubt, you can turn to organic shampoos and conditioners that contain ingredients you know are safe for use.

Specialty stores and online stores carry various lines of organic hair care products for swimmers. Many have formulas that contain only the gentlest ingredients to keep your hair and your overall health safe. Organic hair care brands don’t contain parabens, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, or other harmful ingredients. The majority use vitamins A, C, and E, pro-vitamin B5, aloe vera, jojoba, various oils and extracts, sea kelp, and a score of other ingredients that help protect, nourish, and remove traces of chlorine, copper and other damaging chemicals from the hair and scalp.

Although it is important for swimmers to choose their shampoos and conditioners wisely, it is just as critical to take the necessary steps needed to keep your hair safe while in the water as well. While it may not look appealing visually, swim caps provide a tough defense against getting your hair wet and keeping it from exposure to harsh chemicals and damaging environmental factors such as the sun and wind.

Additionally, all swimmers should immediately rinse their hair after coming out of the pool or salt water. Even if you’ve been wearing a swim cap, water can still seep inside and you should take all precautionary measures to wash out the chlorine and salt water. Never let these chemicals sit on your hair. Thoroughly shampooing and conditioning will keep your hair and scalp healthy, moisturized, and remove build-up on the scalp.

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