Houston summers are no joke, and sometimes you just need to cool off in a pool or take a trip to Galveston. But can you swim with locs? Absolutely! With proper preparation and aftercare, your locs can handle the water. Here's everything you need to know.
Pre-Swim Preparation
Saturate with Fresh Water First
This is the most important step. Before entering any pool or ocean, completely soak your locs with fresh water. Why? Hair acts like a sponge - if it's already full of clean water, it can't absorb as much chlorine or salt.
Apply a Light Oil
After saturating with water, apply a thin layer of jojoba or coconut oil to your locs. This creates a barrier that helps repel pool chemicals and saltwater.
Secure Your Locs
Put your locs in a secure style - a high bun, braid, or ponytail - to minimize exposure and prevent tangling.
Consider a Swim Cap
For frequent swimmers, a swim cap provides the best protection. Look for extra-large caps designed for locs or natural hair. They won't keep water out completely, but they significantly reduce exposure.
Pool Swimming (Chlorine)
Chlorine is particularly damaging to locs because it:
- Strips moisture from hair
- Can cause color fading
- Leads to dryness and brittleness over time
- May leave a greenish tint (especially on lighter locs)
After Pool Swimming
1. **Rinse immediately.** Don't wait until you get home - rinse your locs with fresh water as soon as you leave the pool.
2. **Wash with clarifying shampoo.** Within a few hours of swimming, do a thorough wash with a residue-free clarifying shampoo.
3. **Deep condition.** Follow with a good moisture treatment. An apple cider vinegar rinse is excellent for neutralizing chlorine.
4. **Dry completely.** Don't go to bed with wet locs - this invites mildew, especially after pool exposure.
Ocean Swimming (Saltwater)
Saltwater is generally less damaging than chlorine but still requires care:
Benefits:
- Salt has natural cleansing properties
- Some clients find salt water helps tighten locs
- More natural than pool chemicals
Challenges:
- Salt is very drying
- Sand can get trapped in locs
- Can leave hair feeling stiff and crunchy
After Ocean Swimming
1. **Rinse thoroughly.** Focus on flushing out salt and any sand.
2. **Moisturize well.** Saltwater is very drying, so restore moisture with your loc spray.
3. **Separate locs.** While wet, gently separate any locs that may have started to combine.
4. **Let dry completely.** Ocean humidity plus wet locs can equal mildew. Make sure you're fully dry.
Special Considerations for Starter Locs
If you're in the first 6 months of your loc journey, swimming requires extra caution:
- **Avoid swimming if possible during the first month.** Your locs are at their most fragile.
- **If you must swim,** wear a swim cap and keep your head above water as much as possible.
- **Book a retwist appointment after swimming.** Starter locs are more likely to unravel with water exposure.
Frequent Swimmers: Extra Tips
If swimming is part of your regular routine:
1. **Invest in a good swim cap.** It's worth it for loc protection.
2. **Consider interlocking.** This technique holds better against water than palm rolling.
3. **Keep a spray bottle of fresh water at the pool.** Pre-soak before each swim.
4. **Schedule regular deep cleans.** Chlorine buildup happens over time, even with precautions.
5. **Moisturize more frequently.** Combat the drying effects of regular pool exposure.
Houston-Specific Tips
Our humid climate actually helps with post-swim moisture recovery, but it also means:
- Locs take longer to dry, so start drying earlier in the evening
- Mildew risk is higher - never go to bed with wet locs
- During summer, you might need to wash more frequently if swimming often
Can Chlorine Turn My Locs Green?
This mostly affects blonde, gray, or lighter-colored locs. The green tint comes from copper in the water, not chlorine itself. Prevention:
- Pre-saturate with fresh water
- Use a swimmer's shampoo designed to remove copper
- Rinse immediately after swimming
Bottom Line
Swimming with locs is absolutely possible - you don't have to sit out of summer fun! Just remember:
1. Pre-soak with fresh water
2. Apply a light oil barrier
3. Rinse immediately after
4. Wash and dry thoroughly
At Kelatic Hair Lounge, we can help undo any swimming damage and get your locs back on track. If you're a regular swimmer, let us know during your appointment so we can recommend the best maintenance routine for your lifestyle.
Enjoy the water!