Pool rules: Taking care of your hair after a Scottsdale pool day

It’s summer in Arizona, it’s hot, and most Arizonans are spending their time lounging by or in the pool to stay cool.

A day laying out soaking in the sun or swimming in the pool is fun , but it can be detrimental to hair if you’re not properly taking care of it. It’s important to take steps to care for your hair not only after swimming but before as well!

Drybar has a few suggestions to keep hair looking its healthiest this summer:
Rinse your hair with water before swimming.

Rinsing hair off with water beforehand is going to keep your hair from soaking in all of the chlorine and chemicals found in pool water. Wet hair won’t soak up chemicals and chlorine as dry hair does.

It’s also going to keep hair products from coming off hair and into the pool and muddying the water. However, no need to rinse your hair if you’re not planning to get it wet.

Pull your hair back into a braid.

If you’re planning to get in and swim and have already rinsed your hair off, it’s time to pull it back. Pulling hair back into a braid will help keep hair in order and fight off tangles.

Those with long hair could try out double fishtail braids, and those with short hair can try out a single french braid with a ponytail or bun at the end that pulls all hair back. Both of these hairstyles can be done on wet hair for swimming or dry hair if you’re only lounging by the water. (If you need extra help with a braid or trending hairstyle idea, Drybar can do that for you at one of our Scottsdale locations!)

Immediately wash your hair after getting out of the pool.

If you get your hair wet while swimming, whether fully submerged in the water or just partially wet, it’s crucial to wash it right away. By doing this you’re washing out all of the chemicals from the pool so they aren’t left to dry on your hair which can cause damage.

Anyone that is swimming at home should have a clarifying shampoo on hand like Drybar’s On The Rocks that gets rid of gunk on the hair and scalp. For those traveling or on the go, try something such as a water-activated shampoo like Drybar’s One-Two Punch.

It’s a powder shampoo that comes in a small bottle and foams up when water is added. Easy to keep in the hotel room or use at a resort pool shower.

Finish hair with a leave-in conditioner treatment.

You hydrate skin after being in the pool and sun, so why wouldn’t you apply moisture to your hair as well? After washing your hair well, add an extra hydrating leave-in conditioner or treatment like Drybar’s Bay Breeze. This is to provide some extra moisture and treat and prevent damage.

Wanting to spend time in the pool or sun this summer shouldn’t mean that you have to compromise the quality of your hair.

Try out this routine as you take on Arizona’s summer to keep hair looking and feeling healthy. If you’re ever in need of hair guidance, products, or trending styles this summer, remember Drybar is here to help.

Editor’s Note: Amy Ross is the operating partner of Drybar Arizona with five, soon to be six, locations across the Valley. Drybar is a blow dry bar of the Valley. specializing in no cuts, no color, just blowouts.