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I swim indoors or out in pools 3-5 times a week for health, however, it is very hard on my hair. It's gray, about 18 inches long. The ends look a bit frayed. I've received advice to trim it quite a bit, but it's from people who don't like long hair and I don't trust them. Any thoughts on repairing and preventing pool-damaged hair. Also, any thoughts on the best way to get it trimmed without getting butchered?
First of all, your hair looks AMAZINg, the color looks awesome.
I would recommend a swimming cap of some sort, and as for trims, I'd say go to a friend/stylist that you trust. Explain THOROUGHLY how much length you want to have cut, and if they don't listen, depending on the salon, you don't have to pay, or leave a complaint if you really wanna get back at them;)
Hope this helped
-Mihnea
In this photo, it looks good all the way to the ends. A photo with better lighting would make it easier to tell for sure, but, from what I can tell by this picture, I don't think you even need a trim :-)
I don't blame you for not trusing them, --- and personally, to me your hair looks just GREAT!!
I don't have much knowledge or experience with specifically pool-damaged hair: but I do remember reading one time that somebody suggested putting in some extra leave-in conditioner into hair before swimming. You could also do what I do in general to protect the ends of my hair: massage in some beneficial oil (like Kukui nut oil, Almond, Jojoba, or even good old Olive oil) into the lower half of your hair, especially on the dry ends... which you could do EITHER before or after the swim, --- or BOTH!
Yes. In general, the more "high-end" the salon, the more their reputation is at stake, --- and the more likely they'll LISTEN to your request (and follow-though with EXACTLY what you said). Avoid all those cheap chain-store type places (like "Supercuts", for example), --- i've heard only disaster stories coming out of there (even from NON longhairs)! if you can find a stylist who specialized in long hair, that's even better... And i NEVER use the word, "haircut"; but only use the word, "trim" when talking to these people.
Keep in mind, though, that an excellent salon and/or stylist is bound to charge more $$$; but, in my opinion, they are WORTH IT!!!!! I also recommend tipping generously (as long as you're happy afterwards). Considering how infrequently I go in for a professional triim myself (the last time I went was over 3 years ago), I know I can afford to go first-class whenever I do go.
You might want to even ask around, especially if you have any longhaired women friends, to find the name of a trusted stylist that is highly recommended in your area. Even if it means a long drive into another town, the extra effort will be worth it!
Hope this helps!!!
- Ken in San Francisco
Hi there,
First of all, I would like to say that your hair looks AWESOME, what wonderful, shiny gray hair and a very nice braid indeed. Your hair certainly looks healthy to me in this picture, if you decide on a trim, I would only have the absolute minimum taken off.
Ken has given you EXCELLENT advice! He knows a LOT about how to care for and maintain long hair so you cannot go wrong listening to Ken.
Hope this helps,
David
Hi and welocome if this is your first post as I don't remember seeing you here before.Your hair from what I see looks outstanding and I wouldn't do any cutting.As for the pool issue I myself don't swim in pools as I'm concerned about what the chemicals could do to my hair but the swimming cap suggestion sounds like a good idea.Hope you remain in good health and see your future updates.Mark
First off, I would be using plenty of conditioner. But second, though it sounds a bit funny perhaps, why not wear a bathing cap? Who cares and besides, this would assure that your hair is not being exposed on a continuing basis to the chlorine. As for "trims," tell whoever it is EXACTLY what you want and watch closely. If they are not following your directions remove yourself from the chair at once.
Good luck.
I agree with those who have commented on how good your hair looks.
I have read that it is good to put oil on your hair prior to swimming. Not only will oil seal in moisture, it will repel the pool water and protect your hair while swimming. Jojoba, coconut, or olive oil would be good choices. Be generous; put enough on to protect it while swimming. Afterwards you can wash it out.
Since this is my first summer in a long while swimming with long hair I will be testing this out shortly. I will post how it works for me.
Big George
Some people reckon that if you soak your hair with (chlorine-free) water before going in, then it won't aborb the chlorine. Using conditioner or oil seem like good ideas too. I don't swim much myself, and usually only in the river or the sea, but that's maybe because I have no access to a swimming pool anywhere around here.
Hi,
sorry for getting in on this late but I have been getting caught up with other things the past few days. Anyway, I used to swim, and in my case I dealt with it by giving it up. probably not the solution you were looking for but for me, the hair just made it too much of a hassle. I run now instead but I should say the pool problems weren't just the hair but also the difficulty in getting to the pool in morning traffic. I liked to swim with my hair loose and I knew that I'd eventually get told to wear a cap which I didn't want to deal with. Now I hit the streets and run (well, trot actually). If my knees ever give out I'll have to reconsider the whole pool/cap thing however.