I'm African-American and I want to start swimming regularly, but...?

I'm worried about the damage the chlorine water may do to my hair. Is it just a bad idea? Does anyone have advice about how to prevent hair-breakage/weakening? Thanks for your help:).

I'm African-American and I want to start swimming regularly, but...?

Well, I'm half AA and I used to be on a swim team. Really, unless your hair is permed or fine you won't have to worry about breakage. I have natural curls, so I've never had to deal with the chlorine breaking my hair because it's pretty strong.

Now, if you hair is permed, I would definitely suggest you buy a latex cap and wear a scarf around your hair in the water. I saw one of my swim mates do this. She has permed hair. First she'd tie a bandana around her hair tightly, then she'd put on her swim cap and made sure to press out any air. When she got of the water, her hair was still wet (you can't avoid this), but not as much as mine (I just wore a cap, no bandana).

I also suggest that you buy special shampoos and conditioners for swimmers. Paul Mitchell Shampoo 3 is specifically made for a swimmer's hair and follow up with his Conditioner 3 which will leave your hair soft and silky. It's formulated to cleanse the hair of the minerals it takes on in the water and protect the strands from breakage.

I'm African-American and I want to start swimming regularly, but...?

hi.

I'm African-American and I want to start swimming regularly, but...?

put on a swimming cap!

I'm African-American and I want to start swimming regularly, but...?

get one of those water caps they use in the olympics.

I'm African-American and I want to start swimming regularly, but...?

Wear a swim cap if you're worried. Or just make sure to condition after swimming.

I'm African-American and I want to start swimming regularly, but...?

Swimmer's hair seems almost always to be damaged. Just something you'll have to accept if you want to swim.

What does it have to do with being African American?

I'm African-American and I want to start swimming regularly, but...?

Shave your head

I'm African-American and I want to start swimming regularly, but...?

wear a swimming cap they are around 5 bucks and can protect your hair..... or just buy swimming shampoo it rebuilds what the chlorine does to your hair

I'm African-American and I want to start swimming regularly, but...?

oh... I didnt know that but just if you take a shower after training you will no have any problems.

Stop calling yourself "african-american" You were born here in the US and you are just "black" or "black american". Do we call "white" people " UK americans: ???

We need to change old things in the US...

Peace

I'm African-American and I want to start swimming regularly, but...?

swimming caps are cool, but the water will get in your hair anyway...

if and when you swim, wash your hair and condition it after each time. go to a beauty supply store, there is shampoo that removes chlorine build-up. that's a promise.

sally's is a good place to start.

I'm African-American and I want to start swimming regularly, but...?

I wish I could answer your question. I think Dan has a good

point. I don't think a swimming cap would help.

I think if you want to start swimming regularly you will need a better solution than wearing a swim cap.

I'm African-American and I want to start swimming regularly, but...?

buy.a.good.quality.hair.cap.and.after.sw...

I'm African-American and I want to start swimming regularly, but...?

swim cap