Coastal hair care: salt, sun and chlorine on the Capricorn Coast
Living on the Capricorn Coast means easy access to some of the best beaches in Queensland. It also means your hair spends a lot of time in salt water, chlorine and strong sun. None of that means you need to stay out of the water. It just helps to have a simple routine.
What salt, sun and chlorine do to hair
Salt water can draw moisture out of the hair, leaving it dry, rough and tangled. Chlorine can do the same, and it can be especially tough on coloured and lightened hair. Sun exposure adds to the dryness and can fade or shift your colour over time.
If your hair is coloured, blonde or chemically treated, it is usually more porous, so it soaks up whatever it meets. That is why a little preparation before a swim makes such a difference.
Before you swim
- Wet your hair with fresh water first. Hair that is already full of clean water has less room to absorb salt or chlorine.
- Apply a protectant. Coastal Grl Pre-Swim is made to go on before the beach or pool, as a saltwater and chlorine protectant.
- Tie it up. A loose plait or bun reduces tangling in the surf.
After you swim
- Rinse with fresh water as soon as you can. Beach showers count.
- Wash with a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo and follow with conditioner.
- Detangle from the ends up with a Wet Brush rather than tugging from the roots.
- Smooth a little Moroccanoil Treatment through damp ends to bring back softness.
Sun protection for your hair
A hat is the simplest way to protect your hair and scalp from the sun. If you are out for hours, wear one. When you style at home, use a heat protectant such as Moroccanoil Perfect Defense, so your hair is not taking heat damage on top of sun exposure.
Do not forget the water at home
Many homes around the region have hard or bore water. The minerals in that water can build up on the hair, making it feel heavy and look dull, and they can affect your colour. A Filtered Beauty shower filter is an easy way to filter the water you wash with every day.
Give it a weekly boost
Once a week, add a treatment. Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector is a good at-home option for hair that is coloured or lightened. For hair that feels very dry, the Moroccanoil Hydrating range can help keep moisture up between visits.
In salon, we can also add a bond-building or hydration treatment to your colour appointment and talk through which products suit your hair and your lifestyle.
The short version
Wet it first, protect it, rinse it, condition it, and wear a hat. That is most of the work done.
Want a coastal routine built around your hair? Book an appointment or pop into the salon on James Street and ask our team.