Should You Use a Hair Mask Before or After Swimming?

Ah, the joy of a refreshing swim. Whether you’re diving into a crystal-clear pool or splashing around in the ocean, swimming feels great and is good for us, too.

But let’s face it: Your hair might not be having as much fun as you are. Chlorine, saltwater, and even prolonged sun exposure can all wreak havoc on your locks, leaving them feeling dry, frizzy, or lackluster.

You may have heard that using hair masks regularly is essential for your locks, but should you apply them before or after your swim sessions? Let’s break it down and help you decide the best way to look after your hair.

Pre-Swim Hair Mask: A Shield Against Chlorine and Saltwater

If you prefer to be proactive with your beauty routine, applying a hair mask before swimming might be smart. Here’s why: applying a hydrating, protective hair mask before taking the plunge gives your hair a little armor against the elements.

Chlorine in swimming pools is notorious for stripping away your hair’s natural oils. And saltwater, while giving you that beautiful beachy wave, can leave your hair feeling rough and brittle.

Using a nourishing hair mask before swimming creates a barrier that shields your strands from these drying effects. Your hair absorbs the mask's moisturizing ingredients instead of soaking in chlorine or saltwater.

If you’re headed to the pool or beach and want to keep your hair soft and silky, slathering on a rich, hydrating mask beforehand can be a game changer. Not only will it keep your hair hydrated, but it will also prevent tangles and breakage. The Living Proof Perfect hair Day™ Weightless Mask is a light, easy option.

Now, does this mean you should slather on a heavy hair mask and then immediately jump into the water? Well, not exactly.

Ideally, you’d give your hair mask time to absorb into your strands before you swim. You don’t want the mask to wash away too soon! A light application of a leave-in treatment or a hair mask that doesn’t require rinsing could be your best pre-swim bet.

Post-Swim Hair Mask: Repair and Replenish

Let’s be honest, sometimes, no matter how hard you try to prevent it, your hair will still feel parched after a day at the pool or beach. This is where a post-swim hair mask comes to the rescue.

After exposing your hair to the elements, it’s craving some serious TLC. That’s when you bring out a deep-conditioning mask to undo any damage and restore moisture, like fan favorite Olaplex Nº.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask.

After a good swim, your hair has likely absorbed chlorine or saltwater, which can leave it dehydrated and a little worse for wear. A post-swim hair mask helps repair that damage by infusing your strands with moisture and nutrients, restoring their softness and shine.

Whether your hair feels a little crispy after a dip in the ocean or dull after a swim in the pool, a nourishing mask is like hitting the reset button for your hair. The key to an effective post-swim hair mask treatment is to focus on hydration.

Look for ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, and coconut oil, which deeply moisturize and replenish your hair’s natural oils. Once your hair is fully cleansed of chlorine or saltwater, apply your hair mask generously. Let it sit for as long as possible (while binge-watching your favorite show, perhaps), and rinse it out to reveal soft, healthy-looking hair.

Which Should You Choose: Before or After?

When it comes to choosing whether to apply a hair mask before or after swimming, there’s no wrong answer. The timing depends entirely on your hair’s needs and your routine.

If you know your hair tends to dry out easily and you want to avoid post-swim damage, using a mask as a pre-swim barrier is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you’re more concerned about restoring moisture and nourishment, a post-swim mask is perfect for replenishing your hair.

You could even go the extra mile and do both if you want to cover all bases. A pre-swim hair mask to protect and a post-swim mask to restore is the ultimate combination for keeping your locks hydrated, healthy, and gorgeous.

So, the next time you pack your pool bag or get ready for a beach day, don’t forget your trusty hair mask. Whether you treat it before, after, or both, your hair will thank you. Keep swimming, and let your hair shine just as much as you do.

Do you want more skincare advice? Here’s whether a moisturizer with SPF is as good as wearing sunscreen.