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Beauty

Going to The Pool or Beach? Protect Your Hair From Damage With This Simple Hack

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The summer is finally here! If you’re ready to kick your shoes off and get the festivities started, we don’t blame you. But with all the fun it can bring, the summer can take a toll on our skin and hair. And while we know how to care for our skin during this season, haircare can be a little more confusing.

If your hair usually feels damaged and fried by August, you know what we’re talking about. Luckily, one hairstylist shared a hack that will help us all protect our precious strands all season long with a product you already have in your bathroom — conditioner.

Posting to TikTok, hairstylist Matt Newman shared his super simple trick for protecting your this summer. His secret? Applying conditioner from root to tip before you take a dip. “If you want to protect your hair from chlorine in the pool, add a little conditioner to your hair,” Newman says in the video. “It’s a great barrier from the chlorine on your hair.”

How exactly does it work? Chlorine and salt from the pool and beach can strip hair of its natural oils, causing it to dry out and become susceptible to tangling and breakage. Conditioner helps combat this damage because it provides a protective layer of moisture around the hair shaft. “Conditioner refortifies the cuticle with a protective coating, allowing the hair to keep growing and not break easily,” dermatologist Adam Friedman told Allure. “When the hair is exposed to the outside world, the cuticle, or outer lining, gets damaged until it ultimately breaks; the conditioner fills in those injuries and coats the hair to assist the cuticle.”

Newman applies conditioner to hair that’s already wet in the pool, but you could, and probably should, apply a layer before getting in to the water for added protection. I always apply a layer to my hair while it’s still dry! You can use any type you like, whether that’s a leave-in spray solution or the same product you use in the shower. (Here’s a drugstore conditioner we love, approved by beauty guru Gwyneth Paltrow). To do it, simply apply a layer of conditioner (the same amount you’d typically use) to your hair (wet or dry) — no rinsing required. You can comb it through, blend it in with your fingers, or simply let it sit. That’s it!

So the next time you’re heading out for a day on the water, don’t forget to toss a bottle of conditioner into your bag alongside your sunscreen. Your shiny, luscious locks will thank you!

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