Rute Robalo, FHT UK Trustee
Taking care of Afro and natural hair is a significant consideration for many women when it comes to triathlon training, particularly swimming. Concerns about chlorine damage, hair dryness, and maintaining protective styles can act as barriers to participation. At Fund Her Tri UK, we believe that no one should feel excluded from sport due to hair care challenges.
We've gathered some key tips and insights to help you care for your hair before, during, and after training sessions, so you can swim, bike, and run with confidence.
Before the Swim
Pre-Soak: Wet your hair thoroughly with fresh water before getting in the pool. This helps prevent chlorine from being absorbed into your strands.
Condition: Applying a small amount of leave-in conditioner or natural oils (like coconut, olive, or jojoba oil) creates a protective barrier against chlorine. If you’re unsure about using products in the pool, check with the lifeguard or facility manager.
Protective Styles: Braids, twists, and other protective styles help minimise breakage and make post-swim care easier.
During the Swim
Choose the Right Swim Cap: A well-fitted silicone swim cap designed for thicker hair can reduce friction and provide better protection. Silicone is gentler on hair than latex.
Double Cap Method: Wearing a lycra swim cap under a silicone cap adds an extra layer of protection and comfort.
After the Swim
Rinse Thoroughly: Wash your hair immediately after swimming with a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo to remove chlorine. Look for ingredients like chamomile and tea tree oil to soothe your scalp.
Deep Condition: To restore moisture, do a deep conditioning or steam treatment at least once a month.
Protect Your Edges: Pay special attention to your hairline, as this area is prone to breakage. Consider using a scarf or headband under your helmet when cycling to reduce friction.
Additional Resources
There are some great swim-specific hair and skincare brands that cater to natural hair needs. TRIHARD is supporting our friends and families with our hair and skin care routine. Use the code FHTUK22 for a discount!
At Fund Her Tri UK, we are committed to making triathlon more accessible to women from all backgrounds. By sharing tips like these, we hope to remove barriers and empower more women to take part in swim, bike, and run.
Got your own hair care tips for triathlon training? We'd love to hear them! Join the conversation and share your experiences with us.
I also wet my hair a lot before swimming, I hear this prevents the hair from absorbing too much chlorine