This is about the time of year that Jess Wang tends to notice visible signs of damage from salt water and chlorine in her clients' hair.
"A lot of clients might not realise that they have damage, or they don't realise what's causing it," the hairdresser and salon owner in Naarm/Melbourne says.
But for some of us, regular beach days or laps at the local pool can leave our hair looking and feeling quite different.
So what damage is actually being done and what can we do to protect our hair and scalp?
What does chlorine damaged hair look like?
Chlorine damage can be "quite obvious", Ms Wang says.
This can include the colour changing — "it can go a bit muddy" — and dehydration-related texture changes.
"It almost looks like that artificial Barbie hair. It's so shiny, but the hair itself is kind of stringy when you try to detangle it."
In Brisbane/Meanjin, dermatologist Leona Yip says there are a few common ways chlorinated water can impact your hair and scalp.
"It can cause problems with your scalp moisture barrier, leading to scalp flaking, a bit of itching, and also may worsen conditions like scalp eczema."
"It can also strip moisture from your hair," Dr Yip explains, which can lead to dryness, frizz and brittleness.
Chlorine can also cause chemical reactions by interacting with hair dye which can change the colour, she says.
How can salt water damage your hair?
"Swimming in the sea can be equally damaging," according to Dr Yip.
"Salt draws moisture out of your skin, your scalp, your hair."
Ms Wang says the visible signs of saltwater damage can include lighter ends and dry, brittle strands.
Also in Naarm/Melbourne, dermatologist Clare Schofield notes that even regular freshwater swimming can impact your hair, depending on "the duration and degree of exposure."
She says that's because "hair is weaker when it's wet."
Wet hair swells up causing the outside layer of the hair to lift "a bit like shingles on a roof", Dr Schofield says.
"When they stick out they are more easily damaged."
How to prevent hair damage from swimming
There are a few ways you can limit damage to your hair.
Ms Wang says If you're swimming in a chlorinated pool it's hard to avoid exposing your hair to chlorine.
Wearing a swimming cap is a key way to minimise the exposure, according to Dr Schofield, Dr Yip and Ms Wang.
Dr Schofield says some swimming caps fit and feel better than others and if you're swimming a lot, it could be worth trialling different types to see what works for you.
If a swimming cap is not for you, Dr Yip suggests tying long hair into a bun instead.
"That minimises contact of your long hair strands with chlorinated water."
Dr Yip also recommends rinsing your hair in normal tap water before and after swimming in chlorinated or salty water.
"[If] you're pre-rinsing, there's less capacity for your hair to absorb chlorinated [or salt] water."
Ms Wang says using a leave-in conditioner-type product after rinsing and before entering salty or chlorinated water can help create "a bit of a barrier".
Dr Schofield says before swimming laps, she would put a conditioning product through her hair, before plaiting it and putting a cap on.
She also says you should avoid leaving your wet scalp and hair exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
She says there are specific hair products that have UV filters (which works like a sunscreen), "but a hat is better anyway."
How to manage hair after swimming
After swimming, Dr Yip suggests "using a good moisturising shampoo to clean the scalp and condition your hair strands".
The aim is to replace the moisture that's been removed, she says.
This could look like integrating a deep conditioning mask or coconut oil into your routine once or twice a week.
"I like coconut oil … it helps with deep conditioning moisturising."
She caveats that for people with thin hair it can be "heavy", but "argan oil would do the trick for these people".
Dr Schofield says on days you've spent a lot of time in chlorinated water, it's best to avoid other things that might damage your hair, such as heat styling.
She also suggests avoiding leaving your hair wet — particularly if it's thick or you tie it back — because the scalp can stay wet and warm for a long time.
This can enable yeast overgrowth, potentially causing seborrhoeic dermatitis flare-ups, Dr Schofield says.
Ms Wang suggests a clarifying shampoo after swimming and using a thermal protector if you do have to blow dry or heat style your hair.
If you also dye or colour your hair, she recommends regular trims and professional hair care designed to help protect the colour.
How do I get rid of a green tinge in my hair?
Dr Yip says copper present in the pool (usually via copper sulfate or the corrosion of water pipes) is usually the culprit of that infamous green hue that hair can acquire.
"Chlorine can cause a chemical reaction with copper metals in the pool and that can coat your hair with a little bit of a green tinge."
And while at-home solutions like applying tomato paste and tomato sauce are common online, Ms Wang recommends talking to your hairdresser about solutions, adding "it is a really challenging colour to counteract."
This is general information only. For detailed personal advice, you should see a qualified medical practitioner who knows your medical history.
