How to Treat a Dry Scalp from Swimming

Either for exercise or enjoyment, people love to go swimming. While the exercise is good for the body, the chlorine is not kind to your scalp. Many people experience dry scalp from swimming, especially when they haven’t washed the hair. But fortunately, there are things that you can do to help your scalp to recover.

There are many chemicals in swimming pools, and they are inevitably at much stronger levels in public pools. Larger amounts of chlorine are used to kill harmful bacteria. Although this is needed to keep the water clean, it can be particularly harsh on your skin, especially the scalp.

Going to the beach can also be bad for the scalp, as salt water is notorious for drying out the skin. Add the beating sun and UV rays to the equation, and you have a recipe for disaster.

If you have dyed your hair recently, the scalp has already been subjected to damaging chemicals. After swimming, the scalp is likely to become more aggravated, potentially resulting in itching, dryness, and flaking.

Why You Need to Treat a Dry Scalp After Swimming

Although swimming is a lot of fun, the substances added to the pool can be damaging to your skin. Chemicals in the pool water and the sun can dry out your skin fast. You can put lotion on your body to reduce the dryness, but your scalp needs a different type of treatment.

The things that will relieve the dryness inevitably vary between sufferers. If you have a perm or color your hair, chemicals have soaked into your scalp. This alone can cause dryness, but when you go swimming, it can make the condition feel worse.

Your hair can also suffer, as the oils from your skin cannot reach the hair shafts. The result is commonly dry, frizzy hair, or even breakage. When you swim a lot, there are things that you can do to stop the dryness from happening in the first place.

Different Ways to Relieve a Dry & Itchy Scalp

An itchy and flaky scalp can be embarrassing. And when you scratch it frequently, you can scratch the skin, making matters worse. The key is, of course, to stop the itching. Here are some effective ways to achieve that objective:

Shampoos

Using a shampoo that puts nutrients back into your hair and scalp, as well as adding moisturizing components, can help.

Christina Moss Naturals Organic Shampoo

A unique type of shampoo, Christina Moss Naturals Shampoo is made with essential oils. It has no added chemicals whatsoever. Essential oils will soak into your skin without leaving it, or your hair, looking or feeling oily. Using it on a dry scalp after swimming will gently remove any chlorine or salt water, and will prevent itching while it soaks in.

• Christina Moss Naturals Shampoo Review

Moisturizers

Using a good moisturizer before you get into the water will put a protective barrier on your skin, preventing your scalp from absorbing the chemicals. Here are some products that both nourish your skin and the roots of your hair. By using it after shampooing the chemicals or salt out of your hair, it will continue to nourish your skin, allowing it to heal faster.

“Ooh!”

A natural scalp moisturizer, “Ooh!” works by putting natural essential oils back into your scalp. Your skin needs certain oils to stay healthy, and swimming often depletes these oils and nutrients.

You can use this both before and after you go for a dip, and it will protect both your skin and hair from damage. Many places have a shower available to wash the chemicals or salt water off immediately. This is a good time to use this product, as it will immediately start working.

• Ooh! Itchy Scalp Relief Review

Natural Treatments

There is a range of 100% natural solutions that enable you to create your personalized treatment plan. Here are some of your options:

Essential Oils

Applying natural oils is the quickest way to heal your scalp. Not only will the skin be rehydrated, but so will the roots. This will stop any further damage and reduce the itchiness.

Tea Tree Oil

One of the most commonly used treatment is Tea tree oil. It has been used for centuries due to its natural healing properties. Once applied, it will soak into the skin quickly.

It is one of the top ingredients in many natural shampoos and conditioners because of these properties. It takes the damaging chemicals out of your skin, and both gently cleans and nourishes it.

• Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Hair & Scalp Treatment Review

Apple Cider Vinegar

Believe it or not, apple cider vinegar will not only clean your scalp but help to heal any damage. By massaging it into your skin, you will be able to get rid of any chemicals without causing any further harm. It does have a strong odor, but it goes away as your hair and scalp dry.

Ways to Avoid Dry Scalp from Swimming

Swimming Caps

Some people think that caps look funny, so they won’t wear them, so they get an itchy scalp after swimming in the pool. But you will avoid damage by wearing one. They keep the water off your hair, so you can enjoy swimming without having to worry about anything.

Pre-moisturize

Apply a moisturizer before you get into the water. Give it time to soak into your scalp, and it will create a protective barrier.

Hydrate Your Skin

By keeping your scalp hydrated, by either drinking plenty of water or using a hydrating product, you can avoid the after-effects of swimming. You can prevent the damage and itchiness that sometimes occur when your skin dries out.

You don’t have to suffer from a dry, itchy scalp when you go swimming. By taking time, either before or after, you will not only find relief from the intense itching, but you can also avoid it altogether.

You can enjoy the warm weather in the pool or at the beach without damaging your scalp. Use these proven methods to prevent getting a dry scalp from swimming and make it a thing of the past.