After several consecutive days at the pool, it's normal to notice changes in your hair: rougher ends, tangles, loss of definition, or roots that get greasy faster than usual.
The solution is not to apply every treatment you have at home. Your scalp and lengths may need different things, so it's best to observe each area before preparing a recovery routine.
We'll show you how to clean, protect, and recover your hair without adding unnecessary steps.
First: remember when to wash your hair
During a day at the pool, you don't need to wash your hair every time you get out of the water. Between swims, you can rinse it with clean water whenever possible.
After the last swim of the day, we do recommend washing your hair to properly remove chlorine, sweat, and residue from products used.
This recovery routine does not replace those daily washes. It is designed for when, after several days at the pool, you notice your hair needs more complete care.
Before you start, separate the needs of your roots and lengths
Observe how each area is:
- Rough or very tangled mid-lengths and ends: may benefit from a pre-poo before washing.
- Overly elastic, weak, or shapeless hair: it's worth considering whether it needs a protein treatment.
- Oily, heavy, or product-laden scalp: may need occasional exfoliation.
- Dry or tight scalp: may need soothing and hydration after washing.
You don't have to perform all these steps in one routine. Choose only those that address your hair's signals.
1. Do a pre-poo if your lengths are dry
Pre-poo is done before shampoo and can be especially useful when mid-lengths and ends feel rough or tangled after several days at the pool.
Apply the oil only to the lengths, focusing on the driest areas. If your scalp tends to get greasy, avoid spreading it on the roots.
For a light pre-poo
The Botanical Rescue Hair Serum is a versatile option to provide softness and address dry ends without using a large amount.
It can be especially suitable for fine, wavy hair or hair that easily loses volume. Start with a small amount and only add more if the lengths need it.
For more intense nourishment
NOURISH Nourishing Hair Oil can be used as a pre-wash treatment when you want to give more attention to mid-lengths and ends.
Let it act according to the product's instructions and then proceed with your usual wash.
Oil does not remove chlorine, and pre-poo does not replace shampoo. Its function is to accompany and protect the lengths before cleansing.
2. Take care of your scalp according to what you notice
If it's oily, heavy, or has product buildup
After several days of sweat, swimming, and frequent washing, some roots can feel heavy or accumulate residue.
The Tea Tree Scalp Peel Maternatura can be used as an occasional pre-shampoo treatment.
Apply it to damp scalp, massage gently with your fingertips, rinse, and continue with your wash. It is not a product for daily use and does not replace shampoo.
If it's dry or feels tight
In this case, avoid exfoliating as a habit. Wash gently, and once your scalp is clean, you can apply the Blue Chamomile Soothing Scalp Serum Maternatura.
Distribute a few drops on the areas that feel dry or tight and massage without scratching. No rinsing is needed.
If there is intense itching, sores, persistent flaking, or severe discomfort, consult a professional.
In our guide on scalp during summer, you'll find more guidelines for adjusting your cleansing and treatments.
3. Wash your hair correctly
After the pre-poo or peel, use an appropriate shampoo to remove accumulated residue.
Distribute it mainly on the scalp and massage with your fingertips. There's no need to vigorously scrub the lengths: let the lather run through them during rinsing.
If you have applied oil, make sure your hair is clean before adding conditioner, mask, or styling products.
4. Assess if it needs a protein treatment
After several days at the pool, some hair may lose strength and structure. But feeling dry hair does not automatically mean it needs protein.
It may be a good time to consider a protein treatment if you notice signs such as:
- Overly elastic hair when wet.
- Breakage or fragility.
- Curls that have lost structure and don't regain their shape.
- Very porous, bleached, or damaged hair.
Kerantea Peter Slim Total Protein is an intensive treatment to use when hair shows this type of need.
It should not become a weekly step or be applied simply because the ends are rough. Always follow the product instructions and adjust the frequency to the actual condition of your hair.
Before using it, you can consult our guide on how to use the Peter Slim treatment and learn to differentiate between the need for protein or hydration.
The recovery routine according to your signals
- Dry lengths and comfortable scalp: pre-poo, wash, and condition.
- Dry lengths and oily roots: pre-poo only from mid-lengths to ends, occasional peel, and wash.
- Weak or overly elastic hair: wash and Peter Slim treatment when truly appropriate.
- Dry or tight scalp: gentle wash and soothing serum afterward.
Mistakes to avoid
- Applying oil instead of washing: oil does not remove chlorine or residue.
- Using proteins just because hair is rough: first differentiate between dryness and loss of structure.
- Peeling every wash: it should be an occasional treatment.
- Applying all treatments on the same day: it can complicate the routine and make it difficult to know what's working.
- Treating roots and ends the same way: each area may have different needs.
Curly Products Tip
After several days at the pool, don't try to overcompensate with an endless routine.
Observe first: if the ends are dry, do a pre-poo; if the roots are heavy, consider an occasional exfoliation; if the scalp is tight, soothe it after washing; and if the hair has lost strength, check if it needs protein.
A well-chosen routine is more effective than applying all products at once.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to wash my hair every day if I go swimming?
We do recommend washing it after the last swim of each day. You don't need to use shampoo between swims: you can rinse with clean water and do a single wash at the end of the day.
Does pre-poo remove chlorine?
No. Pre-poo helps care for mid-lengths and ends before washing, but you need to use shampoo to properly remove residue.
Can I use Peter Slim after every week at the pool?
Not necessarily. It is an intensive treatment, and its frequency should depend on the condition of your hair. Use it when there are signs of lack of strength or structure, not as an automatic step.
Is peeling or serum better for the scalp?
They serve different functions. Peeling is designed for oily or product-laden roots and is used before shampoo. The soothing serum is applied after washing when there is dryness, sensitivity, or tightness.
Recover your hair without saturating it
After several days at the pool, clean your hair properly and adapt treatments to each area. Lengths, ends, and scalp do not always need the same care.
If you still don't know which treatment best suits your hair's condition, use our Curly Products recommender.
