Sea bathing and swimming pool: should we wash our hair every day in the summer?

Due to its high salt concentration, seawater has an alkaline pH around 8. On the other hand, a healthy scalp has an acidic pH around 5.5. The acidic pH of the scalp provides a protective role, this is what we call the acid mantle. Therefore, when swimming in the sea, the pH of the scalp is altered which can lead to scalp sensitization, dryness, and an increased risk of scalp diseases (dermatitis, etc...). Seawater strips the hair fiber, promoting the lifting of the scales at the cuticle level which can no longer play their protective role. As a result, the hair becomes brittle and rough.

The chlorine found in swimming pool water has detrimental effects on the skin as well as on the hair. Indeed, just like seawater, chlorinated water damages the hair fiber and dries out the scalp. Hair becomes vulnerable to external aggressions and turns brittle and rough.

Furthermore, chlorine alters the natural color of hair : dark hair can lighten and blonde hair can develop greenish tints. In the case of frequent swimming, chlorine weakens the corneal layer of the skin on the scalp causing irritations, dryness and dehydration.

In the event that your hair does not come into contact with seawater or chlorinated water due to a swim cap or an updo, washing your hair is not necessary. However, if your hair does come into contact with seawater or chlorinated water, washing becomes essential in order to maintain your hair health.

Please note : Even if your hair comes into contact with sea water or pool water every day, it will then need to be washed daily!

After a swim in the sea or pool, a shower is essential to remove the salt water or chlorine from the hair, as well as the sand that has embedded itself. Furthermore, the use of moisturizing and lipid-replenishing products during the shower will help rebalance the skin barrier at the level of the scalp skin, and restore the cohesion of the hair cuticle.

Thus, after a swim in sea or pool water, remember to routinely rinse your hair with clear water. Then opt for our nutritive shampoo which cleanses the hair while moisturizing and soothing the scalp. It is composed of 1% biolipid complex and camellia oil (INCI: "Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil"") which rebalance the lipid levels in the corneal layer. It also contains aloe vera (INCI: "Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice") which hydrates and soothes the scalp.

Continue with the application of ourrepairing hair maskbased onbiomimetic ceramides (INCI: "Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein"), frommango butter (INCI: "Mangifera Indica Seed Butter")andavocado oil(INCI: "Persea Gratissima Oil"") which help to restore the cohesion of the cuticle. The scales are filled, the cuticle is smoothed, and the cortex is better protected.

When your hair is dry, you can use thedry hair oil. Composed of several vegetable oils working in synergy, itimproves the health of the hair fiber and the overall appearance of the hair. The hemisqualane it contains helps to close the hair cuticles, thus protecting them from external damage.

• PIERARD G. E. & al. Hair and its Environment. Medical Review of Liège (2015).