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, typically around 8. In contrast, a healthy scalp has an acidic pH, approximately 5.5. This acidic pH of the scalp provides a protective role, this is what we refer to as the acid mantle. Therefore, when swimming in the sea, the pH of the scalp is altered, which can lead to scalp sensitisation, dryness, and an increased risk of scalp diseases (such as dermatitis, etc...). Seawater strips the hair fibre, promoting the lifting of the scales at the cuticle level, which can no longer perform 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 but also on the hair. Indeed, just like seawater, chlorinated water damages the hair fibre and dries out the scalp. Hair becomes vulnerable to external aggressions and turns brittle and rough.

Furthermore, chlorine alters the natural colour of hair : dark hair can lighten and blonde hair can develop green 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 swimming 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 swimming pool water every day, it will then need to be washed daily!

After a dip in the sea or swimming pool, a shower is absolutely necessary toremove the salt water or chlorine from the hair, as well as any embedded sand. Furthermore, the use of moisturising and lipid-replenishing products during the shower will helprebalance the skin barrierat the level of the scalp, andrestore 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 moisturising and soothing the scalp. It is composed of 1% biolipid complex and camellia oil (INCI: "Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil"") which rebalance the lipid rate 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 fibre and the overall appearance of the hair. The hemisqualane it contains helps to seal the hair cuticles, thus protecting them from external damage.

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