“I cried at camp today,” my 6-year-old daughter Winnie told me as we were winding down for the evening.
I paused and looked at her. “Why, baby? What happened?”
She explained that during water play, a boy had splashed her and gotten her hair wet.
“I cried and told my teacher that my mommy doesn’t want me to get my hair wet.”
Her little face was scrunched with frustration, and my heart sank—because I’ve been there. We’ve all been there.
I looked her in the eyes and said,
“You’re at camp to have fun. Don’t worry about getting your hair wet. You’re there to laugh and play. And baby—braids are perfect for water play.”
You could almost see the weight lift off her shoulders in that moment.
The very next day, she came home beaming.
“I had fun today. And I didn’t even worry about my hair.”
From the way her braids were frizzed and fluffed up, she didn’t have to tell me. 😅
But I was proud. Because that day, my baby chose joy. She didn’t hold back. And she wasn’t held back by her hair.
As Black women, we’ve missed out on too much—pool days, beach trips, carefree moments—because we were trying to “keep our hair cute.”
That stops with us.
Our girls deserve to live fully. Loudly. Soaked in summer joy—not sitting on the sidelines, worried about curls and coils.
And yes, her living her best water-filled life means a little more work for me. But if it means she’s free?
I’ll take that trade every time.
Summer is here—and that means splash pads, beach towels, and all the sunshine your little one can soak up. But for us curl-care moms, it also means managing dryness, tangles, and that stubborn chlorine smell.
The good news? There’s a better way.
With the right prep and products, your child can dive into every adventure without sacrificing soft, healthy curls.
Here’s exactly how to protect natural hair during swim season—so your child can live freely, and their curls can thrive.
1. Start With a Pre‑Swim Rinse & Shield
Before your little one cannon‑balls into the pool, fully saturate the hair with fresh water. A wet strand soaks up less chlorinated or salty water, just like a sponge that’s already full. Follow with a light coating of our Avocado Cucumber Hydrating Leave‑In Conditioner to create an extra barrier.
2. Choose Protective Styles That Lock In Moisture
Low‑tension two‑strand twists, chunky braids, or mini buns keep tangles at bay and limit chlorine penetration. Bonus: they shorten post‑swim detangling time, so more energy goes to building sand castles instead of battling knots.
3. Rinse, Then Gently Clarify Once a Week
Chlorine and saltwater can cling to the hair shaft, causing dryness, dullness, and breakage over time. To help prevent this, rinse your child’s hair thoroughly with fresh water after every swim—this simple step removes most of the lingering chemicals and minerals.
Then, every one to two weeks, follow up with a wash day using our Ultra‑Hydrating Shampoo. It’s not a harsh clarifier, but it’s capable of gently lifting away pool residue and product buildup, without stripping moisture from delicate curls. The sulfate-free formula, infused with nourishing botanicals, resets the hair while keeping it soft, shiny, and hydrated.
4. Co‑Wash Between Clarifying Days
Daily shampooing can deplete the natural sebum kids’ curls need to stay elastic. If you like to wash your child’s hair daily, especially after swimming, instead of shampoo each time, use our Avocado Cucumber Cleansing Conditioner for a quick, sulfate‑free refresh as often as needed. It cleanses with cationic conditioners that attract dirt—no bubbles required.
5. Moisturize & Seal, Rain or Shine
Sun, wind, and pool chemicals wick away moisture. Replenish with the Avocado Cucumber Hydrating Leave‑In Conditioner (humectants draw water back into the cortex), then lock it in with Avocado & Aloe Sealing Oil. Think of it as SPF for curls—a flexible shield against dehydration.
🫧 For deeper moisture and hydration during days out in the harsh sun, consider layering our Avocado Cucumber Leave-In, Shea Butter & Babassu Curl Cream, and Spinach Hair Balm
6. End With A Post-Swim Moisture Mix
Daily Post-Pool‑Day Moisture Recipe
If you have a regular swimmer, consider whipping up our daily pool-day moisture mixture. It’s a simple post-swim routine that helps keep your child’s curls soft, hydrated, and protected—especially on days when they’re in and out of the pool. This quick combo of moisture + sealant helps minimize dryness and breakage from chlorine, saltwater, and sun exposure.
- Light mist of water
- Hydrating Leave‑In Conditioner, mid‑shaft to ends
- 3–5 drops of Sealing Oil, squeezed into the ends
🫧 This moisture-boosting combo is best used after swimming to restore hydration and keep curls soft and shiny all summer long.
7. Deep‑Condition for Long‑Haul Hydration
Set aside 20 minutes for a deep‑conditioning session each wash day. Slide on a plastic cap and let body heat turbo‑charge penetration while you read bedtime stories or plan the next beach outing.
7. Cap It Off (When Possible)
Wearing a swim cap? That’s a win! While caps help minimize chlorine exposure, they’re not completely waterproof, so it’s still important to rinse and wash regularly to keep curls fresh and the scalp clean. A snug silicone swim cap is the gold standard for keeping chemical exposure low.
FAQ
Q: How often should I shampoo my child’s hair during swim season?
A: Rinse after every dip, co‑wash as needed, and use Ultra‑Hydrating Shampoo once a week for a thorough yet gentle cleanse.
Q: Do I still need a swim cap if I follow all the other steps?
A: A cap offers the highest level of protection, but the routine above dramatically reduces damage even when your mini swimmer prefers to go cap‑free.
Updated July 2025