But if you have ever got home, started bath time, and then been stopped in your tracks by the feel of your child's hair suddenly feeling… different, you are not alone!\
It feels a little rough. A little dry. The brush catches more than before. And somehow it still feels like there was build up left behind.
When it first happens, it's easy to brush it off as “just summer.” Until the tangles get worse, the texture gets crunchier, and for some kids with lighter hair, you might even notice the slightest green hue.
That is something a lot of parents do not realize until the middle of summer… when the crunchy pool hair starts taking over.
What Is Crunchy Hair?
Crunchy hair (or swimmer's hair) is caused by repeated exposure to things like chlorine, salt water, sunlight, and repeated outdoor play over summer time.
Pool chemicals like chlorine and bromine can be drying because they strip away natural oils, which help protect your hair and keep it soft. Simultaneously, sun and hot weather also dehydrates it even more.
Without that protective layer, hair is more susceptible to:
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1. Moisture loss
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2. Rough, brittle texture
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3. Tangling and breakage
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4. Dullness and dryness
hair starts to feel straw-like or crunchy to the touch.
Why Can Hair Turn Green After Swimming?
You may even see some green tint if your child has lighter hair. This is when chlorine reacts with the metals copper and manganese present in water. These metals are able to attach to the hair and oxidize which creates that greenish color you may see.
It might be an eye-catching sight the first time you see it, but it is a common sign that there is buildup sitting on the hair.
Why Crunchy Hair Only Gets Worse Over Time
One of the biggest misconceptions is that crunchy hair happens all at once but it doesn't! It builds slowly and most parents don’t realize until it has already become difficult to manage.
That chlorine, salt and buildup increase with each swim. Every sun-filled day has pulled just a little more moisture from the hair. And, regular shampoo or those 3-in-1 products that claim they do all the work are often not enough to fully remove it.
That is why you might notice:
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1. Your kid's hair is harder to brush from week to week
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2. Changing the texture from soft to hard
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3. More knots at night
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4. Dull or dry-feeling hair even after washing it
But by the time it becomes obvious, the harm has already begun accumulating.
Is Crunchy Hair Something to Worry About?
It can be but not to worry! Dry, brittle hair is much more difficult to control and prone to breakage. It can cause brushing to become a daily battle and cause you both bouts of frustration when it comes time to styling.
The bright side is, it does not have to go this far!
How to Fix Crunchy Hair
It’s not just about washing the hair. It’s about resetting it.
Here is what helps:
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1. A swim shampoo for kids / gets rid of chlorine, salt, and other buildup ( regular shampoo sometimes leaves behind)
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2. Follow with a children's swim conditioner to rehydrate and soften the hair.
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3. Leave-in conditioner helps to shine, protect well-groomed strands, and detangle sun-kissed hair.
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4. Look out for hydrating and moisture-attracting ingredients such as aloe and plant-derived oils that help provide manageability
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5. Consistency (especially during weeks you are swimming every day)
Read our full guide here on what you should be looking out to find the best products for your summer day routine!
Preventing Crunchy Hair in the First Place
Prevention is easier than repair. Here are a couple of small habits that can go a long way:
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1. After swimming, rinse your child's hair as soon as possible
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2. Regularly use a kids' swim shampoo and conditioner during the swimming season
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3. Incorporate a leave-in conditioner for moisture and detangling
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4. Watch out for buildup from sunblock, seawater, and pool chemicals
Often, it might be to go from a standard wash routine to one that's tailored particularly for summer hair.
The Simple Routine That Makes the Biggest Difference
You need a full routine, not only one product, for the best results! This is what helps remove buildup, restore moisture, and prevent that crunchy feeling from building over time.
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1. Shampoo your kids' hair with Sun & Swim Clarifying Shampoo to purify chlorine, salt, and buildup
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2. Restores softness and a smooth texture with Sun & Swim Conditioner
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3. Complete with Sun & Swim After-Sun Spray that aids in detangling and protection
Team them up, and this type of routine can prevent the cycle from getting into that crunchy hair space.
The Summer Hair Issue + A Better Way To Manage It
Crunchy hair is not just part of summer, it means that hair need a different kind of care. A good routine will make your child’s hair soft, easy to manage and healthy-looking all season long. After all, summer is the season for pool days and enjoyment not tangles, dryness, and hair struggles at the end of a long day.
Available from collection: Sun & Swim
