Swimming with Natural Hair: Tips and Techniques

Tatiana Illis, a world championship swimmer, shares her hair care routine for swimming with natural hair. She emphasizes the importance of protective styles, pre-swim conditioning, and using silicone caps to prevent hair damage from chlorine. Post-swim, she recommends rinsing hair, using a cotton t-shirt for drying, and reapplying conditioner to maintain moisture.

What is one of the main challenges of swimming with natural hair, especially for black hair?

• It grows too fast.

• It changes color.

• It is prone to dryness.

• It becomes too oily.

Why does Tatiana prefer braids as a protective hairstyle?

• They hold moisture better than twists.

• They dry faster.

• They are easier to style.

• They are more fashionable.

What is the purpose of wetting hair before entering the pool?

• To prevent it from getting tangled.

• To make it shinier.

• To make it easier to style.

• To reduce absorption of chlorinated water.

Why does Tatiana use a cheap conditioner before swimming?

• It smells better.

• It is more effective.

• It is easier to apply.

• It is cost-effective since it gets washed out.

What additional product does Tatiana use for extra hair protection?

• Hair gel

• Hair mousse

• Hair spray

• Vaseline

Why does Tatiana prefer thicker hair ties?

• They are cheaper.

• They are easier to find.

• They are less likely to tangle and damage hair.

• They are more colorful.

What is one advantage of silicone swim caps over latex ones?

• They are cheaper.

• They are less likely to tear and tangle hair.

• They are easier to put on.

• They are more colorful.

What does Tatiana use to dry her hair after swimming?

• A microfiber towel

• A regular towel

• A cotton t-shirt

• A hair dryer

Why does Tatiana avoid keeping her hair wrapped in a towel for too long?

• It causes a strange smell.

• It causes hair loss.

• It makes her hair too straight.

• It makes her hair too curly.

What does Tatiana do on weekends for her hair care routine?

• She uses a special shampoo.

• She dyes her hair.

• She applies specialized hair masks.

• She cuts her hair.