Swimming & Curls: Chlorine + Saltwater — Field Notes #2

Swimming & Curls: Chlorine + Saltwater — Field Notes #2. Here’s a field-tested path you can run for two or three wash days, then decide.

The core idea: fewer, better steps. Cleanse the scalp well, condition until slip, style on soaking-wet hair, then hands-off until dry.

Steps

1. Dry hands-off; break the cast only when fully dry
2. Apply leave-in on soaking-wet hair
3. Layer gel/foam; rake then scrunch

Toolkit

• Deep conditioner/mask (monthly)
• Wide-tooth comb or flexible brush
• Chelating/clarifying shampoo (as needed)
• Satin/silk pillowcase or bonnet
• Microfiber towel or T-shirt
• Hard-hold gel or mousse for humidity

“Technique first, product second.”

Example

For high humidity: leave-in + hard-hold gel, then hover-diffuse to 60% and finish with cup-and-hold. Don’t break the cast early.

Tools angle: choose diffusers by bowl and airflow, and brushes by flexibility and slip—comfort beats hype.

Porosity & Climate Notes

• Humidity: pair humectants with film-formers
• Low porosity: lighter layers; avoid heavy oils

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