Sometimes hair calls for a little damage control. And in the case of Cocoa’s chlorine-saturated strands, this is one of those times.

Swimming lessons started two and a half weeks ago. I purchased the swim cap. I put conditioner on it first. I had it in twists, a braid, a bun. I slathered it with coconut oil. But none of these preventative measures stopped the damage.

Sometimes that is the case. You do everything you can to the best of your ability, but it doesn’t quite cut it. So you pick up the pieces and do what you can to repair the damage, right?

Admittedly, this was my first experience with this much chlorine. We love to go for a swim whenever we can…but living in Washington, there aren’t a lot of pools. It just doesn’t get hot enough most of the year.

For next time, I know what I will do differently. I’ve chatted up the natural hair community and I got some great advice. But fact of the matter is – curly hair and chlorine don’t mix. In fact, chlorine and hair don’t mix period. It’s always a disaster without preventative care. And in Cocoa’s case, without PROPER preventative care.

So after some shopping at the Beauty Supply and the beauty aisle at Target, we have some work to get done. Some tried and true, and some brand new! But we are sure ready for those soft and shiny curls again!

1/ Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask 2/ Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Hair Sheen 3/ Moroccan Oil Intense Curl Creme 4/ Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie 5/ Knotties Ribbon Ties

So how about you, friends? What of these have you tried (or want to try)? And do you have any tried and true tips to avoid chlorine damage with your curlies?