Summer is here — and if you have curly hair, you already know that saltwater, chlorine, and humidity can wreak havoc on your curls. But that doesn't mean you have to skip the fun. With the right prep, products, and post-swim routine, you can protect your curls and still enjoy every beach day and pool party. Here's exactly what to do.
Why Summer Is Tough on Curly Hair
Saltwater and chlorine are both drying agents — they strip the natural oils from your hair that keep your curls defined and moisturized. Add Florida humidity on top of that, and you've got a recipe for frizz, tangles, and curl chaos.
The good news? Your curls are resilient. A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping them healthy and beautiful all summer long.
Before You Get In the Water
The best protection starts before you even touch the water. Think of it like sunscreen — you apply it before exposure, not after.
First, saturate your hair with fresh water before getting in the pool or ocean. Dry hair acts like a sponge and will absorb whatever it's submerged in — saltwater or chlorine. If your hair is already wet with clean water, it absorbs far less of the damaging stuff.
Next, apply a generous amount of AuBonacci Leave-In Curl Styling Cream to your hair before heading out. The cream creates a protective barrier that helps seal the cuticle and slow down moisture loss from salt and chlorine exposure. It also gives your curls definition as you go in, so they bounce back faster after you're done swimming.
Finally, if you're spending a long day in the sun, consider pulling your hair into a loose braid or bun to minimize direct exposure and reduce tangling in the water.
After You Get Out of the Water
The moment you're out of the water is the most important time for your curls. Don't let them air dry with salt or chlorine still in them — rinse as soon as possible with fresh water.
Once rinsed, work through your post-swim routine while your hair is still soaking wet:
Step 1 — Reapply leave-in. Squeeze out excess water gently (never rub!), then apply AuBonacci Leave-In Curl Styling Cream from roots to ends. This replenishes the moisture, salt, and chlorine stripped out and reactivates your curl pattern.
Step 2 — Lock it in with serum. Follow with AuBonacci Curl Styling Serum to seal the cuticle, add shine, and protect your hair from the sun and humidity for the rest of the day.
Step 3 — Define and hold. If you want your curls to look styled rather than just recovered, rake through AuBonacci High Hold Gel and scrunch upward to encourage your curl pattern. Let air dry or diffuse.
Step 4 — Finish and protect. A light mist of AuBonacci Curl Styling Final Touch Spray seals everything in and gives you frizz protection for the hours ahead.
Beach vs. Pool — Is There a Difference?
Yes — and it matters for how you care for your curls afterward.
Saltwater from the ocean can actually enhance your natural curl pattern while you're in it — that "beach wave" effect is real. But once it dries in your hair, the salt crystals draw moisture out of the hair shaft, leaving curls crunchy, brittle, and frizzy. The longer you leave it in, the more damage it does.
Chlorine is harsher. It's a chemical that binds to hair and strips color, protein, and moisture more aggressively than salt does. If you swim in pools regularly, you'll want to be especially diligent about your post-swim rinse and moisture routine.
The bottom line: Rinse faster after the pool than after the beach, and use a slightly more generous amount of leave-in after chlorine exposure. Both benefit from the same full routine — the pool just requires a little more urgency.
What About Wash Day After Swimming?
You don't need to do a full wash after every swim — but you do need to rinse thoroughly every time. A full wash day is recommended after every 2–3 swim sessions, or sooner if your hair feels heavy, sticky, or overly dry.
When you do wash, use a curl-friendly shampoo that cleanses without stripping. Follow with a rich conditioner and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing — your hair will be thirsty after sun and water exposure.
After washing, go straight into your full styling routine: leave-in, serum, gel, and finish spray. Your curls will thank you.
If you're swimming frequently this summer, consider keeping a travel size curl kit in your beach bag so you always have what you need on hand — no excuses for skipping the post-swim routine!
Your Curls Deserve a Great Summer Too
Swimming doesn't have to mean sacrificing your curls. With a little prep before you get in and a consistent routine after you get out, you can have the best of both worlds — beautiful, healthy curls and all the summer fun you want.
The key products that make it possible: a protective leave-in before you swim and a full moisture-restoration routine afterward. Keep it consistent, and your curls will stay strong all season long.
Ready to build your summer curl kit? Shop the full AuBonacci collection and find everything you need to protect, restore, and define your curls this summer.
