🌎 Scuba Diving Skin and Hair Hacks

The planet is 70% covered by water but the average person spends the majority of her life on land. If you’re lucky enough to experience the wonders of scuba diving for yourself, you know what they’re missing. Whether you’re basking in the magical blue waters of Bali or exploring the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, scuba diving is an otherworldly experience.

The world below water is unlike anything you’ll encounter on land which is exactly what makes it thrilling and terrifying all at once. The same experience that opens your mind and delights your senses, however, can be very damaging to your hair and skin. Here’s what you need to know about protecting your hair and skin as a scuba diver.

What Does Diving Do to Your Skin and Hair?

You’ve probably heard of the healing benefits of saltwater for detoxifying your skin, but you can have too much of a good thing and all that salt will wreak havoc on your hair. The experts at Sally Beauty comment that as saltwater dries on the hair, it creates buildup that can cause your hair to feed dry and weighed down. It may also be more prone to tangles and difficult to manage.

A little saltwater might be good for your skin, but excess sun exposure definitely isn’t. The ultraviolet (UV) light produced by the sun damages the elastin fibers in your skin, causing your skin to sag and stretch. Sun-damaged skin may also become discolored and more prone to wrinkles, not to mention the risk of skin cancer. In a single day, the worst you’re likely to get is sunburn but long-term, repeated sun exposure without protection is very damaging to your skin.

Simple Tips Before, During, and After Your Dive

Aside from making sure you have all of your gear properly fitted and well-maintained, the next most important thing to do is put on some sunscreen. Dermatologists recommend SPF 30 or higher and you should apply it to any skin that will be exposed during your boat ride and after. It also doesn’t hurt to wear a hat to protect your face and polarized shades to protect your eyes during the ride.

Now, here are some scuba diving hacks to protect your skin and hair:

• Soak your hair in fresh water to prevent it from absorbing too much salt
• Coat your hair in coconut oil for an added layer of protection
• Pull your hair back in a ponytail or braid, leaving room for your mask strap
• Wear a hood or use a neoprene strap cover to keep your mask from pulling your hair
• Rinse off when you’re back on the boat between dives
• Take the opportunity to rest in the shade and reapply sunscreen during diving breaks

After you climb back onto the boat, it’s time to rinse off and put away your gear. You’ll take a real shower back on land, but a quick rinse will get most of the salt out of your hair. Reapply sunscreen and lip balm for the boat ride back and take the opportunity again to relax in the shade.

Once home, treat your hair to clarifying shampoo and conditioner. It will take care of the coconut oil and give your hair a deep, purifying cleanse. Out of the shower, slather on some lotion to rehydrate your skin and throw on a face mask for a little extra moisture. After rinsing, apply toner while your face is still damp followed by your favorite serum, moisturizer, and anti-aging cream.

Whether you’re a regular scuba diver or you only get the chance on vacation, it’s an experience worth cherishing every opportunity you get. You’ll never forget the feeling of being surrounded by water but don’t let dry skin and brittle hair be the primary reminder of your dive. Follow these simple tips to keep your skin and hair health before, during, and after every dive.

Last Updated on November 8, 2023