Loose hair under water may look majestic and can even take you back to your childhood dreams of being a mermaid. BUT hair will always find a way to move into your field of vision and get tangled in the process.
Another very well-known issue with scuba diving with long hair relates to your mask. It can be quite painful when putting your mask on or when you are taking it off. Even the slightest strand of hair that finds its way under your mask can cause the mask to move around and is known to cause the mask to leak.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Meet Jo and Maite – avid ocean lovers and team members at our resort in Raja Ampat. Herewith some tried and tested techniques, tips and tricks to help you tame those locks!
SALTY HAIR DON’T CARE!
KEEP IT HEALTHY!
Salt water can be rough on your hair and tends to dry out your locks. One tip for keeping your hair healthy when scuba diving is to actually avoid shampooing before your dives. This will ensure your natural oils aren’t stripped away and can help protect your hair from damage.
Leave-in conditioner is also well known, but keep in mind to only apply it well before you dive in order to give it time to set and not easily come off when you enter the water. We recommend using organic coconut oil, but we are also fans of the product line, that is an eco-friendly company who cares about creating products that are safe to our oceans and kind to our reefs.
RINSE BEFORE AND AFTER YOUR DIVES
Jo and Maite also recommend rinsing under a cold fresh water shower before your dives, much like the one at our resort, which will help close the hair cuticles and flatten the hair. Also, remember to rinse again after your dives to get rid of all the salt in your hair.
THE BEST HAIRSTYLE FOR SCUBA DIVING?
This amazing hair tie is more of a wrap. Gradually wrap your ponytail from the crown of your head down to the ends and tie the smaller circular band at the bottom as you would at the end of a braid.
Did you know some girls even prefer shaving the back part of their neck to keep hair away and out of their wet suits? If that might be a bit too extreme for you, you can always opt for hair bands and buffs!
BUFFS AND SCUBA DIVING MASKS FOR WOMEN
Jo recommends tucking your French braid(s) under a buff to keep it at bay. Raja Ampat waters are warm so we don’t wear hoods, but combining a buff with a silicone buckle strap helps! Aqualung has created a women’s diving mask that has a tangle-free buckle system so your hair doesn’t get caught in it or pulled uncomfortably.
SCUBA DIVING WITH BANGS
Wow, we know the struggle – keeping a bang in check is not easy, but we came across this little nifty product that just might help you.The Bang Wrangler is a silicone headband that sits tightly on your head.
Pro tip: Try to avoid a comb or brush, gently work through your hair after a dive and opt for finger combing your hair instead.
