Swim-Proof Hair Creams:
AquaGuard Color Care vs Philip Kingsley Full Protection
Philip Kingsley
AquaGuard
The Importance of Hair Protection While Swimming
In my daily work, I’ve encountered many clients struggling with hair damage caused by swimming. Chlorine in pools, salt in seawater, and intense UV rays can severely harm hair. These elements break down the hair’s cuticle, leading to moisture loss, protein damage, dryness, brittleness, and breakage. Color-treated hair may also fade faster. Today, I’ll deeply analyze two highly-regarded swimming hair care products—**AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense** and **Philip Kingsley Swimcap**—to help you choose the best solution for your needs.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Brand Background: Expertise in Hair Care
**Philip Kingsley**
A renowned name in hair care, Philip Kingsley focuses on scientifically backed solutions for diverse hair concerns. The **Swimcap** hair protection cream, designed for swimming and sun exposure, reflects the brand’s expertise in targeted hair protection.
**AquaGuard**
Specializing in products that shield hair from pool chemicals and seawater, AquaGuard has earned a loyal following. Its **Pre-Swim Hair Defense** is a standout product for pre-swim protection.
Core Features Comparison
1. Protective Performance
Philip Kingsley Swimcap:
Acts as a 360° shield against chlorine, salt, and UV rays.
Prevents chlorine from binding to hair keratin, reducing oxidative damage.
Blocks salt penetration to avoid roughness and dullness.
Offers UV protection to preserve hair color and structure.
AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense:
Forms a nourishing barrier against chlorine and salt.
Effective for color-treated hair, minimizing fading.
Lacks explicit UV protection, which may limit its use for outdoor swimming.
2. Nourishment & Hydration
Philip Kingsley Swimcap:
Enriched with hydrolyzed elastin, castor oil, and olive oil to strengthen, add elasticity, and lock in moisture.
Creates a protective film to prevent water loss, keeping hair soft and resilient.
AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense:
Contains shea butter, sweet almond oil, and argan oil for hydration, shine, and reduced breakage.
Focuses on general nourishment but less targeted on enhancing elasticity.
3. Price
Philip Kingsley Swimcap: $58 for 6.67oz
AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense: $28.99 for 5.3oz
Both products are also available in different sizes at varying prices.
4. Convenience
Philip Kingsley Swimcap: Requires pre-swim application to wet hair, post-swim shampooing, and reapplication every 1–3 hours.
AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense: Apply to dry or damp hair 5–10 minutes before swimming; rinse post-swim. Ideal for busy lifestyles.
Main Usage Steps of Philip Kingsley Swimcap
1. Preparation before Application
Thoroughly wet your hair with clean water (avoid using pool water or seawater, as it may affect the absorption effect). Take an appropriate amount of the product according to the amount of your hair (for example, about the size of a walnut for long hair, and the size of a pea for short hair). You can mix the product with a small amount of water in a cup and stir it until it reaches a liquid consistency (similar to egg liquid) for easier and more even application.
2. Even Application
Apply the product to the wet hair in sections. Use a comb to ensure that every hair strand is covered, especially the easily damaged areas such as the hair ends. If using it for sun protection or for a long time of swimming, it is recommended to apply it before entering the water or before sun exposure to form a protective layer.
3. Duration of Stay and Activities
There is no need to rinse after application. You can directly engage in activities such as swimming and sunbathing. The product will form a waterproof protective film on the surface of the hair to resist the damage caused by chlorine, saltwater, and ultraviolet rays. If you need to enhance the repair effect, you can let the product stay on the hair for 10-20 minutes before entering the water.
4. Rinsing and Cleaning
After the activity is over, rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water, and use shampoo twice to clean it completely (it is recommended to use the same brand of shampoo for the best results). If your hair is fine and soft or you are worried about residues, you can pre-wash your hair with a small amount of shampoo first, and then carry out the normal cleaning process.
Supplementary Usage Tips
– Reapplication: After long-time swimming or multiple times of entering the water, you can reapply the product to wet or dry hair without rinsing off the previous residues.
– Use with a Swim Cap: Although the product itself has protective functions, if stronger protection is required (such as in competitive swimming), you can still use it in combination with a swim cap.
– Suitable Hair Types: It is suitable for all hair types, including dyed and permed damaged hair (especially recommended for blonde or bleached hair to prevent the hair color from turning green due to chlorine water). The texture is light and will not make fine and soft hair look flat or greasy.
Ingredients and Protection Principles
– Hydrolyzed Elastin: Enhances the elasticity of hair strands and reduces breakage.
– Castor Oil and Olive Oil: Lock in moisture, enhance shine, and resist ultraviolet rays at the same time.
– Sulfate-Free and Paraben-Free: A gentle formula that reduces scalp irritation.
Precautions
– Avoid contact with eyes. If it accidentally gets into the eyes, rinse immediately with clean water.
– After opening, it is recommended to use it up within 12 months. Store it in a cool place and avoid high temperatures.
AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense
Usage Steps
1. Wash hair (optional)
Use clean water to lightly rinse hair to remove dust or residue, but do not use shampoo to retain the natural oils that help provide protection.
2. Pat dry to damp
Gently towel dry excess moisture from hair, keeping it in a slightly damp state (about 50% dry) to allow for even product penetration.
3. Apply AquaGuard evenly
Take an appropriate amount of product (adjust based on hair length, usually 2-3 pumps), and apply evenly from root to tip, paying special attention to the ends which are more prone to damage.
You can use a wide-tooth comb to section the hair, ensuring that every strand is covered.
4. Wait for absorption (1-2 minutes)
Allow the product to sit on the hair for a moment to form a protective film. No rinsing is necessary.
5. Go swimming
Directly enter the pool or ocean activities; the protective film will help resist chlorine or salt damage.
6. Clean after swimming
Immediately rinse hair with clean water after swimming, and use a gentle shampoo (such as a chlorine removal shampoo designed for swimmers) to thoroughly cleanse and avoid residue.
Notes
Suitable hair types: All hair types, especially dyed, permed, dry, or brittle hair.
Usage frequency: Use before each swim; reapply if swimming for an extended time.
Suggested pairing: Following swimming, it is recommended to use a deep conditioner or hair mask for enhanced repair.
Avoid contact with eyes: If contact occurs, rinse immediately with clean water.
Final Recommendations
Choose Philip Kingsley Swimcap if:
You swim outdoors frequently and need UV protection and enhanced hair elasticity for complete swimming hair protection.
You prioritize comprehensive protection over convenience.
Choose AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense if:
You seek ease of use and want better protection for colored hair.
You need an affordable, multipurpose swimming hair protection product.
Both products excel in protecting hair during swimming, effectively preventing hair damage caused by swimming. Select the appropriate product based on your lifestyle and hair needs to keep your hair healthy and beautiful in the water!
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