Scuba diving is an exhilarating experience that allows us to explore the depths of the ocean and get up close and personal with marine life. But for those of us with long hair, scuba diving can also present some unique challenges. Long hair can easily get tangled in equipment, obstruct our vision, and even become a safety hazard if it gets caught on something underwater.
That’s why it’s important to take steps to keep our hair out of the way while diving. By doing so, we can ensure a comfortable and safe diving experience.
In this article, we’ll explore some tips and tricks for wearing long hair while scuba diving that will help you enjoy your underwater adventure to the fullest. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting out, these tips will help you keep your mane under control while exploring the depths of the ocean.
Pre-Dive Preparation
Tie hair back into a tight ponytail or bun to prevent it from getting tangled in equipment
Before jumping into the water, it’s important to ensure that your hair won’t get caught in any scuba diving equipment. Your ponytail should be tied tightly, as a loose ponytail or bun can easily come undone and cause havoc when you’re underwater. It’s best to use hair ties without metal clasps as these can easily break and get stuck in your hair.
If you have long thick hair, try using multiple hair ties for more security. You can also use a scrunchie instead of a regular hair tie for added strength.
Another useful tip is to twist your hair before tying it up to create more tension. This will help keep the strands together and avoid getting snagged on anything during your dive.
Use a headband or bandana to keep stray hairs from falling into your face and obstructing your vision
While tying up your hair is essential for safety purposes, it won’t necessarily keep all the strands out of our eyes during the dive. Wearing a headband or bandana will help keep stray hairs away from your face and give you clearer visibility while you explore the underwater world. It’s important to choose a headband that fits securely around your forehead without being too tight or uncomfortable.
A stretchy cotton bandana is also a great option as it will absorb any sweat or moisture that could make its way down your forehead while diving. Overall, taking these simple pre-dive preparation steps will ensure that you have an enjoyable and safe scuba diving experience with long hair!
Choosing the Right Gear
Low-profile Mask
When it comes to choosing gear for scuba diving with long hair, the mask is one of the most important items. You’ll want to select a low-profile mask that fits snugly without pushing your hair into your face or obstructing your vision.
A high-volume mask might seem like a good idea since it provides more space inside for air, but it will also push your hair around and make it harder to keep out of your face. A low-profile mask, on the other hand, sits closer to your skin and doesn’t create as much space between your face and the glass.
This means that you won’t have to worry about stray hairs getting caught in the seal or floating around in front of you while you’re trying to enjoy the underwater scenery. Some masks even come with special features designed specifically for keeping hair out of the way!
Neoprene Hood
Another piece of gear that can be helpful when scuba diving with long hair is a neoprene hood. Not only does this keep hair contained and out of your face, but it also provides an extra layer of insulation in colder waters. A hood can be particularly useful if you have thick or unruly hair that’s difficult to control.
There are different types of hoods available depending on how much coverage you need. Some cover just the head while others extend down over the neck and shoulders.
Look for one made from high-quality neoprene that fits snugly without being too tight or uncomfortable. A good hood should help keep water out while also allowing you to move freely underwater without feeling restricted by excess fabric or bulkiness.
In-Water Techniques
Use a braid or French twist to keep hair secure and out of the way
One of the best ways to keep long hair secure while scuba diving is by braiding it. Braids will keep hair from getting tangled, and they help prevent strands from floating around in your face.
To secure your braid, you can use a rubber band or clip at the bottom, close to where your hair ends. A French twist works well too because it gathers all of your hair into one neat unit that won’t come undone.
When braiding or twisting your hair for scuba diving, try to avoid using metal clips or pins as they can rust and damage equipment over time. Instead, invest in plastic clips that are designed for water activities; these will hold up better and last longer.
Tuck hair into wetsuit collar to prevent it from floating around underwater
Tucking your hair into the collar of your wetsuit is another effective technique for keeping long locks under control while scuba diving. This method works particularly well if you have shorter hair that can fit comfortably inside the collar. Tucking longer hair into the collar may be more challenging but achievable with practice.
Another benefit of tucking your hair into the wetsuit’s collar is that it provides an extra layer of insulation in colder waters. The trapped air helps retain warmth and keeps you comfortable during extended dives.
If necessary, use clips or rubber bands to secure loose strands
Even if you have carefully braided or tucked all of your hair away before diving, there may still be some stray strands that escape and float around underwater – especially in strong currents. In this case, small clips or rubber bands can come in handy.
Use these accessories sparingly so as not to disrupt water flow around equipment like regulators and hoses. When using clips or rubber bands to secure loose strands, avoid placing them near your mask straps as they may interfere with the mask’s seal against your face.
Post-Dive Care
Rinse hair thoroughly with fresh water after diving to remove salt and chlorine buildup
After a dive, your hair may be a mess of tangles and salt buildup from the ocean. It’s important to rinse it off as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Start by rinsing your hair with fresh water to remove any salt or chlorine buildup that may have accumulated during the dive.
Be sure to use lukewarm water instead of hot water, which can strip natural oils from your hair. If possible, use a mild shampoo designed for swimmers to help remove chlorine and other chemicals from your hair.
After shampooing, rinse again with fresh water until it runs clear. Avoid using hot tools like blow dryers or straighteners on wet hair because heat can cause further damage when the cuticles are open.
Apply conditioner to help detangle any knots that may have formed during the dive
Applying conditioner after washing will provide extra moisture which helps detangle knots and ease brushing or combing through wet locks without breaking strands. Add a leave-in conditioner or a deep conditioning treatment if you have time for some extra hydration.
Gently towel dry your hair by blotting it rather than wringing out tresses; squeezing wet locks tightly causes breakage and frizz instead of leaving them smooth and glossy. Use a wide-tooth comb or brush made for wet hair to work out any remaining tangles starting at the ends working towards roots in small sections; do not yank on tangled locks.
Taking care of long locks while scuba diving is essential if you want healthy tresses after every adventure in the ocean. Rinsing off properly with fresh water immediately after scuba diving removes saltwater build-up and prevents tangling while applying an effective conditioner will rehydrate dry strands making them soft & shiny.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned some techniques to keep your hair under control while scuba diving, let’s recap the tips: 1. Tie hair back into a tight ponytail or bun to prevent it from getting tangled in equipment.
2. Use a headband or bandana to keep stray hairs from falling into your face and obstructing your vision. 3. Opt for a low-profile mask that won’t interfere with your hairstyle or push hair into your face.
4. Consider wearing a neoprene hood to keep hair contained and warm in colder waters. 5. Use a braid or French twist to keep hair secure and out of the way.
6. Tuck hair into wetsuit collar to prevent it from floating around underwater. 7. Rinse hair thoroughly with fresh water after diving and apply conditioner. Encourage Divers with Long Hair
Diving is an amazing experience, and having long hair shouldn’t stop anyone from enjoying it! It can be challenging at first, but by following these tips, you can ensure that your long locks are safely tucked away during the dive so you can focus on exploring the underwater world. Remember that even experienced divers may encounter difficulties when it comes to their hairstyle while diving, so don’t be discouraged if things don’t go perfectly on the first try – practice makes perfect!
With time and practice, you will get better at managing your long mane on dives. So put on your gear, tie up those tresses, and get ready for an unforgettable underwater adventure!