Course description

Swim Ready Hair gives carers the knowledge and confidence to care for afro-textured and curly hair around swimming, so that worries about hair never stop a child or young person from enjoying the water.

For many global majority children, hair is closely tied to identity, pride and self-esteem. Chlorine, salt water and poor aftercare can leave hair dry and damaged, and some children avoid swimming altogether because of it. This course shows carers simple, affordable routines that protect hair and help children feel good about how they look.

What the course covers

• Why hair care matters to a child's identity, confidence and sense of belonging
• How chlorine and salt water affect afro-textured and curly hair
• Getting hair swim ready: wetting, conditioning and protecting before swimming
• Choosing and fitting swim caps designed for natural hair and protective styles
• Protective styles that work well for swimming
• Aftercare: washing, conditioning, detangling and moisturising after swimming
• Building a simple weekly routine and involving children in caring for their own hair

This course links to BFCA's Crown & Current swimming and hair care programme and complements the Safe in the Water course.

What will i learn?

• Explain why hair care matters to a child's identity, confidence and sense of belonging
• Understand how chlorine and salt water affect afro-textured and curly hair
• Prepare a child's hair before swimming to reduce damage
• Choose and fit a swim cap suitable for natural hair and protective styles
• Select protective styles that work well for swimming
• Follow a simple aftercare routine to cleanse, condition and moisturise hair after swimming
• Support children and young people to take part in caring for their own hair

Frequently asked question