How to Prep Your Hair Before (and After) a Day on the Poudre River
The Cache la Poudre River is one of Fort Collins' crown jewels — a designated Wild and Scenic River where locals go whitewater rafting, tubing, and fly fishing all summer long. But while a day on the Poudre is good for the soul, it can be rough on your hair. Between the river water, sun exposure, and wind, your strands take a beating.
Here's how to protect and recover your hair before and after a river day — straight from the stylists at Salon Salon.
Before You Go: Pre-Treat and Protect
Apply a leave-in conditioner or protective oil to your hair before you hit the water. This creates a barrier that helps prevent river minerals and chlorine (if any is present) from penetrating your hair shaft. Wet your hair with clean water before you jump in — saturated hair absorbs less of whatever it contacts. Braid or bun your hair to minimize tangling in the current. Apply a UV-protectant product to guard against color fading and sun damage.
After the River: Recovery Routine
Rinse your hair thoroughly with clean, cool water as soon as possible after getting out. Use a clarifying shampoo once a week during river season to remove mineral buildup. Follow with a deep conditioning mask — Colorado's dry air pulls moisture from your strands fast. Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb starting from the ends and working up. If your color looks brassy or dull after a summer of river days, come see us for a gloss or toning treatment.
When to See a Stylist
Extended sun and water exposure can cause real cumulative damage over a summer season — dryness, breakage, and color fading are all common. We recommend scheduling a mid-summer treatment appointment (a deep conditioning service or Olaplex treatment) to restore integrity to your strands before the fall season.
The Poudre River is too good to skip — so plan ahead, protect your hair, and let Salon Salon keep your strands healthy all season long.
📍 Raft all summer and still have gorgeous hair. Book a hydration treatment or color refresh at Salon Salon in Fort Collins!