When I use to chemically straighten my thick hair, I'd avoid taking a dip in the swimming pool at any cost just to maintain my perfect 'do. Now that I'm embracing my naturally curly texture, I don't mind getting my strands wet, but I can do without the all-too-familiar damage chlorine water causes. And who better understands this dilemma than the the U.S. synchronized swim team.
Spending up to eight hours in the water each day perfecting verticals, side fishtails and cranes, the girls resurface with much more damaged hair. So their hairstyle routine includes an unusual food product that strengthens, maintains hold and adds unbelievable shine. Knox Unflavored Gelatine, which is normally used to cook chilled soups, chutneys and jams, sorbets and cheesecakes, may look funny but is helpful, according to 2012 London Olympics-bound Mary Killman.
Check out the video above to find out which leave-in conditioner Killman's swim partner Mariya Koroleva swears by, how tinted moisturizer gets rid of "pool face" and the only waterproof makeup product they're actually wearing.
Meanwhile, find out what happened when Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin experienced a bad hair dye job.