In the past, I would just "mansplain" to them that they should cut it all off, but that didn't go over too well for some reason... So as a short haired male dive instructor I had to change my approach. So I watched my divers, asked questions, and did some research.
Here are the tips we came up with aside from cutting it all off:
Here are the tips we came up with aside from cutting it all off:
Gear-
First of all, use a neoprene mask strap cover. I suggest and sell for a nominal fee, the kind that go over your existing silicone mask strap. These slide over twisted hair much more easily and don't stick to wet hair like glue. There are other types (slap straps), but these have straps with plastic buckles or Velcro which are real hassle to adjust. Divers, especially new ones, need to have the well designed quick release buckles of the original mask strap, so it can be easily loosened or tightened with just two fingers.
Just remember if you get a neoprene mask strap cover, always check that the mask strap doesn't come off when doing a giant stride or seated backroll entry. Just check it as you give your OK sign after the entry. For short-haired folks I do not suggest a neoprene cover unless you are a divemaster or instructor who takes the mask on and off very frequently for demonstrations. The silicone strap is actually more secure.
Another option, especially if it is going to be cold where you dive, is to wear a dive hood. This solves the problem entirely, but won't work in the tropics.
Sometimes, I see ladies with biker-style doo rags, but really? The only time I suggest these is for bald folks in the tropics that won't use sun screen for fear of harming coral. Otherwise, these are not the best fashion statement in my humble opinion, but the fish don't judge.
First of all, use a neoprene mask strap cover. I suggest and sell for a nominal fee, the kind that go over your existing silicone mask strap. These slide over twisted hair much more easily and don't stick to wet hair like glue. There are other types (slap straps), but these have straps with plastic buckles or Velcro which are real hassle to adjust. Divers, especially new ones, need to have the well designed quick release buckles of the original mask strap, so it can be easily loosened or tightened with just two fingers.
Just remember if you get a neoprene mask strap cover, always check that the mask strap doesn't come off when doing a giant stride or seated backroll entry. Just check it as you give your OK sign after the entry. For short-haired folks I do not suggest a neoprene cover unless you are a divemaster or instructor who takes the mask on and off very frequently for demonstrations. The silicone strap is actually more secure.
Another option, especially if it is going to be cold where you dive, is to wear a dive hood. This solves the problem entirely, but won't work in the tropics.
Sometimes, I see ladies with biker-style doo rags, but really? The only time I suggest these is for bald folks in the tropics that won't use sun screen for fear of harming coral. Otherwise, these are not the best fashion statement in my humble opinion, but the fish don't judge.
Hair Style-
I have seen all sorts of hair style. Some prefer a single ponytail or topknot, but just remember the mask strap goes on the widest part of the back of your head, so be sure the ponytail/s don't interfere with the strap. Others find a French braid or two side braids work better for them. Do me and other instructors a favor and try this in a pool before your scuba class! We don't do underwater hair styling lessons... and your fellow students don't want to wait for you to fix your floating hair.
Hair Care-
Be sure to protect your hair and the environment by using good, biodegradable, reef safe moisturizing shampoo, conditioner and/ or leave-in conditioner to prevent your hair from drying out with all the chlorine and salt. Rinse, wash, and condition your hair quickly after you dive. I recommend and sell Gnarly Head ™ aquatic hair care products.
Be sure to protect your hair and the environment by using good, biodegradable, reef safe moisturizing shampoo, conditioner and/ or leave-in conditioner to prevent your hair from drying out with all the chlorine and salt. Rinse, wash, and condition your hair quickly after you dive. I recommend and sell Gnarly Head ™ aquatic hair care products.
If you have other tips, I would love to learn more so I can pass it on to my long haired students. Please share your tips in the comments.
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