Being in the water (beyond a bathtub). Hmph. Personally, when I think about my childhood, some of my very first memories consist of spending time in the water. That’s why I find myself rolling my eyes whenever I hear someone flippantly say that “Black folks can’t swim.”
Actually, more of us can than not. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, somewhere around one-third of us claim to not be able to swim — and if you remember fractions in math from elementary school, that by no means is the majority.
And that is exactly why I enjoy writing articles like this one — because while some of even the non-swimmers will put on a bathing suit and dip their toes in the water, there are a ton of us who are going to full body ourselves into a swimming pool or ocean before Labor Day arrives.
If you’re one of those individuals, just so that your hair remains healthy and strong for the fall and winter seasons, I wanted to include a few tips that will help you to protect your tresses from the chemicals of the pool and salt of the ocean.
1. Use a Swim Cap
I ain’t got no lies to tell you — in my mind, the only real reason to use a swim cap is to keep your hair from getting wet. However, after I read an article on a brand called Power Woman’s site, it convinced me that every woman should probably have one in their possession.
Long story short, it stated that swim caps, yes, significantly reduce the amount of water that gets in your hair; however, they also protect your hair from potentially damaging chemicals; make it easier for you to move faster in the water (which would explain why professional swimmers rock them); help to keep your body warm; reduce the amount of water that gets into your ears, and they’re good for the water that you are swimming in because, the less hair that is in it, the better it is for the water and the environment overall.
If you need some help selecting one, a cap that is a fan favorite when it comes to keeping hair completely dry is here; some caps for locs are located here and some highly-reviewed caps, in general, can be found here.
2. Soak Your Hair with Fresh Water
If you would prefer to go without a swim cap, because pools contain chlorine and ocean water is salt water — and both can be potentially damaging to your hair — make sure to rinse your hair in fresh water before diving in. That way, the fresh water can “coat” your locks and that can decrease how much of the “other water” is able to penetrate your hair’s cuticles.
3. Coat Your Hair with a Carrier Oil
Speaking of coating your hair, something else that you should consider doing is applying a carrier oil — like grapeseed, olive or avocado — to your hair. Since our hair tends to be naturally drier than other ethnicities (because we have a curlier texture which makes it difficult for the sebum on our scalp to coat our strands from root to tip), this means that we have to be hypervigilant about making sure that our hair is extra moisturized; especially when we’re out in the sun and also spending time in the water in the process.
By rinsing your hair in fresh water and then applying a carrier oil to it, that helps your strands to absorb the oil and protect it from the damage that the water — and sun — may try to do. It also makes the detangling process so much easier once you are out of the water and ready to style your hair.
4. Apply a Product That Contains Sunscreen
Speaking of protection from the sun — do any of your hair products have sunscreen in them? If not, it’s time — past time, really — that you got one or two that do. The reality is that UV rays can damage, not only your scalp but your hair follicles, just like they can your skin. So yes, you should definitely put something on your hair (and scalp) that will keep it safe from the sun.
The cool thing about this point is hair products that contain sunscreen come in a variety of forms including sprays, powders and creams. If you’d like to check out some of the more popular options, check out Cosmopolitan’s “9 Best Hair Sunscreens for Max UV Protection (Tested and Reviewed for 2024)” and Allure’s “6 Best Scalp Sunscreens to Protect Your Part.”
5. Dry Your Hair with a Microfiber Towel
As I’ve been on an ever-evolving journey with this hair of mine, I must admit that something that I used to underestimate is how much damage I can do to my tresses if I don’t take my time during the drying process on wash day. I don’t just mean when it comes to the heat styling tools that I use — I mean, how I literally dry my hair after shampooing and conditioning it.
By using a microfiber towel, not only is it gentle on your hair while it's in its fragile state, it also speeds up the drying time while reducing breakage without you having to worry about any lint getting caught up in your strands. The fabric of microfiber towels also tends to be lighter and softer than standard cotton ones which also makes them a huge win as far as proper haircare goes.
6. Try a Protective Style
One of the best things about protective styles is, while you have one, you don’t have to put a ton of thought into styling your hair. And, when it comes to swimming specifically, you also don’t have to worry about a lot of upkeep. You can do whatever you want in the water and, so long as you rinse your hair out once you get out (and towel dry it), you can go on about your day — oftentimes without even looking like you got into the water at all.
So, if you are planning on going on a summer vacation and you’ve got several swimsuits in mind because you plan on getting wet a lot — consider getting some braids or twists. That way, you can spend more time enjoying the break instead of being in the mirror doing your hair.
7. Turn Swim Day into a Semi-Wash Day
Unless you are going to swim with a swim cap on, you’re honestly going to have to do so much to make sure that your hair is healthy and you are happy that you might as well turn swim day into at least a semi-wash day. Shampoo once. Apply conditioner for 5-7 minutes. Have a detangler comb or brush in tow. And make sure to do all of this before your hair dries out and the swim water has set in.
8. If You Went into a Pool, Use a Clarifying Shampoo
I’m pretty sure you know that chlorine is in swimming pools. Oh, but that isn’t the only chemicals that are all up in that water, though. There are also sanitizers, oxidizers (which are on-10 sanitizers), water balancers, filter cleaners and a host of other products too. And if you spend an hour swimming in all of that, it’s definitely going to absorb into your hair. That’s why it’s a good idea to wash your hair (one round should be enough) with a clarifying shampoo. It’s specifically designed to remove product build-up.
9. Put a Leave-In Conditioner on Your Locks
Personally, I’m getting to a point where I think that if you are a Black woman, you should keep a leave-in conditioner in your hair at all times; especially if you have high porosity hair (which means that your hair absorbs moisture as well as loses it quickly) or you’re going to be out in the sun and/or swimming. Leave-in conditioners are bomb because they go out of their way to help your hair to maintain moisture days after your wash day. So, once you wash your hair, make sure to apply a leave-in as a way to provide your tresses with the extra hydration and protection that it needs.
10. Got Braids? Thoroughly Dry Them.
Listen, I’m all for a serious box braid hairstyle for the summer season (check out “If Spring & Summer Are Your Favorite Braid Seasons, Here's How To Make Them Last” and “This Is Your Summertime Protective Style Cheat Sheet”) and, when it comes to swimming, they can be convenient on a few different levels. Just make sure that when you get out of the water, you dry them thoroughly. Otherwise, the combination of synthetic hair and water (long-term) can lead to mildew — and you definitely don’t want that!
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Welp. There you have it. Your haircare cheat sheet; one that will make it so much easier for you to enjoy the water — and the process of getting your hair how you want it once you are out of it. Enjoy sis!
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RELATED
October 2025 Astrology: An Overview
Mercury enters Scorpio on October 6, and Mercury in Scorpio only knows depth. The conversations being had this month are inspiring, transformative, and a little more blunt than usual. This energy is good for the power of persuasion and for asking for what you want, especially within business and financial matters. On the same day, we have a Supermoon in Aries, and this is a powerful Full Moon for reflection, owning your power, and letting go of the insecurities that don’t resonate with what you want for yourself and your future.
Venus, the planet of love, moves into Libra on October 13 after being in Virgo for the past month, and after some time of healing and clarity in love, Libra is here to bring in the romance. Venus loves being in Libra, and this energy creates new beginnings within relationships and provides a little extra magic in this area of life. With Pluto going direct in Aquarius on the same day after being retrograde since May, life and love move forward mid-October, helping provide more stable and nurturing foundations in your personal life and community as well.
The New Moon of the month occurs in Libra on October 21, making it a beautiful time for manifesting romance, balance, and harmony in your world.
This New Moon aligns with the Sun in Libra, and it’s all about letting a new beginning transform your world and the love in your life for the better. Scorpio Season officially begins on October 22, and Neptune retrograde enters Pisces on the same day, bringing in some water sign energy into the mix. As we close out the month, it’s time to renew, honor the transformations occurring, and know that your dreams aren’t as far out of reach as they may seem at times.
Read for your sun and rising sign below to see what October 2025 has in store for you.
What October 2025 Has In Store For Your Zodiac Sign
ARIES
AriesKyra Jay for xoNecoleOctober is all about perspective, Aries. This is the month to trust the divine timing of your life, and not let the what-ifs overwhelm you. With the Sun in Libra, your sister sign, for most of the month, October is about building connections, finding your balance in love, and knowing that you are worthy of what your heart is seeking right now. We have a Supermoon in your sign on October 6, and emotions are a little heavier this month, but also healing. Give yourself grace, and let go of what isn’t working for you.
Venus is in your house of love from October 13 until November 6, and there is a lot to look forward to when it comes to romance and the relationship dynamics in your life as you move through the month. It’s about being confident in your power of attraction and letting love come to you right now. Before October comes to an end, we have a New Moon in your 7th house of love as well, and with all this energy in your relationship zone, life changes for you in love for the better in October.
TAURUS
TaurusKyra Jay for xoNecoleOctober is a spiritual month for you, Taurus. You are thinking a lot about your next steps ahead, and are getting organized, focused, and aligned. The Supermoon on October 6 is a time of reflection for you, and you are entering the month ready to let go of the past, heal, and create space for something new in your life. This month is all about trusting your intuition and letting your wisdom guide you in your personal growth and evolution.
You are more than where you have been, and this month is a reminder of that.
With Mars in Scorpio and in your 7th house of love all month, you are motivated by the partnerships in your life right now. Your love life and relationships are where the action is for you this month, and you are honoring your passion and direction here. Venus, your planetary ruler, moves into your house of health mid-month and into November, and you are leaving October seeking healthier habits, daily routines, and relationships. Overall, this month is helping you align with your vision.
GEMINI
GeminiKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis month is a fresh start for you, Gemini. Your heart is free, love is beaming, and you are feeling larger than life. This month is about taking a leap of faith in yourself, honoring your confidence in life, and being your biggest advocate. With the Sun in your 5th house of self-expression, romance, and happiness, and with Venus entering this same area of your chart mid-October, there is a lot to look forward to right now, and things are looking up for you.
On October 21, we have a New Moon in a fellow air sign, and this is a good time to set your intentions for creative projects, hobbies, romance, and your overall happiness in life. There are a lot of little moments of magic unfolding for you this month, and this New Moon is one of them. Before October comes to an end, Mercury, your ruling planet, enters Sagittarius, and this brings open communication into your relationships, and you are having lively conversations and insights.
CANCER
CancerKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis is a transformative month for you, Cancer. You are moving through closure, healing, and depth as you navigate the opportunities that are coming into your life, with the stability you are seeking. With the Sun in your 4th house of home and family in October, this is the month to spend more time in your safe spaces, connect with your loved ones, and get grounded. You are also more focused on your financial world right now, and this is a good time for building new foundations for yourself and looking at the bigger picture when it comes to your career and life goals.
Mars is in your house of romance and happiness for the entire month, and this is one of the highlights of your life right now. You are passionate about your joy and all the things that light you up inside, and you are protecting your peace and giving more of your energy to your pleasure. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in Libra, highlighting your home life, and some Cancers may be moving at the end of the month or getting the opportunity to turn a page here. Overall, this is your month to reflect, go within, and make sense of what has been restricting you from feeling stable.
LEO
LeoKyra Jay for xoNecoleOctober is about taking things one day at a time and being patient with what is presenting itself to you, Leo. This month, you are getting your ducks in a row and gaining the clarity needed to create a new beginning in your life. The month begins with a Supermoon in a fellow fire sign on October 6, aligning in harmony with you and fueling your need for adventure. You are going over the wisdom you have gained as of late and how it has shifted the way you navigate your life and see the world around you.
On October 13, Pluto goes direct in your 7th house of love, after being retrograde here since May. This is bringing in more balance, empowerment, and passion into your love life, and this is a positive change of energy for you after a time of some power struggles within your relationships. Before the month comes to an end, we have a New Moon in Libra, and this New Moon is the best time to set intentions for clarity, communication, and connection. October is about taking your time with things and knowing that everything is working out in your favor at the end of the day.
VIRGO
VirgoKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis October is about finding your balance, Virgo. There is a lot of energy when it comes to your finances this month, but you may be overworking or overcommitting yourself in the process. Honor the opportunities and responsibilities in your life, but make sure you are equally taking care of your health and prioritizing your time and energy so that you don’t burn out. Venus, the planet of love, is in your sign until October 13; use this energy to your benefit and let things come to you.
You are a magnet for abundance, romance, and support if you allow yourself to receive it.
On October 13, Venus moves into your 2nd house of income, and your relationships are a supportive place for you to lean on right now. Your love life and partnerships are where your financial world is evolving this month, and this is a good time to ask for what you want; you never know what may happen. At the end of the month, Neptune goes retrograde in your sister sign, Pisces, and you are taking a step back and reassessing what love means for you right now. Overall, October is about remembering that you don’t have to do it all alone, Virgo.
LIBRA
LibraKyra Jay for xoNecoleLibra Season is here, and it’s your time to shine and thrive! This Libra Season changes everything for you, and October is when you really begin to feel this shift in your life. The Sun is in your sign until October 22, and it’s time to put yourself first. With a Supermoon in Aries as we begin the month as well, you are letting go of any unhealthy attachments or relationship dynamics that take you away from yourself, and are moving into deeper clarity.
On October 13, Venus, your planetary ruler, enters your sign, where it loves to be the most. With Venus in your sign for the rest of the month, love takes on a new tone, and you are feeling more love for yourself and where life is taking you right now. To end the month, we have a New Moon in Libra, and it’s time to set your intentions for where you want life to grow for you over the next year. This is a month of embarking on a new journey of self, and allowing what is inspiring you right now to build your confidence in yourself and your relationships.
SCORPIO
ScorpioKyra Jay for xoNecoleOctober is about honoring your freedom and your power to decide, Scorpio. A lot is going on for you this month, and you have the passion and energy to see things through. Mercury, the planet of communication, moves into your sign at the beginning of the month on October 6, and this is going to help you get your ideas across, making it a good month for business matters, networking, and getting inspired. With Mars also in your sign for the entire month, life moves forward for you in transformative ways in October, and you are a force to be reckoned with.
On October 13, Venus moves into your house of closure, healing, and endings, and you are ready to close one chapter of love and create space for a new one. You are in a contemplative space when it comes to matters of the heart, and you are ready to let go of any heaviness you have been feeling here. Scorpio Season officially begins on October 22, and you are ready to begin again. This Scorpio Season is about owning your confidence in life while letting go of insecurities or self-doubts that have been getting in the way of that.
SAGITTARIUS
SagittariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleEverything unfolds for you in a beautiful way this month, Sagittarius. You are flowing well with the energy of October, and life opens up to you. With the Sun in your 11th house of aspirations, dreams, manifestations, and community, you are feeling in balance with your desires and your reality, and are bridging the gap here. This is a month of friendship, believing in your dreams, and creating space for love. With Juno also entering your sign at the beginning of the month until the end of the year, you are attracting soulmates into your life.
On October 6, we have a Supermoon in a fellow fire sign, allowing you some closure in love and a chance at healing. Your heart is feeling renewed, and you are owning your power in creating happiness in your life. Before the month ends, Mercury moves into Sagittarius, where it will be until mid-November, and inspiration is heightened. Pay attention to the guidance you are receiving this month, the conversations you are having, and the light bulb moments that are going off for you right now.
CAPRICORN
CapricornKyra Jay for xoNecoleOctober is about going within and connecting with the guidance of your soul, Capricorn. You are taking more time for yourself this month, and rightly so, as you need time to fully process what has happened so far this year. Pluto goes direct in your 2nd house of income, and this moves things forward when it comes to your earning potential, abundance, and values.
The key this month is in valuing yourself, your perspective, and what you are building in your life right now.
On October 21, we have a New Moon happening in your career zone, and this is a good time to manifest your goals within your professional world. Put yourself out there, show up, and know that you are worthy of success and that your dreams aren’t too big for you. As we close out the month, Mercury moves into your house of closure, even further facilitating your desire for contemplation and alone time this month. Overall, October is about taking care of your mental health, owning your successes, and finding your peace.
AQUARIUS
AquariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleOctober is a new beginning for you in love and in life, Aquarius. Your heart is feeling inspired, and there is a lot to look forward to right now. The Supermoon at the beginning of the month will be occurring in your 3rd house of communication, giving you the answers you have been looking for and helping you close the door on a chapter in your life that left you feeling misunderstood or misdirected. You are ready for a change of pace this month, and you are receiving that as we begin October.
Mid-October, Pluto goes direct in your sign after being retrograde since May, and this is a huge breath of fresh air for you and your path ahead. You may have been a little harder on yourself while Pluto was retrograde this year, and now you feel ready to forgive, move on, and own your power. Before the month comes to an end, we have a New Moon in Libra, and you are embarking on a new adventure. The end of the month is a good time for traveling, exploring, and gaining a new perspective.
PISCES
PiscesKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis month is giving you the guidance, perspective, and passion to see yourself with clear, loving eyes, Pisces. There is a sense of feeling more overwhelmed with life lately, and October is allowing you to gain the insight needed to move on from this energy, or at least see more of the gifts of what has occurred. On October 6, we have a Supermoon in an area of your chart having to do with self-worth, values, and income, and it’s time to see the gifts of what you have been investing in and valuing in your life, including yourself.
Let go of the need to play it small or count yourself out of important conversations, and know that you deserve a seat at the table.
With Pluto going direct in your 12th house of healing as we end the month, you are finally getting the answers you have been looking for emotionally, and it’s changing your perspective on your commitments in life and making you feel empowered. Before the month ends, Neptune goes retrograde in Pisces, and you are going to be moving through a personal revolution as we close out the year. You are inspired by change right now, and this month is what kicks starts this metamorphosis within you.
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Featured image by Kyra Jay for xoNecole
Still, there are women who do break through with leadership, not only challenging outdated narratives but also embodying a level of excellence, resilience, and vision that sets a standard across industries.
Gabrielle Gambrell, chief communications officer at Hachette Book Group, has enjoyed the journey of developing hard-earned wisdom about leaning into the pivots and transitions of a career. She’s gone from running talent relations at Live with Regis and Kelly to leading DEI comms at NBCUniversal to shaping young minds as a professor at Columbia University. Now, in publishing, she’s still carving new paths on her own terms.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, for Gambrell, the formula for career growth is simple but powerful: mentors, receipts, and confidence. “No one is going to just come to you and give you a bag of money—you have to ask and advocate,” she shares about advice a mentor once gave her.
She took that to heart, building a career strategy around speaking up, keeping a weekly “brag sheet” of wins, and walking unapologetically in her value.
In this interview with xoNecole, the powerhouse communicator breaks down how women can thrive through pivots, why old-school networking still beats endless online applications, and why family values and faith anchor her legacy.
xoNecole: You've had a diverse and successful career that included several pivots, working in global diversity communications with NBCUniversal to being a talent assistant on a very major TV show, to becoming a professor and now in your current role at Hachette Book Group. What would you say are three key career advancement actions that you would say helped you sustain those pivots?
Gabrielle Gambrell: At CBS, I was there for seven years being my millennial self. That's the longest job I've ever had, and I'm excited about my current role in the ship, because I plan to be here for quite some time. I just absolutely love it. But when I was at CBS, I was working hard, reporting to the chief communications officer, doing amazing things, working on the Super Bowl, working on the U.S. Open, working on the Grammys, working on executive comms, helping to prepare things for the CEO of CBS Corporation. And I was in my 20s just living my dream, but I wasn't making a lot of money, to be honest.
A mentor taught me early on in my career that you have to ask and advocate and prove every dollar, every opportunity you want, and every dollar and every title that you want. And so I then learned to create a brag sheet.
xoN: Wait, let’s pause there for a second. A brag sheet? Explain what exactly that is and how women can start unapologetically logging their wins, especially with today’s challenges of unemployment and underemployment?
GG: It’s typically updated on a weekly basis, and so I look at that to say, "What did I do this week that was transformative? What did I do when my boss said, ‘Good job. Amazing work?' What did I do that's never been done before? What did I put into place to elevate the brand and company?’"
And so because I always maintain that brag sheet, I can always advocate for myself. I can always kind of flex, if you will, to say, ‘Hey, these are some of my successes, and this is why I deserve x, y, z. So that's one thing that, like completely changed my life.
"A mentor taught me early on in my career that you have to ask and advocate and prove every dollar, every opportunity you want, and every dollar and every title that you want. I then learned to create a brag sheet."
Courtesy
xoN: Well, that's awesome. And because there's a lot in the news about women being laid off, women not being hired, and a lot of people are unemployed right now. How do you maintain confidence with this sheet when you’re going through the ups and downs of career transitions?
GG: We're in a very, very unique time where someone can be immensely talented, so talented and face employment difficulties. And what I've also been privy to is people just coming to you all the time, where people are sliding to your private messages on LinkedIn, saying ‘How are you doing?’ ‘I got an opportunity.’ ‘Have you thought about this?’ ‘Have you thought about that?’ Most of the time I hear about people obtaining opportunities from their networks. To be honest, it's not from simply applying for a role.
Heaven forbid you get laid off and you no longer have access to your work email, so you can't go look in those folders to see what your successes and wins were. So, it's always making time—no matter where you are in your career—and making that a part of your schedule, making the brag sheet a part of your routine. It can be in a Google Doc, spreadsheet, or whatever way you want to keep track of those wins, even when you’re looking for the next thing.
xoN: I love that, because you're right. You can be kind of a worker bee, and then later on, when you're looking for work, it's like, ‘Well, what did I do?’ Now, in your current role, what has been a major win for you?
I have a phenomenal boss. I work with amazing, brilliant people at Hachette Book Group, and I'm very grateful and blessed and happy to have the role that I have.
We recently had the Changing the Story Festival, which was a diversity, equity and inclusion festival. I’m proud of that. I'm proud of moments like when the CEO and our entire staff had a day of listening to panels and seminars and hearing from diversity, equity and inclusion experts, and made a clear correlation to how diversity, equity and inclusion positively impacts the business. Those are the things I'm excited about and make it amazing to work for this company.
xoN: It’s always good to continue to be excited about your job after decades of working in industries. What would you want your legacy to be overall in your career?
GG: When, I think about legacy, when I think about brand, when I think about when it's all said and done: God is so good. I'm a woman of God. I'm grateful for God's blessings. I am so very, very blessed. I want people to say she was a great person. She contributed to society. Her family meant the most to her, and when I think about my legacy and what matters most to me, at the very top of that list is family, my children.
I'm at a place in my life that if somebody doesn't honor or respect me being a mother, that's not the proper place for me. If someone doesn't honor and respect that I will I'm going to be at parent-teacher night, my son does taekwondo. He's five years old, and he's a blue belt. When he gets his next belt, I will be there.
I would want my legacy to be that I am an innovative, creative, forward thinking person whose values include family, motherhood, who has an interest in all things media.
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Featured image courtesy of Gabrielle Gambrell