PARIS, France — As artistic swimmers take to the water’s stage in their glittering swimsuits, the other sparkling accessory is their tightly wound, slicked hair at the Paris Olympics.
How do artistic swimmers get their hair to stay in place? In short, it’s an ingredient you may have in your kitchen.
It’s called Knox, which is a form of gelatin.
Issaquah artistic swimmer Keana Hunter, who is on Team USA, explained her roommate and fellow teammate went viral for showing off the sticky process. Daniella Ramirez displayed the hair routine in a TikTok posted by NBC Olympics, titled "Do my Knox with me."
“People wouldn’t really think about it, but it’s Knox gelatin,” Hunter said. The key is using unflavored gelatin packets, she added.
“We mix it with hot water until it’s a honey consistency, then you put it in your hair in a tight bun and comb it in,” she said. Add another layer, or two, to smooth it down, stick in some pins and a headpiece to complete the look.
“It makes it more beautiful to the judges than wearing a cap, you could say," Hunter said. The waterproof gel solidifies on the swimmers' head and doesn't wash out easily, keeping every hair in place.
Prior to Knox, Hunter said Vaseline was commonly used, but it wouldn’t come out of swimmers’ hair. While Knox is the most-used version now, Hunter’s coach, Andrea Fuentes, has created another form of the hair gel in a scented puck form for easier application.
After the competition is over, what tips does Hunter offer on removing the gelatin?
Rinse with really hot water, let your shampoo soak in and use a strong comb.
“Let it melt and do your best,” Hunter said with a laugh.
Team USA, which also features Washington swimmer Audrey Kwon, is in second place for artistic swimming. On Tuesday, the team went viral for moonwalking, while upside down and underwater, to Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" as part of their routine.
Hunter, Kwon and Team USA compete in the acrobatic team final at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.