How to knox hair for synchronized swimming

We are about to enter a busy competition season, so we thought it would be a good time for a “How to Knox” blog post!  If you are new to knoxing, or just need some refresher tips, take a look below.  Our 13-15 Age Group team was kind enough to let us watch while they knoxed for their first routine meet of the year.

By knoxing their hair,
synchronized swimmers
keep their hair in perfect
place throughout a routine.

Why do synchronized swimmers knox their hair?  To keep it in perfect place while swimming a competition routine.  It is only done when swimming routines at meets.  At ordinary practices, or for figures only, synchronized swimmers wear caps.

Do you mean “Knox” as in the gelatin product you buy at a grocery store?  Yep!  The same thing!  It’s pretty gooey when it goes on, but it dries nicely to keep the hair in place.  And it’ll stay put throughout a day because the water in pools is usually only about 80 – 84 degrees, not hot enough to melt the knox.

How do the girls get it out?  It takes a nice, long hot shower after the meet is over to dissolve the knox away.  Tip for success:  Some girls like to use conditioner to keep the hair detangled while getting all the knox out.

1. Gather your supplies.  Tip for success:  Many girls like to build a little kit of supplies with the following items.  That way, everything is right there for every meet – no tedious searching around.

Supplies for knoxing hair.

• hair brush
• pony tail elastic(s)
• bobby pins
• hair net
• squirt bottle for spritzing hair
• 3-4 individual envelopes of Knox
• ¼ or 1/3 cup measure
• cup for mixing (some parents have a special plastic knox-mixing cup, and other parents use disposable coffee cups to simplify clean-up)
• plastic fork for mixing
• medium-sized comb
• paint or pastry brush
• towel for wrapping shoulders while painting on the knox
• smaller towel or washcloth for catching knox drips 

Good knox starts with a tight ponytail.

2. Pull the hair into a tight ponytail and secure with an elastic.  This step is critical!  The tighter the initial ponytail, the smoother, and prettier the knox will be.  Tip for success:  Dampen the hair to minimize flyaways and smooth out the hair from the start.








3. Make a bun with the ponytail. 

   

   Option 1 for thicker hair, split 
   ponytail into two sections, 
   then wrap each into the bun.

• For thin hair, simply twist the ponytail in one section until it naturally falls into a bun coil.  Secure the end with a bobby pin. 


• Option 1 for thicker hair:  Split the ponytail into two pieces.  Twist each section in opposite directions.  Coil one section around into a bun shape, securing the end with a bobby pin.  Then coil the other section around in the opposite way, securing that end with a bobby pin also.

Option 2 for thicker hair: 
make either 2 or 3 braids
before wrapping bun.

• Option 2 for thicker hair: Split the hair into two or three sections and braid each section.  Wrap each piece around into a bun coil, securing each end with a bobby pin.

4. Wrap the hair net around the bun.  It will go around 2-3 times.


5. Secure bun with bobby pins.  Overlap bobby pins at the base of the bun for stability.  You should be able to tug on the bun and know that it is secure at this point.  Use hairpins down the center if desired for thick hair. Please note:  some parents will put the hair net on first, then lock down the bun with bobby pins; others will lock it down without the net, then add the net.





Secure bun with bobby pins.



Wrap hair net around bun 2-3 times




6. If hair has started to dry out, give it a spritz all around and smooth it down with your hand or a comb.  Tip for success:  Be especially careful to dampen and smooth all the little wisps of hair that collect at that base of the neck and forehead.

Dampen and comb up all the little wisps before knoxing.

Now, get ready to knox!

7. Boil the water.  Tip for success:  The hotter the better; a hotpot will be fine; the coffee maker typically found in hotels for travel meets will be fine too.


8. Empty 3 or 4 knox packages into cup.  Use 3 packages for younger athletes and for those with thin hair; most everyone else will be fine with 4 packages, though we know of some swimmers who use more than that. 




9. Pour the hot water into the cup with the knox and mix.  Until you know and can eyeball the right consistency of the knox, try these ratios:  ¼ cup water for 3 packages knox; 1/3 cup water for 4 packages.

   

   With experience, you'll be able
   to eyeball the knox for the right
   consistency.

   Tip for success:  Resist adding more knox or adding more water after you’ve already mixed!  The consistency can change dramatically when you try to fine tune the mixture after the first mix, and no one wants to be that girl with the clumpy knox!  If you need more, simply mix up a new batch.


10. Starting at the center of the forehead, comb a layer of knox into the hair.  Dip your comb into the cup of liquid knox and comb it in.  Working quickly, go all around the head with the comb, dipping the comb in for more knox with each new section of hair. 

    

    Comb in a layer of knox all around the head.

    Tip for success:  Dampen a corner of your smaller towel with hot water before starting this step; this will be good for catching any drips of hot knox that fall on ears or exposed necks.





11. Next, dip your paint or pastry brush into the liquid knox and paint it on the surface of the hair.

    

    Paint the knox on the hair with
    a paint or pastry brush.

     
12. When you’ve gone all the way around the head with the brush, use the last part of the liquid knox to paint the bun.

    

    The bun is the last thing to paint.












13. Let the hair dry for about 10 minutes, and pin the headpiece on.  The hair will be just gooey enough to easily put the bobby pins in to secure the headpiece.  

    

    Pin headpiece on before knox dries.

    Tip for success:  If you wait too long, the knox will dry hard and it will be very difficult to get the headpiece in.

Annual ANA Synchro Show – A Lot of Work, but a Lot of Reward!

Smiles are bigger and energy is higher when performing
for friends & family at the annual ANA Synchro show!

Last month, ANA Synchro hosted its annual show at the Andover/North Andover Y.  We are thrilled to announce that this year’s production, Defying Gravity, surpassed last year’s box office record and introduced synchronized swimming to many new fans in the community!

Putting on three performances like we do is a huge, annual, undertaking.  Is it worth it?  The coaches could have easily just worked with the athletes to prepare for the next competition.  The volunteers surely could have found other things to do with their time!  And the Y could have experienced just another calm weekend pool schedule. 

We asked a number of people involved in the show in different capacities their opinion on why we do a show.  Not be a spoiler, but the consensus was overwhelmingly positive in spite of the work!  Check out the different perspectives of the people we asked:

ANA Synchro athletes develop close bonds
by swimming all together at the annual show. 

Maxie Zimmerman, Athlete, Senior Team:  The show is a very fun event for the girls.  We all put a lot of work into the show, but it definitely pays off when show time comes around and we get to show off our routines and how great a sport synchro is!  I think we all love the show so much because it is the one time of year when we get to swim with not only our team of 8 people, but with all of our ANA sisters!  It brings all of us so much closer as a team!  

Audiences, and especially the athletes,
enjoyed seeing five coaches perform
an exhibition swim.  They still have it!

Leah Pinette, Head Coach (and someone who has been in her share of shows over the years!):  The show is a very fun event for the girls.  They’re performing just because they love the sport and want to share it with the community.  And it actually really helps us for competition because it closely simulates a competition environment – much more so than we’re able to achieve in an ordinary practice.  Even without the scoring pressure, the athletes will still get nervous because they want to do well in front of their friends and family.  The show gives them an important chance to learn how to control those nerves.  It definitely helps them bond so that when they do go to compete, they are a stronger team.  Not all that coincidentally, our Age Group athletes had an important qualifying meet the very next weekend after the show, and I’m happy to say all of them moved forward to the next round, on their way to Age Group Nationals later this summer.  The show was a nice warm-up for that.

Novice athletes get ready to show their stuff
in their first ANA Synchro show!

Ken and Marsha Cordio, first-year parents of a novice athlete:  We thought that the show was a great way to end the season for the novices, with an event that was very entertaining for all demographics.  Our daughter really enjoyed the opportunity to perform for her family and friends.  The show really educated our extended family about the sport, but in a thoroughly entertaining way.  We were so proud of and impressed with what the novice team could do!  

ANA Synchro teaches teamwork and other important life
skills - all in a fun, youth development-oriented environment!

Maureen M., Long-time Parent:  I saw my first show 9 years ago.  It really shows the heart of the Y people and how their programs shape and transform the lives of the people who are involved in them. Synchronized swimming has taught our daughters more than how to be great athletes. It has taught them so many life lessons about friendship, family, hard work, disappointment, conflict resolutions just to name a few.  It has been a vital part in making them into the strong, confident, healthy, happy, productive individuals that they are. I am so grateful for all the Y has done for our family.  I see the show as a way the swimmers and families can give back to the Y and show what a wonderful program we have and get others involved in the Y's programs.  

ANA Synchro athletes
develop confidence at the Y!

Alex Turek, Executive Director of the Andover/North Andover Y:  There are a few reasons the show is so important to the Y.  First, it is a great way to bring people into the branch that may never have been here before or know what we have to offer.  Second, we see the rich tradition associated with the show and with Marilyn Fitzgerald starting the team so long ago.  What a great way to honor our early beginnings in the sport!  But more than either of those, is the opportunity for the girls to showcase their talents in front of a crowd.  There is nothing like performing in public to boost one’s self-confidence and build character.  That’s what we are all about! 

Girls as young as 6 years old can join ANA Synchro!
Check our website for the next "Learn to Synch" class!

  Kate D’Ambrosio, Aquatics Director (and former synchronized swimmer herself!):  I think it’s so important for us to put on our annual Synchro show.  First, it’s a great way to get more information out there about what exactly synchronized swimming is and how difficult a sport it is!  Second, it’s a great way for the girls to showcase all their hard work for family and friends.  Third, it also shows young girls some of the different opportunities there are after swim lessons. So many kids track towards swim team because they don’t realize that there is another option.  The show highlights how much fun synchro can be, and it can really inspire younger kids.

Synchronized swimming - a unique and beautiful sport.

Zsuzsa Belhazy-Kovacs, Veteran Coach of ANA Synchro:  Our show is a cohesive piece of work that brings everyone – parents, athletes and coaches – together, with significant help from the Y, to run our biggest community event and fundraiser of the year.  It allows everyone to participate and shine, regardless of their skill level, and be a part of a larger, integrated whole.  The athletes display not only excellence in the water, but sportsmanship, kindness, cohesive action, and lots and lots of fun.  All of this shines through every single performance, creates a very positive vibe, and attracts new athletes and their parents to our unique and beautiful sport.

A final dramatic solo swim for
 this graduating senior!

Gloria McNamara, Captain and Graduating Senior:   As a swimmer, the show means a lot to me. It's an opportunity for our friends and family to support the team and experience synchro as a performing art!   I don't think the audience realizes how much work goes on behind the scenes, but it's an amazing experience working with the entire team at once. I especially love seeing all the younger girls swimming next to the older girls. It does get stressful at times, but I think that the team, as a whole, really bonds through the experience.

The ANA Synchro show is an awesome team
and community event!  Join us next year
for the 38th annual show!

Readers….how about you? What benefits do you see for the athletes? Have you ever been part of a major production like the ANA Synchro Show? What benefits do you see for the athletes? For the volunteers? Let’s hear your stories in the comments section!

Synchro Suit Design – From Concept to Performance

Most synchronized swimming teams order just regular swim suits for everyday wear and for portraying a uniform look during meet warm-ups. 

Routine suits, on the other hand, can be much more creative and actually help tell the story of a team, trio, duet, or solo performance.  Depending on the budget of the different groups who will be wearing them, routine suits can be simple, ready-to-wear suits with a cool and music-appropriate pattern.  Or, they could be more intricately-appliqued, custom-made suits.  Either way, all routine suits get a nice dose of sequins, glitter, and sparkly gems to wow and dazzle the crowd!

“Our senior team suits are typically professionally designed,” says Head Coach Leah Pinette, “but it’s always special when we can call upon the creativity and expertise within our own team to design a suit.”

Today, ANA Synchro talks to Candace Ju, a 2012 graduate from ANA Synchro, now applying her artistic talents in architecture school at Carnegie Mellon University.  Candace designed the suits for both of ANA Synchro’s senior soloists this season as well as the 13-15 age group “Russian” duet suit.  Designing the Russian suit was particularly meaningful because the duet features her own little sister, Sophia.

ANA Synchro:    Candace, you must have worn many suits during your 10 years on ANA Synchro.  Do you have a particular favorite?

Candace Ju, far right, poses with her teammates
in her favorite performance suit.

Candace Ju:  My favorite suit was probably Slumdog Millionaire.  It was just so flattering on everyone and looked very clean and professional.

ANA Synchro:    How is it that you got asked to tackle the Russian duet suit design this year?

Candace Ju:    My sister told me they were going to use an old sketch of mine for Russian.  However, when I looked back at it, I thought the design wouldn’t do justice to the girls’ current level of swimming.  So I asked Leah if I could come up with another design, and she said yes.

ANA Synchro:    The design is gorgeous!  How did you come up with it?

Duet partners Grace Alwan
and Sophia Ju show off
Candace's design for "Russian"

Candace Ju:    For Russian, I had an idea of what I thought it should look like because I’ve seen that routine done many times before.  I got my inspiration from the Russian Olympic uniforms, specifically the jackets their athletes wear to awards ceremonies.  And I suggested the Russian suit be self-decorated because it only involved a few colors of glitter, and I think the pattern itself stands stronger without added clutter.

ANA Synchro:    What if you’re designing for a routine you’ve never seen before?

Candace Ju:    Then it’s a bit harder.  I will always listen to the music and use any context of the music for inspiration, such as whether it’s ethnic music or from a movie soundtrack.  I also look at the Age Group and Collegiate national championship suit galleries and collage together aspects of suits that I like and that fit the music.

Graduating senior
Gloria McNamara in
her solo suit.

ANA Synchro:    How long have you been sketching synchro suits?

Candace Ju:    I think I have been sketching since 7^th grade, our “Italian” year.  I don’t think my design was picked that year, but it was still fun to design and think of what cuts and fabrics and patterns would look good.

ANA Synchro:    Do you think synchro suits can be too fancy?  There’s been some talk recently about competing in plain suits to emphasize the athleticism of our sport.

Kate Quinn in her solo
suit, another beautiful
 design by Candace Ju!

Candace Ju:    Synchronized swimming is a performance sport.  Both words accurately describe what we do.  While there are pros and cons to both sides of the argument, I think nicely designed and decorated suits make it more exciting to watch as well as perform.  What would it be like to see a Broadway production where everyone just wore black unitards?  Would the performers feel as if they were performing or just rehearsing?  While it would push the performers to compensate in their swimming for the story that is not told in their suits, I don’t think having well-designed suits detracts from the athletics of synchro.

ANA Synchro:    What would you say to younger girls who are interested in sketching out designs for suits?

Candace Ju:    Go for it!  You have nothing to lose!  I always got really excited when the coaches brought in the big binders of fabric samples for us to pick colors and swatches.  The more personally invested you are in something, the more fun you’ll have with it!

Duet partners Alwan & Ju placing
gems and conferring on decorating
ideas for the  "Russian" suits.

ANA Synchro, to Head Coach Leah Pinette:    Leah, what should girls do if they are interested in sketching out some suit designs for fun?

Leah Pinette (Head Coach):   To go off of what Candace said earlier, go for it! I can give whoever is interested a blank suit design for starters. This gives swimmers an opportunity to become more involved in their routine (or teammates’ routines) and synchronized swimming in a different way than in the pool.

ANA Synchro is hosting its annual show this weekend, April 26th and 27th, at the Andover/North Andover YMCA.  Click here for show info: http://anasynchro.org/meets/2014Show/index.php  
Tickets available in person at the Y or on-line at:  http://anasynchro.org/meets/Show-Tickets/index.html