Our scalps produce oil naturally, protecting our hair from environmental and daily stresses. Frequent immersion in chlorine swimming pools could do substantial damage to the hair. In general, disinfectants aim to eliminate bacteria, oil, and dirt by dissolving and removing these substances. In this article we will talk about How Does Chlorine from Swimming Pools Affect Hair?
Suppose you don’t take measures to protect your hair from chlorine absorption and treat it after it’s been damaged. In that case, swimming in a pool frequently can cause your hair to become overly dry, increase its porosity, and in certain cases, cause rather serious harm if you don’t fix it immediately.
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Who Might Be at Risk for Damage from Chlorine?
Everyone runs the risk of experiencing damage to their hair if they swim in chlorinated water frequently; however, certain hair types will experience damage more quickly or more severely than others. If your hair fulfils any of the following characteristics, you should take special precautions to protect it against chlorine damage and treat it if it already exists:
- Hair That Has Been Treated with Color: This is especially important if your hair has been chemically bleached or highlighted.
- Hair that has been chemically treated: either straightened or curled
- Dried-Out Hair
- Fine or thin hair
- Hair with Prior Damage
How To Protect Your Hair from The Effects of Chlorine?
You can do a few things right before you get in the pool and right after you get out to protect your gorgeous hair from the harmful effects of chlorine. They include:
Pour A Lot of Water Through Your Hair
Before you get in the pool, you should thoroughly wet your hair by rinsing it with clean running water until it is completely soaked. If you thoroughly wet the hair with clean water from the sink before swimming in a chlorinated pool, the hair would be less prone to absorb a significant amount of chlorine from the pool water.
Wear A Swim Cap
A swim cap is a must-have if you swim a lot or are worried about your hair getting damaged. Consider purchasing a swim cap made of silicone because it is comfortable to wear, breathable, and won’t tangle your hair.
Using a swim cap protects your hair from being ruined by chlorine, even though it may make you feel ridiculous. No other method is as efficient in preventing harm caused by chlorine. On the other hand, if you don’t like wearing a swim cap, several natural solutions can help protect your hair from the damaging effects of chlorine.
Rinse, Rinse, Rinse
As soon as you get out of the water, wash your hair thoroughly under the shower to kickstart eliminating the chlorine. This will help drain the chlorine and other chemicals out of your hair.
Shampoo
Shampooing your hair quickly after being exposed to chlorine is advisable because this will eliminate the majority of the chlorine and halt any potential harm that the chlorine may be inflicting on your hair. Certain shampoos have been developed specifically to aid in removing chlorine, making them an excellent choice for frequent swimmers.
Moisture/Protein Balance
It is imperative that as soon as you can, you remove the chlorine from your hair and immediately replace the protein and moisture that the chlorine removes from your hair. After shampooing the hair, you should condition it thoroughly. Experts strongly recommend using a leave-in protein moisturizer to calm dry, tangled hair and eliminate split ends.
How To Repair Hair That Has Been Affected by Chlorine?
Hair damaged by chlorine is extremely dry, frizzy, particularly at the tips, bleached out, and frequently has a texture comparable to that of straw. It is easy to get tangled and matted up. Have a conversation with your hairstylist. These suggestions can assist you in restoring the health of your hair that has been damaged by chlorine:
If you currently suffer significant chlorine harm, you should see a professional. Ask the expert to examine the state of your hair and provide any necessary recommendations for hair care products or treatments. If your hair has reached the point where mending is no longer an option, getting a haircut is the only way to bring back its natural lustre and softness.
Clarify Your Hair
If chlorine has already caused damage to your hair, there is a good chance that it is also accumulating in the hair and making it feel even worse than it already does. It would be best if you tried a shampoo that clarifies your hair, or you could super-clarify your hair using an easy baking soda method that you can do at home. In addition, a rinse with apple cider vinegar is an excellent choice for reducing the accumulation of chlorine.
Check The State of Your Scalp
The cuticle of your hair isn’t the only part of your hair that chlorine dries out; it can also dry out your scalp. Experts recommend trying Nioxin products if your scalp is extremely dry and the hair is damaged. These products will help repair the damage, restore the scalp’s hydration, and restore your hair and scalp to their healthiest state.
Employ Regular Protein Therapy
Restoring the protein will assist in the process of repairing and reconstructing the strength of your hair.
Shampoo And Condition Your Hair Thoroughly
If your hair has been damaged by chlorine, you will need a deep-moisturizing conditioner once a week or twice a week in addition to the regular daily conditioner you should be using. This will help to lock in moisture and flatten the frizzy split ends.
Have A Lot of Patience
Be patient as you strive to repair the damage done to your hair while you do so. The damaged hair will take some time to become healthy and vibrant again.
Can Chlorine Turn My Hair Green?
It is correct that chlorine gas has a greenish-yellow tint, but chlorine itself is not what causes your hair to turn green. Instead, the oxidized metals link to the protein in the shaft and produce a green color.
Conclusion
Even while swimming pools are great for cooling off in the summer, it’s important to maintain the health of your hair before, during, and after a swim.