All those long, lazy afternoons lounging in the pool can leave you wondering: Is chlorine bad for your hair? That’s a reasonable question, and the answer is–Yes! Hair damage from chlorine is a very common problem with frequent swimmers. Chlorine is a necessary evil, killing all the nasty germs and bacteria in pool water, but it can wreak havoc on our hair.
Fear not, water lovers. You can still enjoy a relaxing day swimming or get your cardio doing laps in the pool without ruining your hair. Keep reading to find out how to repair hair from chlorine damage and prevent any damage in the first place.
Effects of Chlorine on Hair
Hair damage from chlorine can show up in several ways, most of which are obvious. Here are a few of the most common symptoms you might experience:
Dry and brittle hair
Hair suffering from chlorine damage tends to be very dry, almost like straw, and break easily.
Lots of frizz (especially on the ends)
If you’re noticing more frizz than normal lately, you may have some chlorine-damaged hair. Chlorine damage can cause extra unruliness and frizz, particularly to the ends of your strands.
Does Chlorine Turn Your Hair Green?
Yes, sometimes! When copper is oxidised by chlorine and is absorbed into your hair, it can give the appearance of a greenish tint to your hair. Blonde hair is especially vulnerable to visible chlorine damage, turning green-ish when exposed to the chemical for long periods of time. Anyone with coloured hair can notice changes in appearance, especially those with lightened hair or highlights.
How to Fix Chlorine-Damaged Hair
If you’ve been enjoying the pool and noticing some common hair damage symptoms from chlorine, follow these tips to give your hair some TLC:
Use a Deep Conditioner
When you have hair damaged by chlorine and your hair is screaming for moisture following a summer in the pool, reach for a high-quality deep conditioner to heal your hair. Using a deep conditioning masque every week will help nourish your hair and repair any chlorine-related damage.
Wash That Hair Damage From Chlorine Right Out
Chlorine isn’t just a threat to your tresses while you’re enjoying the pool, it can cause build-up over time and make chlorine damage feel worse. To help prevent this, use a good clarifying shampoo to deep clean your hair and remove any yucky build-up. Learn how to properly wash your hair and revitalize your locks!
Be Gentle
When your hair is dry and damaged, you want to avoid adding more stress to it by laying off the heat styling tools for a bit. Also, take it easy on brushing your hair too much and steer clear of hair dye until your hair has a chance to heal.
Make Sure Your Scalp Is Healthy
Chlorine can wreak havoc on your scalp, stripping away moisture and leaving hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. A dehydrated scalp can lead to long-term damage to your hair follicles, so it’s essential to replenish hydration from the root. Our Super Hydrating Shampoo deeply cleanses without stripping, delivering intense moisture with ResistHyal™ Hyaluronic Acid to keep both scalp and strands nourished, soft, and frizz-free. Say goodbye to dryness and hello to silky, healthy-looking locks!
Be Patient
Efforts to fix hair from chlorine damage can take some time. Be patient with your hair, take a break from the chlorine, and keep nourishing it with good-quality moisturizers. You’ll be back to your normal, healthy hair soon enough.
How to Prevent Hair Damage from Chlorine
The best solution for chlorine-damaged hair is to avoid it in the first place. Here are the top ways to protect your tresses and still enjoy a good swimming sesh.
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Rinse your hair before and after taking a dip to saturate it with clean water instead of letting it absorb the chlorinated water in the pool. When you’re done swimming, rinse your hair with clean water before drying off.
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Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner after your swim to gently wash away any residual chlorine left on your hair. Avoid shampoos and other products that have alcohol or harsh chemicals, as they can further irritate your strands.
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Wear a swim cap to protect your hair from the pool water. Sure, you’ll look like you’re training for the Olympics, but your hair will stay healthy!
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Apply oil to your hair before your swim to create a barrier between your tresses and the pool chemicals.
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Tie your hair in a high ponytail, braid, or bun style to prevent hair damage from chlorine.
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Opt for a swim in an outdoor pool to help reduce the amount of chlorine gas you're exposed to during your swim. Outdoor pools encourage evaporation of chlorine into the air as opposed to indoor pools, which tend to trap those gasses for extended periods.
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Use a swim spray to protect your hair from chlorine absorption. Those with blonde hair can especially benefit from a good swim spray to avoid the dreaded green-blonde mane.
There’s no need to avoid fun times swimming at the pool; just make sure to take care of your hair to keep it healthy and free from chlorine damage.
For even more tips and tricks on keeping your mane looking photoshoot ready, check out the many hair topics on our blog.
Edited By: Iris