How to Protect Hair from Chlorine Damage

As the summer heat approaches, a dip into the swimming pool can feel leisurely and refreshing. Whether you are an avid swimmer or enjoy poolside lounging, you should protect your hair from prolonged water exposure. All swimming pools contain chlorine, a necessary chemical used to eliminate bacteria and parasites. While chlorine protects us in many ways, it can be extremely harsh on our hair.

The chemicals in the pool can irritate the scalp, increase hair dryness, and strip away the natural oils from the strands. Frequent exposure to chlorinated water may also change your hair colour, causing dyes and highlights to fade. In addition, other symptoms of chlorine-damaged hair include itching, flaking, split ends, and a brittle appearance.

Fortunately, there are ways to limit your hair’s exposure to chlorine. Some best practices include rinsing your hair immediately before and after swimming. You should also use various hair care products, conditioners, and shampoos for chlorine damage treatment. Plus, regular visits to the hair salon will ensure your hair remains healthy and hydrated.

As much as you might love swimming, you should take preventive measures to get the chlorine out of your hair. You can avoid dealing with chlorine-damaged hair with just a few simple tips and tricks. Let’s learn about how to protect hair from chlorine damage:

Tie your hair before swimming.

You can protect your hair from chlorine by minimizing its contact with the swimming pool. In other words, don’t let your hair touch the water as much as possible. One of the best ways to accomplish this is tying up your hair. A bun or high ponytail can effectively keep your hair out of the pool, reducing chlorine damage. If possible, avoid submerging your hair and try positioning your head above the water.

Rinse your hair before and after swimming.

Make a habit of rinsing your hair before you hop into the pool. This quick rinse is helpful because your hair will have soaked up clean, unchlorinated water before swimming. That means it is unable to absorb much of the pool water. As a result, the chlorine will have reduced impact and won’t damage your hair as much.

Similarly, you should rinse your hair as soon as you get out of the pool. The rinse will wash away any traces of chlorine. If you skip this step, the chlorine will sit for long periods on your hair, causing severe damage.

Use a shampoo for chlorine damage.

After leaving the pool, wash your hair thoroughly as soon as possible. A clarifying shampoo will work wonders to remove all excess chlorine from your hair. These shampoos can treat chlorine damage, gently stripping off the harmful chemicals. It also functions like a regular shampoo, leaving your hair clean and healthy afterward.

If you swim often, there is a likely chance that the damaging pool chemicals will dry out your hair. The chlorine can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. To prevent this, use a good-quality conditioner every time you wash your hair. A conditioner will replenish your hair’s natural moisture, making it silky and smooth.

Use a detangling spray for your hair before and after swimming.

After spending a day in the pool, your hair can get tangled. Sorting out the knots becomes more challenging because chlorine will dry your hair severely. Use a detangling spray as a remedy. The spray will moisturize your strands and work out any unruly tangles. This product also keeps your hair from breaking and your ends from splitting unnecessarily.

In addition, use the spray before you go swimming. It will coat your tresses and add an extra layer of protection. Made with vitamin C and purified water, this product’s ingredients are pH-balanced and can neutralize the effects of chlorine. Likewise, you may also comb a small amount of coconut oil through your hair before swimming. The natural oil will coat your strands, making it difficult for chlorine to penetrate them.

Wear swim caps that keep hair dry.

A swim cap is the best way to protect your hair from chlorine damage. You wear it over your head, which completely covers your hair. These swim caps are available in silicone or latex, and both waterproof materials can effectively preserve your hair. If you swim daily, a swim cap is essential for hair care. The downside is that most swim caps don’t look fashionable. Although it offers significant protection, you must decide whether the trade-off is worthwhile.

Switch to the best hairstyles for swimming.

The choice is entirely yours, but some avid swimmers prefer short or shoulder-length hairstyles due to low maintenance. If you are eager for a makeover, consider getting your hair trimmed. There are many gorgeous hairstyles for swimming that are practical yet fashionable. They look stunning whether you are in or out of the pool.