How to prevent hair from chlorine damage? Tips and remedies explored

The serenity of gliding through water often comes with the hidden cost of chlorine damage to hair. Chlorine is crucial for preserving pool hygiene, but it can adversely affect your hair, causing dryness, fragility, and breakage. It strips the hair of its natural oils, resulting in dry, brittle strands.

Regular pool swimmers might notice their hair's natural moisture is depleted, leading to split ends and weakened hair structure as well as a change in the color of natural and dyed hair.

Here, we'll examine the causes of chlorine-induced damage, point out important symptoms to watch out for, and provide a number of recommendations and fixes to protect your hair from its damaging effects.

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Symptoms of Chlorine damage

Some of the common symptoms of Chlorine damage to hair strands include:

• Hair becomes dry and brittle
• Split ends and hair breakage
• Altered hair color
• Itchiness and dryness of the scalp

Preventing Hair from Chlorine damage

How to prevent hair damage from chlorine (Image via Twitter/@MastersSwimming)

To minimize chlorine damage, consider these effective strategies:

Pre-Swim Hair Rinse

Rinse your hair with clean, non-chlorinated water before swimming. This step helps your hair absorb less chlorine.

Post-Swim Hair Care

After swimming, wash your hair thoroughly with clean water and a clarifying shampoo to remove chlorine residues.

Natural Oil Application

Apply natural oils such as coconut, olive, or jojoba oil to your hair before swimming. These oils create a protective barrier against chlorine.

Choosing the right shampoo

Opt for gentle, sulfate-free shampoos after swimming, followed by a nourishing conditioner to repair and hydrate your hair.

Swim cap usage

Wear a swim cap to significantly reduce your hair’s exposure to chlorine. Ensure all your hair is tucked inside the cap for maximum protection.

Tying long hair

If you don’t have a swim cap, tie your hair in a ponytail, braid, or bun to minimize its contact with chlorinated water.

Opt for outdoor pools

Whenever possible, swim in outdoor pools where chlorine concentration is typically lower due to faster evaporation.

Adopting post-swim routines

Incorporate a detailed post-swim hair care routine, including rinsing with clean water, using clarifying shampoo, and applying a leave-in conditioner. Avoid using blow dryers and brush gently with a detangling brush.

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Remedies for Chlorine damaged Hair

If your hair has already suffered from chlorine damage, these remedies can help restore its health:

Clarifying Hair Wash

Use a homemade clarifier like a mix of baking soda and apple cider vinegar to cleanse your hair of chlorine and other chemicals.

Scalp Moisturization

Treat a dry or flaky scalp with coconut oil or specialized products recommended by a hairstylist or doctor.

Deep Conditioning

Regularly use a deep conditioner and natural oils such as argan oil to repair and protect your hair.

Chlorine damage to hair is a manageable issue. By understanding its causes and symptoms, and implementing the tips and remedies discussed, individuals can effectively protect and restore their hair's health.

You can enjoy swimming without sacrificing the health and beauty of your hair by taking the proper preventive steps and providing your hair with consistent care to shield it from the damaging effects of chlorine. Remember to wear swimming goggles to protect your eyes from chlorine irritation.