Protecting Your Hair From Chlorine

Many folks spend time year round in the swimming pool for exercise but some spend time only during certain times of the year.  It is now April and pretty soon many of us will be spending more time around swimming pools.  Since many swimming pools are treated with chlorine, it is important to know how to protect your hair from it's detrimental effects.  

Honestly, I've been known to indulge and go swimming in a pool when it's extremely hot outside or if I want to participate in a different type of exercise.  Unfortunately, that means I end up exposing my hair to chlorine but I know how to protect myself.

The reason you need to protect your hair from chlorine is that chlorine can make your hair dry and brittle. It can strip your hair of it's moisture, cause it to crack and split, change the natural color of your hair or change the shade of your dyed hair, and weaken it so it breaks.  Furthermore, if you have thin or fine hair, color treated or bleached hair, chemical treated hair, dry hair, or hair that is already damaged, you are more likely to notice the effects of chlorine.

If you swim occasionally, you are general fine but if you swim a minimum of a couple times a week, then you need to take steps to protect your hair.  One of the most important things to do is to take a shower, wash off dirt and oils, and make sure you get your hair wet at the same time. By presoaking your hair with plain water, you are adding a layer of protection to your hair. Your hair will not absorb as much chlorine as it would without prewetting your hair.

It is also suggested that you protect your hair with a layer of natural oil such as coconut oil, or olive oil so there is a layer between the pool water and your hair.  You could also use a mask or leave in conditioner to do the same thing. If you have blonde hair, consider investing in a swim spray which is designed to keep chlorine from penetrating your strands of hair.

As soon as you get out of the pool, wash and your hair with a gentle sulfate free shampoo and finish it with a good conditioner. This removes the chlorine from your hair and adds a level of moisturizing to help the hair recover. In addition, make sure you let your hair dry naturally rather than using a blow dryer so you don't dry it out any further. 

 If you are a regular swimmer, think about buying a swim cap to cover your hair so it is not directly exposed to chlorine in the water.  Make sure your hair is wet when you put it on so it fits better. For those with long hair or those who do not have a swim cap, think about bringing it back into a ponytail, bun, or braid to minimize contact with chlorine.

Choose to swim in an outdoor pool because the chlorine has a much better chance of evaporating into the air so the concentration in the pool is less. Thus there is less available to be absorbed into your hair.  If you follow these steps, you are more likely to end the summer with healthy hair, rather than having it frizz and break.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear. Have a great day.