When the sun is shining and the temperature is right, there are few better ways to classically spend summer than swimming in a pool. Chlorine does a wonderful job of killing bacteria and making it safe to enjoy your time in the pool, but it can take a toll on your hair’s health.
What Happens If I Don’t Wash My Hair After Swimming in Chlorine?
Chlorine can leave a residue on your hair if not properly washed out. This residue can cause your hair to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. It is important to rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water after swimming to remove the chlorine.
Chlorine acts as an oxidizing agent, which means it strips away your hair’s natural oils and can even react with the pigment in your hair. Many frequent swimmers’ hair lightens as this happens, with some even turning green as a result of copper particles from the pool, possibly from pipes used to fill it or with algae.
What Is Swimmer’s Hair?
“Swimmer’s hair” is a term that refers to the way chlorine from pool water can damage hair over time. You can tell it has happened by a roughness, tangles, and a lack of natural hair shine. It has been described as giving hair a “straw-like” quality.
How Do You Keep Hair Healthy When Swimming?
- Hair can only absorb so much water, so use the poolside showers to rinse your hair with fresh water before you get in the pool.
- If you swim frequently, consider adding natural oils like coconut, jojoba, or olive oils. These will create a protective layer to prevent chlorine and other pool chemicals from being absorbed by your hair strands. Also consider using deep conditioning masks or leave-in conditioners.
- Regardless of your hair type, after swimming we recommend using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo followed by conditioning to help wash away any remnants of chlorine from your hair.
- Consider wearing swim caps. Most professional swimmers actually wear two to maximize the protection.
- After swimming, make sure you rinse your hair, let it air dry (blow dryers may dry your hair out too much), use a soft towel to dry any remaining water from your hair gently, and then gently brush your hair to remove tangles.
Can You Recover from Chlorine Damage?
Obviously, the easiest way to prevent long-term chlorine damage from swimming is to stop swimming, but that pool is ever so inviting. You can recover and heal your hair by taking the steps above and by using a clarifying shampoo to be sure you’re removing all the chlorine. You can also look for a good leave-in conditioner or hair mask to help your hair cuticles stay hydrated.
Another option is to install a shower filter to make sure you are washing your hair with the freshest possible water. In time with good hair care management, hair will recover from chlorine damage.
Talk to the Hair Experts at RHRLI About Your Hair Loss
Hair loss can have many causes, and the sooner you seek treatment, the better the results. At RHRLI, we have transplanted more than a million hair follicles and counting. With that proven track record of experience, you can trust us to diagnose and treat your hair loss whether with nonsurgical therapy or hair transplant procedures. Contact us today for a free consultation.