Chlorine is a naturally occurring chemical produced from salt. It acts as a disinfectant in our swimming pools, removing harmful waterborne bacteria and pathogens that can cause disease and infection. While this is good for your health, it’s not so great for your hair. Chlorine exposure removes your hair’s natural oils. This dries it out, making it brittle, fragile and frizzy. Thin, dry, and chemically treated hair is most susceptible to chlorine damage.

How to Prevent or Minimize Chlorine-Damage to Your Hair

Are you planning on diving into the water this pool season? Before you do, review these preventative measures to protect your hair from chlorine damage.

Thoroughly wet your hair before entering chlorinated water. This is simple to do at the pool. They already tell you to shower before swimming and provide the facilities to do so. Be sure to completely saturate your hair. It helps cut the amount of chlorinated water your hair will absorb.

Cover it up. Swim caps are still a simple, smart, protective option for your tresses. Plus, textile advancements give you more options. Choose from silicone, latex, and lycra to meet your needs and personal taste.

Take extra steps during long pool sessions. Are you a water baby or on a swim team? Perhaps you just love lazing away summer days at the pool sometimes. Long-term chlorine exposure can ramp up the potential damage to your hair. Rinse your hair with clean water during swim breaks to flush out those harsh chemicals and prevent chlorine build up.

Be diligent in your aftercare. Rinse your hair completely before you leave the pool. Then apply shampoo and wash your locks well. If you spend excessive time in chlorinated water, invest in shampoos that are formulated to remove chlorine. If you’re an occasional swimmer or prefer the natural approach, try apple cider vinegar or baking soda. You can even create an aspirin treatment for your hair with a glass of warm water and six to eight aspirin. Apply to your hair and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes before washing it out. This may help counter the green tinge caused by the chlorine-copper bond in pool water.

Counter chlorine’s drying effects by moisturizing. After shampooing, always apply conditioner. Choose a protein-rich product that focuses on hydration. Consider a leave-in conditioner.

Taking Care of Damaged Hair

It’s more difficult to repair than protect damaged hair. Start by trimming or cutting off severely damaged tresses. Then apply a clarifying shampoo to remove chlorine buildup from the rest of your locks. Don’t neglect your scalp. Chlorine draws moisture from there, too. Protein treatments and deep conditioning applications can help moisturize your scalp and restore your hair to its former luster.

If you are experiencing thinning hair or hair loss, now is the time to take action.  We have hair loss treatments that can significantly improve the thickness, health, and fullness of your hair. Please call us to schedule a private, confidential consultation.