7 Tips To Protect Your Hair From Chlorine Damage
Swimming is a great exercise and fun too, but it can often leave your hair dry and brittle.
Swimming daily in a pool can wreak havoc on your hair due to the high amount of chlorine present in the pool. All in all, chlorine is damaging for your hair.
However, there are several ways to protect your hair from chlorine exposure and its harmful effects.
From the ill-effects of chlorine on hair to how to protect your hair from it, here’s everything you need to know.
Effects Of Chlorine On Hair
What does chlorine do to your hair? Your hair may lose its natural oils due to chlorine exposure, causing it to become dry and brittle. Hair that has been exposed to chlorine frequently may become quite porous, weak, and prone to split-ends. Chlorine can also lead to an itchy and inflamed scalp.
7 Tips To Protect Hair From Chlorine
Certain tips can visibly reduce the damage caused by chlorinated water and leave your hair nourished. Following a dedicated haircare regimen and using the right products will help prevent damage.
Here’s how to protect hair from chlorine.
Rinse Your Hair Before The Swim
Be careful to give yourself a brief rinse with fresh water before diving into the pool. This will guarantee that less water's chlorine is absorbed by your hair. In a similar vein, immediately rinse your hair with fresh water after swimming to get rid of the chlorine.
Go For Protective Hairstyles
Before wearing a swim cap, it's advisable to tie your hair back in a ponytail, braid, or bun. This will protect your hair from chlorine contact. Even if you don’t have a swim cap, never forget to tie your hair in a comfortable hairstyle that will minimise chlorine contact.
Use A Swimming Cap
Swimming caps are excellent for preventing chlorine from ever getting to your hair. Make sure to wear it properly with all of your hair covered by it for maximum protection. To make your swim cap fit more easily over your head, remember to wear it over wet hair.
Oil Your Strands
Natural oils act as a chlorine-protectant on your hair. Before you start your swimming session, apply some coconut oil or almond oil to your strands. The oil will act as an efficient barrier between the chlorinated water and your hair. It will prevent your hair from absorbing harmful chemicals present in the water. It’s also an effective cure for split-ends caused by exposure to chlorine.
St.Botanica Recommends Best Hair Oil To Strengthen & Protect Your Hair: Virgin Coconut Oil, 200ml
St.Botanica Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is drawn from the kernel of coconuts. This Coconut Oil strengthens your hair and keeps it hydrated. It also protects your hair from the harmful effects of chlorinated water, reducing dandruff and flakiness on the scalp. Apart from being blessed with the goodness of coconuts, this oil is the best way to protect and pamper your hair. Using this oil is the best way to combat dry and itchy scalp.
Cleanse Well
Use a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo that helps wash away any remains of chlorine from your hair. Always wash your hair after your swim session. Take the effort to shampoo your hair as this will prevent your hair from drying out. Argan oil shampoo is a good option for colour-treated hair and damaged hair.
St.Botanica Recommends Best Shampoo To Nourish & Cleanse Your Hair: GO Anti Frizz Shampoo, 200ml
St.Botanica GO Anti Frizz Shampoo contains ingredients like Blueberry Extract, Pomegranate Extract, Coconut Oil, and Keratin Protein. This sulphate-free shampoo thoroughly cleanses your hair and shields it from the harmful effects of chlorine. The perfect blend of natural ingredients in this shampoo will help reduce frizz and add moisture to your strands.
Get Regular Trims
Getting regular trims every 3-4 months is the best way to get rid of damaged hair and split ends. This will keep your hair healthy and frizz-free too!
Detangle Gently
Brush gently to remove the tangles while swimming in chlorinated water. Also, always use a wide-toothed comb and hair serum before you detangle your hair. This will reduce friction and prevent unnecessary breakage.
St.Botanica Recommends Best Serum To Detangle Your Hair: GO Anti Frizz Hair Serum, 120ml
St.Botanica GO Anti Frizz Hair Serum is packed with potent ingredients like Coconut Oil, Hydrolyzed Keratin, and Shea Butter. It instantly conditions your hair and seals moisture into your strands. This dry and frizzy hair serum will protect your strands and strengthen them to prevent damage and split-ends caused by chlorinated water.
Conclusion
Chlorine can cause hair damage and is literally the worst ingredient in pool water. You can't avoid it completely, so the best thing you can do is understand the effects of chlorine and choose the right habits and products to shield your hair and repair it. Taking appropriate measures can repair existing damage and protect your hair from any further damage.
FAQs About How To Protect Hair From Chlorine Damage
Is chlorine bad for your hair?
Yes, chlorine is bad for hair and damage your strands. It can cause frizz and split ends too.
How do swimmers keep their hair healthy?
Swimmers keep their hair healthy by wearing a thick swim cap during their swim sessions, consuming a balanced diet, and using the right haircare products.
Does coconut oil protect hair from chlorine?
Yes, coconut oil protects your hair from chlorine. Applying some coconut oil to your strands before going for a swim will act as a barrier and minimise contact between the strands and water.
Does chlorine turn your hair green?
Yes, chlorine can turn your hair green. The chlorine in swimming pool water reacts with
copper, manganese, iron, and other heavy metals, giving your hair a dull green hue — especially if you have light-coloured hair.
Can chlorine permanently damage hair?
If not taken care of, chlorine can permanently damage your hair.
