Exercise and swimming are essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. That feeling of gliding through the water can be therapeutic, helping us relax and stay calm. In swimming pools, chlorine is used to kill unwanted bacteria and keep swimmers safe from infections and disease from the water. However, the chlorinated swimming water can wreck havoc to your hair.
Curious about what chlorine actually does to your hair? Keep reading for tips on how to protect your hair and prevent damage, even while you engage in the most intense workouts and swimming sessions.
Effects of chlorine on your hair
Dryness
While regular tap water contains chlorine, it usually doesn’t contain enough to be a problem for regular showers. However, the increased amount found in pools can have damaging effects on hair, especially if you are a frequent pool swimmer. It strips your hair of its natural oils, causing excessive dryness.
Breakage
As Naturalists, hair breakage is one of our biggest traumas You don’t want to put in all the effort to grow your hair out, only to get it to break because of anything. Exposure of hair to chlorinated water during swimming causes dryness and breakage. When the hair is stripped of it’s natural oils, it becomes dry and weak, leading to breakage.
Split Ends
Split ends occur when the hair strand shreds or splits. This split usually occurs at the ends of the hair strand and gradually moves upwards, damaging the entire hair strand. Chlorine in pools causes hair to crack and split. Split Ends can be a problem, as they cannot be treated. Once split ends occur, you’ll only be left with the option of trimming the damaged areas.
Alters Hair Color
Regular swimming in chlorinated pool water can alter your natural hair color, making it look unhealthy and unkempt. If your hair is dyed, swimming can also strip it of its color. Keep reading to learn how to protect your hair color while swimming.
Tips for Protecting Your Hair During Swimming
If you’re that outdoor person who loves swimming to a fault and still wants beautiful and healthy natural hair, you’re not asking for too much. Below are tips on protecting your hair while carrying out your favorite sporting activity.
Rinse Your Hair Before Swimming
Wet your hair with clean water before swimming. This will help prevent your hair from absorbing as much chlorine or salt water as it will already be saturated with fresh water. This rinse helps your hair fill up’ on clean water, so it has less room to absorb chlorine when you hit the pool.
Apply Moisturizers Before Swimming
Before swimming, applying a leave-in conditioner is important to create a protective barrier against chlorine or salt water. This will help prevent your hair from absorbing too much of these drying elements. Look for a lightweight leave-in conditioner that provides hydration without weighing down your hair. You can also check for formulas specifically designed for use before exercise or swimming. Apart from Leave-in conditioners, apply a nourishing hair oil. Look for a lightweight oil that won’t leave your hair feeling greasy or weighed down.
Post-Swim Care
Rinse your hair with fresh water immediately after swimming to remove any chlorine or salt residue. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to replenish lost moisture.
Wear a Swimming Cap
As a frequent swimmer, a swim cap can save you a lot of head aches. Invest in a high-quality swim cap made of silicone or latex to protect your hair from chlorine or salt water. Make sure it fits snugly to prevent water from seeping in. In addition to its streamlining effects, a swim cap tucks away your hair, protecting it from the chlorinated pool water.
Protective Hairstyles
If you have long hair, do not get in the pool with all that hair length. Endeavor to put your hair in protective styles such a as loose braids, buns, or ponytails. Also, avoid using metal hair ties, as they can snag and damage your hair. Instead, use soft, fabric-covered elastics or scrunchies.
Use a Clarifying Shampoo
Incorporate a clarifying shampoo into your hair care routine once or twice a week to remove any buildup from sweat, chlorine, or styling products. This will help keep your hair clean and free from impurities.
Protect your colour
Chlorine can leach pigment from coloured hair, causing it to fade and become damaged and brittle. To protect your hair colour, use your swim cap well and avoid swimming for at least a week after dyeing your hair. You can also invest in weekly deep conditioning treatments and always use colour-protecting haircare products to help prevent fade.
Gentle Handling
After swimming, use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair. Avoid brushing wet hair, as it is more prone to breakage.
In conclusion, whether you swim once a month or daily, certain hair types are more vulnerable to chlorine damage. These include thin or fine hair, color-treated hair, bleached hair, chemically treated hair, dry hair, or damaged hair. If your hair falls into any of these categories, knowing and implementing these strategies will keep it safe and healthy as you enjoy your swimming activities. Even if your hair doesn’t fit these categories, taking steps to protect it is still important.
