How Do I Protect My Hair from Chlorine Damage?

Chlorine damage to hair is one of the most common adverse beauty effects of swimming in a pool. One of the best ways to reduce damage is to avoid getting your hair wet while swimming by wearing a cap. If your hair does get wet, there are products available that are designed to remove chlorine and minimize its effects. Some hair products can also be used to prevent chlorine damage prior to swimming pool use.

Hats are a common accessory during the summer to prevent sun damage. When you are in the pool, you can wear different head pieces to protect your hair from the effects of chlorine. If you are planning to lounge in the pool, a simple hat can offer some protection against any stray water drops from other swimmers moving around you. You might consider a swimming cap for the most optimum protection from chlorine damage, as they are waterproof and encompass your entire head. Caps are the best choice if you are planning to swim under the water.

Some people do not like the constriction of swimming caps, so they decide to take the risk and swim with their hair unprotected. To minimize damage, rinse your hair with tap water immediately after swimming to remove some of the chlorine. Take a shower as soon as possible, washing your hair with specialized swimming products. There are shampoos, conditioners and detanglers available at beauty stores that specifically remove chlorine from hair. Consider spraying a protective product into your hair prior to swimming in a pool as well.

Aside from buying hair products for swimmers, there are a few steps that you can take to prevent chlorine damage on your own. Rinsing your hair in a shower and then following up with a protective conditioner is a necessary step to protect your hair. You can even use a daily conditioner if you do not have any swimmers' products on hand. This step moisturizes your hair to minimize the penetration of chlorine to the hair strands.

Any color-treated hair that undergo chemical processes at the salon is prone to chlorine damage from swimming. Blonde hair is perhaps the most susceptible to such damaging effects, as chlorine can turn the hair color green. If you fall victim to chlorine damage, there are products that can help to take the green out of your hair. At the same time, you will likely have to go back to the salon for another color treatment. If chlorine damage is a persistent problem, avoid swimming underwater altogether.