February 1st, 2022 | Updated on June 25th, 2022
Did you know that chlorine in pools and hot tubs can dry out your hair? However, if you want to protect your hair from damage before jumping into the water, it’s essential first to use some kind of product! In today’s blog post, we will talk about hair care tips that will help you protect your hair from chlorine and breakouts.
What Effect Does Chlorine Have On Your Hair?
Chlorine is a very harsh chemical. It can make your hair dry and brittle, or it could even damage the cuticle to the point where your hair will no longer be shiny. Chlorine has an astringent effect on our skin because of its alkaline nature; the same is true for our hair. Chlorine can cause a dramatic change in the pH of your locks which will strip them of their natural oils and moisture, making your hair look dull and dry.
Things To Do To Protect Your Hair Before Swimming
1. Apply Coconut Oil Or Olive Oil
Apply coconut oil or olive oil before swimming to keep your hair moisturized and prevent it from drying out. This will also help protect against chlorine damage, which can strip your hair’s moisture content, leaving you with dry strands that are more prone to breakage. Make sure not to use too much, as this could weigh down the scale of your hair.
2. Wash Your Hair With Non-Chlorinated Water
Before swimming, make sure to wash your hair with non-chlorinated water. For the chlorine in the pool or ocean not to damage your hair, you need a barrier between it and the chlorinated water. Chlorine is very harsh on color-treated and porous strands, so you must protect them before entering any kind of chlorinated water.
3. Apply Leave-In Conditioner
The leave-in hair conditioner protects your hair in the same manner as coconut oil does. The hair conditioner forms a protective layer on your hair, preventing chlorine from coming into touch with it and therefore providing the necessary protection when swimming. Before you go swimming, you should use a hair conditioner to protect your hair.
4. Wear A Swimming Cap
Swimming caps are tight-fitting and made from silicone. They’re designed to keep your hair contained in the pool as much as possible. There is no shortage of options on the market today – choose one that’s right for you based upon how long your hair is and whether or not it needs conditioning after being exposed to chlorine water all day long.
Things To Do To Protect Your Hair After Swimming
1. Apply Swimmers’ Shampoo
Swimmers shampoo contains more surfactants than regular shampoos. The extra foam helps remove chlorine and prevent the dryness of your hair without stripping the oils. Make sure that you choose swimmer shampoos to protect your hair from chlorine.
2. Rinse Using Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties; it also helps balance the pH of your scalp and hair. Use about a quarter cup or less diluted with water as an effective rinse for chlorine removal.
3. Apply Moisturizer And Hair Conditioner
Apply a moisturizer and hair conditioner after you swim to calm your hair down, protect it from further damage, and give your locks some extra care.
The Bottom Line
The easiest way to protect your hair is by wearing a swimming cap, but most importantly, you should also apply the right products to your hair to avoid any hair damage and dryness. Make sure that you thoroughly follow the tips mentioned above to protect your hair.
