- If you swim every day, I recommend that you always wear a swim cap and protective hair oil. I’ll tell you here what you should consider and how to use them.
- After swimming, it’s very important to wash your hair with tap water to remove chlorine residue. If necessary, stay in the shower for a few minutes longer than usual.
- There’re specially designed shampoos and conditioners for swimmers. If you have the chance to get them, I guarantee that they’re very worthwhile.
You love swimming in the pool, but you’re having some doubts about how to care for and protect your hair from chlorine chemicals, aren’t you?
Don’t panic! I’m going to give you lots of tips for you to keep doing your favorite sport.
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What about pool chlorine?
As obvious as the answer may seem, swimming pool water should have a pH as high as possible. Why is this?
Let me explain it in detail: pH is the abbreviation for hydrogen potential; this means the degree of acidity or alkalinity of the water.
The action of chlorine on pool water has a direct influence on your hair. Therefore, the pH must be correctly adjusted.
What are the effects of chlorine on my hair?
Swimming pool chlorine directly affects your hair, making it thinner, drier, and more fragile, even if you have virgin hair. If it’s dyed or bleached, the effect is even worse.
Chlorine oxidizes the dye’s color and turns almost all colors, except blonde, slightly into orange. However, don’t panic. These effects can be controlled if you follow the tips I list below.
4 tips to minimize chlorine damage to your hair when swimming every day
1- Wearing a swimming cap
Although it’s extremely unattractive and a little uncomfortable at times, it’s an essential accessory for swimming in a pool. Not only does it protect your hair from water hygiene, but it also isolates a high percentage of your hair’s contact with chlorine chemicals.
There’s a variety of caps. There are lycra, neoprene, silicone, and latex caps. The most chosen ones are the lycra ones because they are comfortable. However, the tighter it is, the better since it’ll partially isolate your hair’s contact with water.
2- Apply hair-protective oil in advance
It’s good to apply a few drops of hair oil or protective oil, such as almond oil, before diving. It’ll form a shield that will help minimize contact with water.
How do I apply the oil to my hair?
It’s very simple, here’s a guide
- Comb your hair very well to untangle it.
- Apply the oil from the roots to the ends, making sure to cover your hair’s entire surface. You can apply the oil with your hands, or you can look for a sprayer, in case you don’t like getting dirty.
- Grab your hair in a ponytail with your favorite hair accessory.
- Put on your swim cap. You will notice that the cap slides better on your head because of the oil.
That would be all. As you can see, it’s quite simple, but I assure you that it’ll be very beneficial for your hair because the oil will create a second layer of protection, in addition to the one generated by the cap.
When you’re done swimming, do the following.
3- Rinse your hair when you finish swimming
It’s essential to rinse your hair with fresh water or tap water at the end of your swimming day to remove any remaining chemicals.
You can use specially designed products for swimmers, such as the Ultra Swim line.
4- Take care of your hair, beyond the chlorine
The daily care of your hair is not a minor detail. Being exposed to chlorine chemicals, you must use a special care line daily.
There are various products for hair exposed to chlorine, but if they are unaffordable to you, don’t worry. Just use a shampoo or a nourishing mask and apply it once a week.
If your hair is colored, I recommend that you use a specific shampoo for your color in addition to the mask to protect it from oxidation.
What difficulties may I have? What can I do in each case?
It depends on the hair type. That’s why I’m going to give you some tips to solve any of these difficulties.
Hair turns green!
You may not be able to avoid it if your hair is bleached blonde. In other words, hair that has already been processed.
If something like that happens to you, stay calm! There are several things you can do:
- Go to the hairdresser, because it’s a fairly common situation and they’ll know what to do.
- DO NOT apply a dark dye because it won’t solve the situation.
- Put ketchup on your hair and leave it on until the pigment disappears. Yes! Even if it doesn’t look like it, it’s a very logical solution. Pool chlorine contains blue pigments, which get into your “yellow” blonde hair when in the wrong ratios. When mixed, they form that scary greenish tone. Ketchup contains red pigments that will help improve the look of the color.
- Dissolve baking soda and mix it with dandruff shampoo.
- Mix warm water with aspirin. Its astringent will help you remove unwanted pigments.
If you use any of these tips, your hair will be dry. So, you need to moisturize it immediately.
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Hair loses color
Colored hair is more likely to lose color due to its contact with chlorine. In addition to following some of the advice I gave you above, there is something else you can do to keep the color intact.
A homemade light color refresh!
Apply it at home and your color will look radiant. You’ll need:
- The dye you usually apply to your hair.
- 6 or 10-volume peroxide.
- The shampoo you regularly use.
Prepare the dye with the 6 or 10-volume peroxide. Read the instructions of your favorite brand for the exact amount. Usually, the ratio is one dye tube for the same amount and a half of peroxide. Add two tablespoons of shampoo to that mixture.
Place the mixture in your previously wet hair, massage and leave in for 20 minutes – it’s that simple – it’s a light color refresh!
There’re no rules about the best time to do it. You have to watch your hair, and it will let you know.
Conclusions
Now that you’ve learned tips to care for your hair from chlorine, you have valuable information to keep your hair radiant. Also, you know how to deal with any unexpected events. Go swimming, you don’t have anything to worry about!
