Chlorine can cause a lot of hair issues, green hair, dry hair, and damage your hair if you aren’t careful. If you are a swimmer, you need to ensure you are taking ALL precautions to protect your hair. If you only get in chlorine every once in a while, it won’t be the end of the world if you don’t use these tips but they will definitely help! Here is how to protect hair from chlorine.
Wet hair before entering the chlorine
Getting your hair wet (with non-chlorine water) will help your hair absorb less of the chlorine pool water because it is already wet.
Add a hydrating conditioner before
By putting in conditioner before entering the pool, you are creating a protective barrier and also helping treat your hair. Exposing your hair to chlorine dries out your hair and a hydrating conditioner helps you tackle two things at once.
Keep up with using a hydrating conditioner throughout the summer months (or when you are swimming the most) to help avoid dry hair that can come from the harsh chemicals in chlorine.
Put a swim cap over the conditioner
If you are an avid swimmer, you should already be using a swim cap. But if you are really worried about your hair or doing a lot more swimming in the summer, this is a great option. Looks for a good swim cap with silicone or latex to keep your hair relatively dry and reduce chlorine exposure.
Rinse your hair immediately after swimming
Rinsing your hair with clean water will help remove the chlorine water from your hair. Rinse really well and don’t forget to get your scalp and root!
Use a clarifying shampoo
If you are swimming frequently and not wearing a swim cap, consider using a clarifying shampoo. But only once a week. Clarifying shampoo really helps stripe the hair from product buildup and lingering chlorine.
Here is a whole blog post more about clarifying shampoo and my recommendations!
Pre-Swim Hair Treatment
I feel like this will be an unnecessary step for most. However, they are made specifically to create a barrier between your hair and chlorine. While the conditioner tip above is helpful, these products are tailored to protect from chlorine.
Safeguarding your hair from the damaging effects of chlorine is essential for maintaining its health, shine, and overall beauty. By following the tips, you can enjoy your time in the pool without worrying about chlorine wreaking havoc on your hair. Prevention is key, so make these practices a part of your regular routine to keep your hair strong, vibrant, and chlorine-free.
Which tip are you going to use to protect hair from chlorine the next time you go swimming?
XO, Annie
