Prevent and Fix Chlorine-Damaged Hair – Learn How

Extended exposure to chlorinated water is something that can leave marks on your hair. If you are one to use pools frequently, you are obviously among the ones most exposed to this risk.

Chlorine serves the purpose of protecting you from microbes in the water, yet it can come with the side effect of damaging drying your hair due to eliminating a big part of its sebum. Sebum is the oil that gives your hair a shiny aspect and taking it away is bound to make you unhappy with its appearance.

However, you should know that there are solutions that can seriously limit the damage caused, while still allowing you to swim in the pool. Here are some of the best:

• Use a swim cap

The easiest way of protecting your hair is to limit the amount of chlorinated water that can reach it. We are aware that some people do not like wearing them because they either find them not very comfortable or they don’t like how they look, but if you have to choose between that and the health of your hair, you will probably realize it’s not such a big effort.

• Wash your hair with plenty of tap water before jumping into the pool

Hair can absorb a limited amount of water. If you wash it well with tap water, you will reduce the effects of chlorine on your hair.

• Massage your scalp using baking soda

Baking soda can help bring your scalp and hair to a more nourished state. Simply add a teaspoon of it to ¼ cup of warm water and massage your scalp gently. Use a comb to bring the paste up to the tips of your hair strands, covering everything evenly.

• Use apple cider vinegar

Mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water. Massage into your scalp and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse with water. Apple cider vinegar can restore a healthy skin pH due to its acidity, creating a healthy environment for your hair.

• Apply coconut oil on your scalp

Coconut oil is a fantastic moisturizer that is used for a variety of skin-related problems. It is effective for your scalp and hair as well. Simply massage your scalp gently and then make sure to apply an even amount to all your hair.

• Shampoo after swimming

After getting out of the pool, shampoo your hair quickly. You will remove some of the chlorinated water from your hair before it takes more of your sebum away.

• Use a silicone-based conditioner

A silicone based conditioner used right before using a pool can provide some protection from chlorinated water, reducing the intensity of the drying effects that you typically see.

As you can see, with a few simple solutions, you can continue to enjoy pools without fearing for the health of your hair. Each of these options is cheap and takes little to no effort to apply, while the benefits are invaluable.