whether you’re on holiday or love swimming laps, the pool and your mane may not mix well.
but, don’t worry, we’ve got you! get the insight on how to protect your hair from chlorine with our list of essential pre and post-swim steps. so, dive in and learn how to look after your locks.
what does chlorine do to your hair?
although chlorine is effective for keeping swimming pools clean and free from bacteria, it may negatively impact the condition of your hair.if you’ve got coloured locks, you may want to watch out.the chemicals may strip away the dye, leading to discolouration and a faded appearance. it may also oxidise your mane, potentially turning it green.but that’s not it. beyond altering the colour, it may also be very drying and may remove your natural oils. this dehydration may leave your hair brittle, increasing the risk of breakage and split ends.
does all hair discolour when swimming?
blondes are typically more prone to discolouration due to their lighter hue. if you’re not a natural blonde, the process of lightening your hair may add to the porosity, increasing your risk. it doesn't, however, single out blondes exclusively. your locks could still become discoloured even if they are red, black, or brown, but the change may be easier to hide. however, precautionary methods are just as important to take.
how to protect hair when swimming
although you can’t completely avoid chlorine damage, especially if you love to swim often, there are some tips that may help to reduce the risks so, let’s dive right in...
rinse your hair before swimming
picture your hair like a sponge. when you jump into the pool with dry locks, your strands may easily soak up all that chlorine.but if your hair is already filled with clean water, there may be less room for those chemicals to be absorbed.so, a little tip: wet your hair before diving in.
put your hair in an up-do
for those who have longer locks, we know it can be tempting to channel your inner mermaid. but if you want to protect your strands, you may want to consider wearing it up. this way you can keep it stylish whilst trying to minimise exposure to pool water. we recommend opting for a plait, fish tail, bun, or ponytail.
provide your hair with tlc
if you want to help keep your hair happy while swimming, applying a hair mask or a leave-in conditioner to your mane before jumping in the pool could serve as an additional barrier against chlorine absorption.
these products work to coat your locks, creating a protective layer that may help to minimise direct contact between chlorine and your strands. this may be particularly beneficial in preventing the harsh chemical from penetrating the hair shaft and causing damage. and don’t forget, you can use these products post-swim. they’re formulated with nourishing ingredients that may help to lock in hair moisture, which could prevent the dehydration and dryness often associated with exposure to pool water.
wear a swim cap
one of the best ways to protect hair from chlorine is opting for a swimming cap. before you pop it on, we’drecommended applying a leave-in conditioner to give your cap a bit more movement, so it doesn’t pull on your strands as much.
don’t forget after care
as soon as you’ve finished up in the pool, we recommend implementing an after-care routine to help say goodbye to any potential chlorine build-up and restore hydration. you can do this by showering straight after your swim and clarifying your hair with your shampoo and conditioner.
as a guide, you want to look for ingredients that will help exfoliate your scalp and slough away any build-up, we recommend products that include pink clay as it is a gentle absorbent that may help to draw out any dead skin and impurities. you can find this in our reset pink charcoal scalp cleansing oil. incorporate it into your wash routine after taking a dip, rinse after 5 minutes and follow with your usual products.
if you have experienced any post chlorine brassiness, our bust your brass cool blonde intense repair hair mask has got you!
and there you have it, our top tips on how to protect your hair from chlorine. we’ll see you at the pool.
to further support and nourish your mane, explore our hydration collection designed to keep your strands healthy and vibrant.
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