Chlorine can be found in pools with both saltwater and freshwater. The primary distinction between the two types of pools is that saltwater pools manufacture chlorine on-site from sodium chloride. In contrast, freshwater pools produce chlorine from harsh chemicals that are added in very small amounts. Unfortunately, due to potentially deadly bacteria such as E. coli, swimming in unclean pool water can pose a significant risk to one’s health.
The Effects of Chlorine on Hair
Our hair contains natural oils, and chlorine, a harsh chemical agent, can remove all those oils completely. The chemical known as chlorine is a harsh one that is in no way good for the skin or the hair. The chlorine in swimming pools and hot tubs causes your hair to become brittle, dry, and split at the ends. Even if chlorine levels in swimming pools aren’t high enough to cause poisoning, the concentrations are nevertheless high enough to strip your hair of its moisture and liveliness.
Because it causes chemical reactions in the hair, it can alter your hair’s original shade in certain instances. In addition, it is essential to keep in mind that hair that has been chemically treated or colored is likely to be especially susceptible to the risks posed by pool water, which can cause hair to become dry and brittle.
No way chlorine will react with wet hair, no matter the circumstances. Therefore, after your swims in the pool, you may not only have hair damaged by chlorine, but you may also have problems with your scalp because of the drying effect of chlorine. Your scalp can become dry and weakened as a result of this. When exposed to chlorine regularly, a sensitive scalp may “get” the condition known as dandruff.
How To Protect the Hair from The Harmful Effects of Chlorine
Before entering the pool, ensure your hair has been drenched in clean water: Because the hair can only absorb a certain amount of water, soaking it in clean water before entering a chlorinated pool will cause it to absorb the clean water instead of the pool water, resulting in significantly less chlorine damage.
When your hair is damp, massage the mask into your scalp and comb it through your hair. Make a part down the center of your head, and then tie your hair into a low ponytail. The plaits themselves will add texture to your hair as it dries, making loose braids an additional alternative worth considering. Always use a comb with large teeth to detangle your hair without compromising its natural texture.
Apply a generous amount of sunscreen that is resistant to water: You will protect your hair from the harmful effects of the sun and from losing moisture if you apply a generous amount of water-resistant sunscreen. When it relates to applying moisturizer, more is more: After a refreshing swim, you might not feel like lavishing yourself with hours of body lotion. However, if you want that tan to remain for a sufficient amount of time, you need to apply additional moisturizer.
How To Reverse the Effects of Chlorine on The Hair
It is not difficult to identify hair that has been damaged by chlorine. Your hair may become excessively dry, which will cause it to frizz up and continue to be knotted. The good news is that it can revitalize and repair hair damaged by chlorine. The following are a few tried and true methods that you can implement in your own home.
- When you wash your hair, use a clarifying shampoo or conditioner. You can purchase a shampoo designed to clarify the hair, or you can manufacture a clarifier at home with apple cider vinegar and baking soda. You will cleanse your hair of any harsh chemicals if you use a hair clarifier.
- Chlorine will not only cause your hair to get dry, but it also has the potential to damage your scalp. You should check on the health of your scalp. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to treat the damage done to your scalp.
- You should perform a deep conditioning treatment on your hair at least twice a week if it has been severely damaged by chlorine. You also have the option of using coconut oil to restore any moisture that has been lost. To promote healthier hair and a more vibrant scalp, give the hair a light massage with some lukewarm coconut oil. After a sufficient amount of time has passed, shampoo as usual.
- It may take a significant amount of time to repair hair that has been damaged. Seeing results from a good haircare program takes time and requires a lot of patience.
Who Is More Vulnerable to The Chlorine Effect?
- Chlorine poses a greater threat to the health of your hair if it has been chemically treated or colored before you go swimming in chlorinated water.
- If your hair is already dry and damaged, the chlorine in swimming pools and hot tubs can worsen the problem considerably.
- Hair that has been bleached or curled is likewise more susceptible to damage from chlorine water.
How Much Absorption of Chlorine Is Considered Dangerous?
Your strands will suffer damage regardless of the time they are exposed to chlorine. Any contact with chlorine is considered unsafe. Because of this, being aware of what we are putting our bodies through will prevent our hair and scalp from drying out, which can lead to split ends and hair discoloration.
Does Chlorine Cause Your Hair to Turn a Greenish-Gray?
No. The common misconception is that chlorine will color your hair green; however, this is not the case. The chlorinated pool water contains heavy metals like copper, manganese, and iron, which cause your hair to take on a green hue after swimming. Nevertheless, chlorine does contribute to the oxidation of these metals in some way. After that, the metals will cling to the hair and cause it to turn green while also rendering the color of your hair excessively lifeless and ashy.
Conclusion
Chlorine is the component of pool water that’s the most damaging to your hair. However, it is necessary to take action to eradicate the undesired bacteria. With this information, you can take the necessary precautions to protect your hair from the damaging effects of chlorine.
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