Repairing Chlorine Damaged Hair: Treatment and Prevention Methods for Dry or Green Tresses from Swimming

As we become more active for our health or simply as the temperatures rise with the changing of the seasons, a dip in the pool is refreshing. Before your next dive as a swimmer you should be well prepared for the prevention and treatment of chlorine exposure. Chlorine is used in swimming pools as a disinfectant for maintaining cleanliness and sanitation. The chlorine however removes the natural protective oils of the hair and scalp causing a severe drying effect. When hair is subject to chlorine exposure this occurs and if hair is not rinsed post swim and is allowed to dry, the hair becomes brittle, dry and is prone to breaks as well as splitting. In order to prevent hair damage due to chlorine there are some steps you can follow with each swim.

Pre-swim steps for chlorine damage prevention.

Your first step prior to entering the swimming pool should be to thoroughly wet the hair. When hair absorbs un-chlorinated water there is less chance for major absorption of the chlorine into the hair shaft. Secondly you should apply a hair conditioner for moisture and protection. Thirdly a swimmers cap should be placed over the wet, conditioned hair. This is in fact the best way to protect and prevent chlorine damage. If you however choose not to use the swimmers cap then you will want to treat the hair post swim.

Post swim steps for chlorine removal

You need to rinse the hair thoroughly after a swim in chlorinated water. You can use club soda, which ceases the adverse effects of the chlorine. You can also rinse the hair in un-chlorinated water and it is advised to use a shampoo. Look for a shampoo that contains sodium thiosulfate. This ingredient is an antichlor, which removes the color and odor of chlorine from the hair. The chlorine in water can cause hard metals in the water, such as copper, iron and manganese, to attach to the hair causing a green coloration. Shampoos that offer aloe or glycerin can also be helpful as they are a natural moisturizer that can combat the drying effects of chlorine. If you experience severe drying and hair breakage you can receive a salon treatment that will reduce and or eliminate breakage for up to six weeks at a time. This is done with a product called Aphogee, which is fused to the hair using heat. The product hardens the hair and after rinsing and conditioning is completed there is a noticeable difference immediately. This product is for professional use alone; speak to your local hair salon technician for service.

Pre-swim, post swim step review

Thoroughly wet hair with non-chlorinated water.
Apply hair conditioner.
Cover hair with swimmer’s cap.
After swim rinse and shampoo hair.
Condition hair after shampooing and alternate each week from regular conditioner to a deep conditioner.
Dry hair gently with a patting motion with towel or on cool setting with hair dryer.
if severe hair damage is experienced seek a hair care professional for treatment.

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