Help! Your hair is dry and frizzy at the ends! You might even compare its texture to straw. Do you have tangling, matting and even some green hair? These are all signs of chlorine-damaged hair. Try out some of our solutions to help your hair become soft and silky once again!
Clarify Your Hair
Chlorine has damaged your hair, it is probably is building up in it. This leaves your hair feeling worse than it is. You can use clarifying shampoo is wash some more of it out. Did you know you can make a DIY clarifier using apple cider vinegar? Follow our steps:
- Mix two parts apple cider vinegar with one part water.
- Apply the mixture to your hair
- Let it set for 15 minutes and then rinse.
Apple cider vinegar is acidic and good for your hair. Because of this, it lowers your hair’s pH level, which chemically balances it. Don’t forget to rinse after removing chlorine from your hair to keep it hydrated!
Check Your Scalp
Chemicals and metals in chlorinated pools upset your hair’s natural oils. In turn, your scalp becomes dry, which causes it to lose nourishment and oils needed to support hair follicles. Here are some of the consequences that come with this:
- Damaged hair follicles
- Shrinking hair follicles
- Hair follicles that struggle to grow
There are solutions to prevent this. Dead skin cells and dirt on your head are things you want to avoid. Nioxin is known to repair the damage, replenish moisture and return your scalp to its healthiest condition.
Use a Protein Treatment Regularly
Replenishing the protein that chlorine strips from your hair are an important part of rebuilding the hair’s strength. Here is an article that has some great recommendations. It gives you plenty of options for protein treatments that help repair damaged hair.
Deep Condition Your Hair
Establish a weekly or bi-weekly deep conditioning routine. It will seal in moisture and smooth the frizzy split ends. Coconut oil is a wonderful natural remedy when it comes to repairing hair damaged by chlorine. Conditioning before swimming protects the hair follicles and stops copper from attaching itself. Click here to find some suggestions!
Essential oils also offer benefits. Massage your scalp using one to stimulate blood flow. Try out some of these:
- Lavender oil
- Peppermint oil
- Tea Tree oil
- Rosemary oil
This is will supply your hair with nutrients that help it to grow. The follicles become moisturized and your roots will be even stronger!
For Very Damaged Hair
Sometimes our hair is beyond hair repair. Don’t panic though! We have a solution.
Talk To Your Hairstylist
Going to an expert is nothing to ashamed of! Your stylist will be able to assess your hair’s damage and recommend products or treatments to help. Try getting a haircut and removing the ends. Who knows? You might even love your new look! Need some ideas, check our list of Cute Hairstyles for Swimming!
Preventing Chlorine Damage To Your Hair
What’s the best way to stop your hair from getting damaged by chlorine? Stop it from happening in the first place!
Saturate Hair Before Swimming
Since your hair can only hold so much water, soak it before swimming. A good shower will ensure you absorb more freshwater than chlorinated. Condition your hair beforehand for the best results. Remember:
- You can leave the conditioner in while swimming
- Choose your favourite conditioner
- Always apply conditioner to wet hair
If you wet it with fresh water, your hair will not be stripped by chlorine. Let it soak it up before going swimming. Saltwater is also a good thing to use. Going to the beach before the pool is the best option. Just be sure to change your bathing suit!
Wear a Swim Cap
Keep your hair safe by wearing a swim cap. While not a fashionable accessory, a swimming cap keeps your hair from soaking in chlorine and tangling. Always soak your hair before swimming even if you wear a cap. These are some of the reasons to find one that fits:
- Pool water can leak in
- Comfort
- Durability
A swim cap should do its job of keeping the water out. It should not be too loose, too tight or tear a few uses. Use our guide to choose the one that’s best for you. Take precautionary steps like this one to ensure your hair stays healthy for a long time.
Rinse Hair Thoroughly After Swimming
There is more to do after you get out of the pool. However, this one is one of the easiest things to do. Shampooing and rinsing your hair will remove the chlorine. Always condition afterwards to avoid drying out your hair!
