Have you noticed dry, brittle hair after a pool day? Chlorine might be the culprit. While it’s a commonly used water disinfectant, chlorine’s powerful oxidizing properties might cause hair damage. But don’t fret—we’ve got the best tips to protect your hair, letting you enjoy poolside relaxation as much as you want.
1. Use a swim cap
While you might not feel like wearing a swim cap, it can shield your hair from damage. It keeps your hair dry by preventing water from touching it and keeps your hair out of your face while you swim. Plus, swim caps protect from sunlight in an outdoor pool, which is important because sunlight can worsen the damage caused by chlorine.
2. Pre-condition your hair
Before heading into the pool, lightly mist your hair with distilled water and apply a silicone-based conditioner to the ends of your hair. The conditioner will help create a protective barrier, possibly preventing chlorine damage. Here are some of the perks of pre-conditioning your hair.
3. Moisture retention
A thin layer of conditioner can lock in moisture and help you avoid that brittle hair look post-swim.
4. Reduced breakage
The conditioner temporarily patches up damaged areas, making them less prone to breakage while in the pool.
5. Easier detangling
The silicones in the conditioner can keep your hair smooth, reducing the risks of knots and tangles.
6. Check the pool rules!
As a side note, some public pools may have policies against using lotions or hair products for hygiene reasons, so check the pool’s rules before applying any products.
7. Try a clarifying shampoo
To prevent extra damage, breakage, and potential fading of your hair color, use a clarifying shampoo immediately after swimming in the pool. Clarifying shampoos contain strong surfactants, which deeply cleanse the scalp and eliminate all traces of dirt and sebum. This cleansing eliminates any lingering chlorine in the hair, minimizing the risk of further damage.
8. Apply a deep conditioning treatment post-swim
After swimming, you can revive your hair by washing it with a clarifying shampoo and then applying a deep conditioning treatment. Allow the deep conditioner to stay on your hair for a few minutes to maximize moisture and restore hydration.
9. What the treatment does for your hair
This treatment helps to nourish your hair, preventing dry, fragile hair caused by chlorine. It also works to strengthen the hair cuticle, reduce frizz, and promote smooth-looking hair. Read on for some of the key ingredients to look for when purchasing a deep conditioner.
10. Protective emollients
Emollients like butters and dimethicone, which help to smooth and soften the hair by providing a protective barrier.
11. Nourishing oils
Oils such as avocado, coconut, and jojoba are great for deeply nourishing and smoothing the hair.
12. Moisture hero
Glycerin is a type of humectant that attracts and retains moisture, keeping the hair soft and hydrated.
