Tips to protect your skin & hair from chlorine in swimming pool

We are going to take a look at how chlorine harms your hair, share our expert advice for minimizing or preventing chlorine damage, and offer a few options for repairing chlorine-damaged hair in this article.

Chlorine in Swimming Pools

When you consider the damage that the chlorine in swimming pool is likely causing to your beautiful hair, the sensation of gliding through the water can feel tranquil. Due to the harsh chlorine found in pools, daily pool swimming can damage hair; However, protecting your hair from chlorine’s damaging effects is possible.

How is chlorine in Swimming Pools is harmful to hair?

Chlorinated water in swimming pools can dry out and break your hair, making it brittle. Although chlorine is present in tap water, most of the time there isn’t enough of it to cause a problem for regular showers. However, if you expose yourself to it on a regular basis, the increased concentration found in pools may cause harm to your hair and skin.

Effects of chlorine on your hair Although chlorine in swimming pools is necessary for killing bacteria, it can seriously harm healthy hair if you swim in them frequently. Chlorine depletes your body’s natural oils (sebum) that protect your hair. Chlorine makes your hair do the following, in addition to irritating your skin and scalp:

Crack and split your hair by stripping it of its natural moisture. Change the colour of your hair, whether it’s natural or dyed. Weaken, causing split ends. Casual swimmers rarely notice the effects of chlorinated water. For example, taking a dip in the pool once a year on vacation won’t do much for your hair’s health. However, it does not matter whether you swim daily or once a month; Different hair types make some people more vulnerable to chlorine damage than others. This includes individuals who:

Thin or fine hair Colored hair Bleached hair Chemically treated hair Dry hair Thin or fine hair Hair with existing damage You need to know how to protect your hair from chlorine damage if you swim in the pool frequently or on a regular basis, regardless of your hair type or colour.

How do swimmers protect their hair from chlorine water

The best ways to shield hair from chlorine are as follows: Chlorinated pool water’s negative effects should be mitigated by these suggestions:

1. Before and after swimming, wash your hair with water.

The spoken and unspoken “rules” of the pool that help keep everyone safe and healthy are known as lap swim etiquette. For instance, there is a significant reason why you should shower before entering the pool. This is an important step for getting rid of dirt and oils from your body so they don’t end up at the bottom of the pool. It also helps keep your hair from getting damaged by chlorine.

swimmer without a cap swimming outside When you pre-soak your hair with clean tap water or non-chlorinated water prior to entering the pool, your hair strands absorb that water, reducing the amount of chlorine absorbed.

Similarly, after swimming, you should always thoroughly rinse your hair with clean water. You can give it a more thorough clean by applying clarifying shampoo.

Check out the best hair care routine for swimmers.

2. Use natural oils like olive oil and coconut oil on your hair.

Consider applying a leave-in chlorine protectant to your hair if you swim frequently or if your hair is more susceptible to chlorine damage. Natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil form a barrier against the absorption of chlorine and other pool chemicals into your hair. Use a deep conditioning mask or leave-in conditioner for additional protection.

3. Apply Swim Spray.

You can purchase a swim spray product to apply to your hair to prevent chlorine from penetrating your strands if you have blond hair and are particularly concerned about the effects of chlorine on light-coloured hair. This product is suitable for all types of hair.

4. Utilize mild shampoos.

No matter what kind of hair you have, we recommend washing it with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and then conditioning it after swimming. This aids in the removal of chlorine residue from your hair.

5. Have a swim cap on.

swimmer putting on a swim cap If you compete in swimming, you probably already cover your head with a swim cap when you practice swimming. Swim caps are a great way to keep chlorine from getting to your hair. Wear it correctly so that all of your hair is enclosed for the best protection. To make it easier for your swim cap to fit over your head, remember to wear it over wet hair. It’s also a good idea to have a few extra swim caps in your bag in case one breaks.

Here is our list of essential swimming gear.

6. Make a ponytail out of long hair.

Tie your hair back into a ponytail, braid, or tight bun if you have long hair and don’t have a swim cap. Chlorine contact will be minimized as a result of this.

7. In outdoor pools swim.

The best way to swim is in outdoor pools whenever possible. The faster the chlorine gas from the water evaporates into the air in outdoor pools, the less chlorine is present in the water and, consequently, the less chlorine can be absorbed by your skin and hair.

8. Follow these hair care routines after swimming.

When you get out of the water, protecting your hair from chlorine damage is probably the most important. Your hair routine and post-swim shower will help get rid of chlorine before it gets too far into your hair.

If you swim frequently, your post-swim routine probably includes cleaning and maintaining your swim goggles. The following are our recommended hair care tips for immediately following swimming, in addition to your existing post-swim routine:

Apply a leave-in conditioner after washing your hair thoroughly with clean water and a clarifying shampoo.

While you change, let your hair completely air dry. Avoid using blow dryers because they will further dry your hair. Using a micro-fiber towel to gently remove any excess or dripping water from your hair if it needs additional drying after being air-dried is recommended. Using a detangling brush made for wet hair, gently brush out tangles.

In addition to being a great exercise for the whole body, swimming also aids in mental rejuvenation. However, swimming in public pools can sometimes harm not only the hair but also the skin. It can dry out the skin and make it itch. Because the pH levels of the water in some public swimming pools are not checked even once during the day.

To avoid causing harm to the skin and hair, the pH level of the swimming pool must be checked every two hours. Although chlorine in swimming pools can kill the germs and bacteria that can cause infections, it only damages the top layer of oil known as sebum, which helps keep the scalp and skin from becoming dry.

The chlorine in the pools can make skin dry and irritated, and it can also cause rashes in people with sensitive skin. So, always remember to fully moisturize your body before going to the pool, which helps prevent the drying effects of chlorinated water. Even severe skin conditions like eczema can be exacerbated by swimming pool chlorine and bleach.

Keep these things in mind:

Use a perfect swim body lotion before going to the swimming pool. It will aid in the formation of a skin-protective barrier that prevents the skin from absorbing chlorine.

Apply oil:

Always apply some essential oil, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or baby oil, before going to the pool. It will form a barrier between the skin and the chlorine water.

Take a shower before entering the pool

Before going swimming, you should always take a shower because if your skin is dry, it will be easier for the chlorinated water to be absorbed quickly. In any other case, the bleach and chlorine water might get to the skin’s deeper layers and cause more harm. Preventing the skin from absorbing a significant amount of chlorinated water is made easier by showering prior to swimming. Additionally, if you take a quick shower after swimming, the chlorinated water won’t dry out your skin as much.

Include Vitamin C in Your Regimen Vitamin C is an antioxidant that aids in the skin’s defence against UV damage. By inhibiting tyrosinase, a skin enzyme that produces melanin, it can also help reduce sun tan.

Keep your body hydrated:

Dry, rough skin is usually the result of dehydration. Conversely, hydrated skin maintains its suppleness. Drink a lot of water before going to the pool. so that while swimming, the skin is properly hydrated. A well-hydrated body can also aid in skin purification by flushing chlorine and other toxins out of the body and restoring moisture to the skin.

Before entering a swimming pool, apply Pre Swim Lotion because it not only shields the skin from UVA and UVB rays while swimming, but it also has the potential to form a protective layer on the skin, preventing the pool water from coming into direct contact with the skin. This is why you should always put on broad-spectrum sunscreen for at least 15 to 20 minutes before going into the pool.

After swimming, use the towel sparingly because it can irritate the skin and remove the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Also, avoid rubbing the skin with the towel.

Lip balm is a good idea if you spend a lot of time in chlorine-treated water. So, always apply lip balm before going to the pool to stop your lips from bleeding.

Exfoliation:

Regular exfoliation can assist in the removal of pigmented dead skin cells from the skin. It can also help lighten skin that looks dark and lifeless. Chemical exfoliators with hydroxy acids are a good choice for regular swimmers because they dissolve dead skin cells.

Always stay away from indoor swimming pools because they don’t have enough ventilation and hold the chemicals’ gases. Always choose an outdoor swimming pool because it can exacerbate existing skin issues.