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With summer in full swing you may be thinking of spending some leisurely time in the sun and staying close to a pool. Before you go swimming, you may want to put some thought on how you can protect your hair from the harsh chlorine.

Why Chlorine is so Bad for Your

Chlorine is used in pools because it’s a strong disinfectant and it kills bacteria and algae. While this chemical is a necessary evil in keeping pools safe for us to swim in, it can be practically hard on your hair. An occasional dip in the pool most likely will only result in some dryness, which can be reversed naturally within just a few days.

Our scalp works to keep our hair in good condition. It produces natural oils that help to moisturize and replenish nutrients in our hair. With repeated or prolonged exposure to chemicals, our hair can suffer significant damage. It’s the constant cycle of getting wet, drying, and the stripping of the oils that can lead to potential long lasting damage to your hair.

There is a rumor that goes around from time to time that chlorine can turn your hair green. That green tint that many people may report getting is actually not caused by the chlorine but rather oxidized copper deposits in the water.

Should I Worry About Chlorine Damage?

If you are only going swimming for a few minutes a day over a short period of time then you shouldn’t have anything to worry about as far as hair damage. The real risk to your hair can happen if your hair has been dyed, tinted, highlighted or chemically treated. It can also hurt hair that is naturally dry or if your are prone to hair damage.

Can I Protect My Hair from Chlorine Damage?

Yes, there are things you can do to protect your hair from the effects of chlorine in pools. Before you jump in the water, rinse your hair with fresh water. Then rinse your hair again when you get out. You can also wear a swim cap, which can give you an effective barrier from the chlorinated water.

It is also recommended that you use a quality shampoo and condition your hair after every pool session. This will ensure that the chlorine is completely removed from your hair. There are even some anti-chlorine shampoos on the market that are designed to strip away chlorine, and moisturize your hair.

You could also use a clarifying shampoo or try any one of various treatments available for scalp issues caused by chlorine. You can help your hair with daily conditioning and protein treatments. As you can see there are a number of ways you can protect your hair.

If you fear that your hair as suffered permanent damage from chlorine you can always speak to one of our hair loss specialists. We are happy to help with any type of scalp damage or hair loss you may be suffering from. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (612) 588-4247 or contact us at www.myhairlossclinic.com