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Jonas Peschel/EyeEm/Getty Images Ah, chlorine. You know it as the stuff that destroys the health of your hair each summer, but its main purpose is actually a positive one. If pool owners didn't use chlorine, a chemical disinfectant, you likely wouldn't want to swim in the slime-infested water, to begin with. Short, occasional exposure to chlorinated water really won't damage your hair, but it might make it feel dry for a day or so. Regular exposure to chlorinated swimming pools can cause significant damage to your hair. Disinfectants, in general, are used to break down and remove dirt, oil, and bacteria. Our scalps naturally produce oil to protect hair from damage and daily wear. Stripping the oil from your hair in a pool on a regular basis can cause over drying, increased porosity, and in some cases pretty significant damage if you don't take steps to prevent and treat your hair for chlorine exposure. Can Chlorine Turn My Hair Green?While it's true that chlorine gas is a greenish yellow color, chlorine does not turn your hair green, Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., explains in this article that it's actually oxidized metals (copper) in the water that bind to the protein in the hair shaft and deposit a green color. Now, before you go feeling bad for chlorine for getting a bad rap all these years, chlorine isn't completely innocent. As explained above, regular exposure to chlorine can cause dry, porous hair. Dry, porous hair (especially hair that has been chemically lightened or highlighted and is more likely to be damaged by chlorine exposure) is more likely to absorb chemicals and discoloration. Who Is at Risk for Chlorine Damage?Everyone that regularly exposes their hair to chlorinated water risks damage, but some hair types will damage faster or more severely. If your hair meets the following criteria, you will want to take extra care to prevent and treat chlorine damage:
You can do a few things immediately before and after you hit the pool to prevent chlorine from damaging your beautiful locks.
How to Fix Chlorine-Damaged HairIf chlorine has damaged your hair, you'll know it. Chlorine-damaged hair is very dry, frizzy (especially at the ends), bleached out, and often feels a little like straw. It tangles and mats up easily. These tips can help you revive your chlorine damaged hair:
Watch Now: Summer Hair: Protection from the ElementsHow do you fix crunchy hair in the pool?Steps to Protect and Heal Hair. Wet your hair before going into the swimming pool. ... . Tie hair up. ... . Wear a swimming cap. ... . Use hair conditioner to coat the hair. ... . Clean hair immediately. ... . Condition your hair. ... . Use special shampoos to clean and protect your hair. ... . Deep condition every week.. How can I make my hair soft after the pool?Moisturize your scalp.
To reverse significant damage from chlorine and prevent further damage, use a deep conditioner twice a week and apply natural oils like argan oil to protect the hair and scalp.
Why does my hair feel stiff after pool?Hair feels rough after going in the swimming pool because of chlorine. Chlorine is used in the swimming pool as a disinfectant, but it does have adverse effects on out skin and hair. It causes hair to be brittle and flaky.
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