Buzz
Enjoying a refreshing swim is a favorite pastime for many, but the chlorine present in pool water can be harsh on your skin and hair. Chlorine serves as a disinfectant to eliminate harmful microorganisms, but it can also strip away the natural oils from your hair and skin, leading to dryness and irritation. Additionally, prolonged exposure to chlorine may cause hair to become brittle and lose its color, while skin can become red and itchy.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your hair and skin from the effects of chlorine before and after swimming.
Effective Measures
Preventing Chlorine Damage to Your Hair
Pre-wet your hair. Before diving into the pool, take a moment to wet your hair thoroughly in the shower. Wet hair is less likely to absorb chlorinated water compared to dry hair.
- Completely saturate your hair with water in the shower, ensuring it is thoroughly wet.
- Consider rinsing with cool water if possible. While warm water opens up the hair cuticle, cool water helps seal it, reducing chlorine absorption.
- Coat your hair with a protective product like oil-based conditioner or hair serum. Alternatively, opt for natural options like coconut oil.
- Keep in mind that these protective layers won't leave any residue in the water.
Utilize a swim cap. While not the most stylish accessory, swim caps provide another layer of defense against chlorine. While it won't completely block water or chlorine, it can significantly reduce their contact with your hair.
- Invest in a latex or silicone swim cap, available at sports stores and swimming retailers.
Thoroughly cleanse your hair. After swimming, it's crucial to wash your hair to remove any residual chlorine and protective products. This step also prepares your hair for conditioning.
- Rinse your hair for a few minutes to eliminate any barrier products and chlorine, allowing shampoo and conditioner to penetrate effectively.
- Consider using an apple cider vinegar rinse to neutralize chlorine. After shampooing, rinse your hair with a mixture of one part apple cider vinegar to two parts water, followed by a final rinse with plain water.
Condition your hair. While rinsing and using protective products can reduce chlorine absorption, some may still penetrate your hair, stripping it of its natural oils. Conditioning after shampooing helps restore moisture and alleviate any post-swim irritation.
- Opt for deep conditioning products, reserving regular conditioner for non-swim days.
- Consider applying a leave-in conditioner to maintain hydration throughout the day.
Hydrating Your Skin
Pre-swim rinse. Moistening your skin before entering the pool reduces chlorine absorption. Ensure water hits your skin and swimsuit in the shower, offering some protection against chlorine and preserving swimsuit color.
Avoid skin barriers. Unlike hair, protective layers don't shield skin from chlorine. Even robust barriers like petroleum jelly can't prevent chlorine contact, potentially leading to skin and hair irritation.
Immediate post-swim shower. Although skin protection against chlorine is limited, prompt showering after swimming reduces dryness and irritation. Consider using a shower gel containing vitamin C to neutralize chlorine and wash it away.
Moisturize. Chlorine depletes natural skin oils, increasing dryness risk. Regular moisturizing post-swim replenishes oils, reducing dryness and rash potential. Opt for antioxidant-rich moisturizers like vitamins C and E, and choose thick creams over lotions for better hydration.
