“Corrosive,” “keep out of reach of children” and “avoid skin contact” are just a few of the warnings you’ll find on any bottle of chlorine. Yet many of us have spent the summer completely immersing ourselves in a chlorine pool for hours at a time. Is this safe?
Chlorine is a chemical with a strong oxidizing agent, so it can be highly irritating, but it is still widely used because it is an excellent disinfectant for the same reason. In very small amounts, like diluted in a swimming pool, chlorine is nearly harmless. In fact, chlorine is sometimes even used to disinfect the tap water we drink. But before you think that your chlorine pool is completely safe, there are a few exceptions we need to point out.
Does chlorine damage hair?
While short, occasional exposure to chlorine is harmless, more extensive exposure is definitely damaging to your hair and skin. Disinfectants, like chlorine, are used for cleaning because they are so good at breaking down dirt, oils and bacteria. However, your scalp naturally produces oils to protect your hair. When your hair and scalp are frequently exposed to chlorine, the damage can be significant:
- Dull or dry hair
- Loss of flexibility
- Weakened hair follicles
- Split ends
- Hair loss
People with colored hair, chemically treated hair or who already have dry, thin or damaged hair are even more susceptible to the oil-stripping effects of chlorine.
How to prevent chlorine damage
If you want to keep your hair healthy and protect it from the damaging effects of chlorine, there are a few simple steps you can take either before you get into the pool or immediately after you get out:
- Use a swim cap: One of the simplest and most effective ways to avoid chlorine damage is to avoid contact all together by using a swim cap. That’s why athletes and professional swimmers use them!
- Saturate your hair: Your hair can only hold so much water. If you saturate your hair with clean water before you get into the pool, your hair will be less likely to absorb the chlorinated water.
- Try a hair serum or leave-in conditioner: These products usually have an oil base like argon or coconut oil that will help protect your strands from the chlorine.
- Rinse: After you get out of the pool, a quick rinse with clean water can help remove the chlorine from your hair.
How to treat chlorine-damaged hair
If your hair is already showing signs of chlorine damage, there are treatment options available. The best place to start is by having your hair assessed by a professional hair care service in Greensboro, NC. At Raveen Hair Replacement, our hair care professionals will perform a comprehensive exam of the damage caused to your scalp and hair and create a personalized treatment plan to repair your hair.
To learn more about our hair care service in Greensboro, NC and start your journey to better, healthier looking hair, call us today and schedule an appointment with one of our hair care professionals!