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Hair
Chlorine effects on hair
Originally Published: December 08, 1995
 
Alice,

I have begun swimming 4-6 times a week, and am concerned about the effects that chlorine will have on my hair. I have been washing it after each swim with "Ultra Swim," which claims to render the chlorine molecules harmless. I sometimes also use the conditioner by the same brand, but either way, my hair feels "coated" afterward. A friend said I should wear a swimming cap, but my head is too big for the caps I've been able to find in local stores. How concerned should I be about this? Do you have any suggestions?

— G.L.

 

Dear G.L.,

The structure of your hair is vulnerable to drying agents, including the chlorine in swimming pools. The cortex, or inner layer, of hair is protected by the cuticle, or outer later. Sebum is a natural lubricant that protects the cuticle. The chlorine in pools sucks the sebum out of your hair, which may cause the cuticle to crack. This damage causes your hair's natural sheen to diminish, and the unprotected cortex to "split" (split ends).

Swimmers who want to protect their hair should take the following precautions:

  • Go light on hair coloring, perming, waves, hot curlers/combs, and blow dryers.
  • Wear a rubber bathing cap. Although it doesn't keep all of the water out, it helps. Sports stores that sell swimmers' equipment should have caps in a wide range of sizes.
  • Before putting the bathing cap on, put conditioner in your hair.
  • After swimming, rinse hair with tap water, preferably using shampoo.
  • To dry hair - don't rub - pat or squeeze gently and/or wrap in a towel. Blow dry your hair only on medium or cool settings.
  • Use a wide-tooth comb, not a brush, to detangle wet hair.

The "coated" feeling that you are experiencing in your hair from the swimmers' shampoo and conditioner is probably exactly that - a protective coating for the hazards of chlorine. Try using the swimmers' conditioner under the bathing cap while swimming and then shampoo and condition it out afterwards with a brand that doesn't coat your hair. It's a good idea to alternate which shampoos you use because the buildup of residue of shampoo on the hair shaft can cause your hair to be dull and lifeless. For dry hair, it is recommended that you use a protein shampoo labeled with substantive protein. The shampoo should be more than slightly acidic. Another option is to rinse your hair following shampoo with white vinegar and water or lemon and water. This acid rinse will help restore the natural shine to your hair. For more general hair tips, see Alice's answer to How often to wash hair?

Alice

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