Swimming Hair Care - Treating Chlorine or Sea Salt Damage
Monday, January 18, 2016
The chlorine used in swimming pools damages hair, making it feel dry and brittle, if you don't take steps to remove it thoroughly after each swim. And if you're an open water/ocean swimmer you need to take equal care to prevent the salt from ruining your hair condition.
Colour damage
In addition to this, if you've used hydrogen peroxide on your hair for bleached streaks, highlights or as part of a permanent hair colouring kit, frequent chlorine contact will make your hair go a greenish shade! But don't despair - here are some great tips on how to keep your hair in healthy condition and the right colour!
Quick wash & condition
Take a gentle shampoo or one for dry hair with you to the pool or beach, so you can wash the chlorine off straight after your swim. Rinse your hair well and this will remove the chemicals or salt before they have time to damage the hair shafts.
Then use a rich conditioner for dry hair to replace moisture and counteract the drying effects of chlorine or salt water. Put plenty of conditioner on your hair, paying special attention to the ends and leave it on for at least 2 minutes. Then rinse it out completely.
Keen swimmers who find their hair is very dry should use a weekly deep-conditioning treatment, which will restore moisture, shine and elasticity.
Bathing Caps
These have come back into fashion in recent years and are excellent for protecting your hair - especially if it's bleached, permed or dyed. A snug latex cap will keep most of your hair dry, so you won't have to worry about salt or chlorine damage.
Remedies for green hair
- Cover your hair with thick tomato ketchup, cover it with a plastic cap to stop drips and leave it on for ½ hour to counteract the green tone
- Dissolve a few aspirins in a cup of water, add a little shampoo and wash the solution into your hair, leaving it on for about 5 minutes
- Dissolve ¼ cupful of baking soda with water, add a little shampoo and wash the solution into your hair, leaving it on for about 5 minutes
- After any of these treatments rinse your hair well and then condition it
Swimming hair care is easy if you remember to do it immediately after your swim!