Chlorine and your hair: Tips to prevent dryness and damage

If you swim a lot, you know the struggle. You hop out of the pool after a nice, relaxing swim, only to discover your hair feels like it’s been through a desert wind tunnel. When you try to brush it out, somehow it makes it worse. That’s all thanks to the chlorine. Chlorine is great for killing germs, but it's an overachiever that attacks your hair.

Fear not. Here are some tips to keep your hair healthy after swimming.

Wet your hair before swimming

Hair is like a sponge. According to Shore Beauty School, if you soak it with clean water first, it absorbs less chlorinated pool water. It’s a simple science.

Use a swim cap (Yes, even if it looks silly)

A swim cap may not make you look like a cover model, but it keeps your hair covered and happy. According to Shore Beauty School, it’s one of the best defenses against chlorine damage.

Lather on the leave-in conditioner

Before swimming, coat your hair in leave-in conditioner or coconut oil. This creates a barrier between your hair and pool chemicals. Think of it as armor for your scalp.

Rinse and repeat, immediately

After swimming, rinse your hair right away. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your hair with shampoo designed for swimmers.

In short, don’t let chlorine hijack your hair. With a few simple steps, you can swim in the pool without sacrificing your shine.