Evie Summers
Chlorine can have negative effects on hair, causing it to become dry, damaged, and rough. It can also lead to disulfide bonds in the hair reorganizing, resulting in a change of hair colour, often to a greenish hue. Sleeping with chlorine in your hair may increase these effects, as the chlorine will remain in your hair for a longer period. To mitigate these effects, it is recommended to wet the hair before swimming, wear a swim cap, use leave-in conditioners, and rinse the hair immediately after swimming.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hair damage | Chlorine breaks down chemical bonds in hair, causing hair to become dry, rough, and brittle |
| Hair discolouration | Chlorine can turn hair green or bleach it blonde |
| Scalp irritation | Chlorine can dry out the scalp, causing irritation or damage |
| Oil depletion | Chlorine leeches natural oils from hair, leaving it without necessary moisture |
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What You'll Learn
Chlorine can change your hair colour
Chlorine is a powerful chemical disinfectant commonly added to swimming pools to kill bacteria. While it enables us to swim in clean water, it can have some negative effects on our hair. One of the most well-known effects of chlorine on hair is its ability to change hair colour.
Chlorine can cause hair colour to fade or change, and this effect can vary from pool to pool and hair colour to hair colour. For example, red hair dye is known to be difficult to maintain even without swimming, so it is likely to fade faster in chlorinated pools. Similarly, blonde or lighter-coloured hair can turn green due to the oxidation of copper and other hard-water minerals in the pool. This occurs when chlorine binds to metallic substances such as copper, forming a green mineral compound that sticks to the hair and is challenging to remove.
Chlorine reacts with the melanin in hair, which gives it its colour, from blonde to jet black. When chlorine bonds with melanin, the keratin protein is left behind in its natural dull blonde colour. This process is accelerated when hair is not its natural colour, as dyed hair has chemical treatments that chlorine readily bonds to. Additionally, chlorine can penetrate the cuticles of chemically treated hair, reorganizing the disulfide bonds and further altering the hair's colour and texture.
To minimize the colour-changing effects of chlorine, swimmers can take several precautions. Firstly, wetting the hair with clean water before entering the pool can help reduce the absorption of chlorinated water. Applying a pre-swim conditioner or leave-in conditioner can also act as a barrier against chlorine. Wearing a swim cap creates a physical barrier between the hair and pool water, reducing chlorine exposure. Finally, rinsing the hair immediately after swimming and using a clarifying shampoo or apple cider vinegar can help remove any remaining chlorine residue.
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It can cause hair to become dry and brittle
Chlorine can be extremely damaging to hair, and it is important to take steps to mitigate this damage. Chlorine can cause hair to become dry and brittle by leeching the natural oils from hair. These natural oils are necessary to maintain healthy, smooth hair. As a result, chlorine-damaged hair can become dry, rough, and brittle. It can also cause chemical reactions inside the hair, changing its natural colour, causing the ends to split, and weakening the strands.
To prevent chlorine damage, it is recommended to wet hair before entering a pool, as this prevents chlorinated water from getting absorbed. Wearing a swim cap is another effective way to prevent chlorine damage, as it stops hair from getting wet. Combining this with a leave-in conditioner can further protect hair and help keep it moisturized. Using natural oils, such as coconut oil, can also help repel water and prevent chlorine absorption.
If you are unable to prevent chlorine exposure, it is important to immediately rinse your hair after swimming. Chlorine can remain in your hair even after leaving the pool, and it is crucial to reduce the time it sits in your hair. Special shampoos are available to remove chlorine, and apple cider vinegar is a natural alternative. Additionally, eating foods high in protein can help strengthen hair and keep it healthy.
The damaging effects of chlorine on hair are well-documented, and it is essential to take proactive measures to protect hair before swimming and provide proper care afterward to minimize damage and maintain hair health.
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Chlorine penetrates the cortex of the hair
Chlorine can have a detrimental effect on hair, and it is important to take steps to minimise this. Chlorine penetrates the cortex of the hair, which is a deeper layer than the cuticle. The cuticle opens when exposed to water or humidity, and chlorine is then absorbed. This absorption raises the alkalinity of the hair, wreaking havoc on the hair's natural pH level.
The cortex is the hair's second layer, and it contains the hair's pigment and defines its texture. Chlorine penetrates the cortex, reorganising the disulfide bonds, which can lead to hair turning green. This is particularly noticeable in those with hair that has already been chemically lightened. The chemical reactions caused by chlorine can also lead to a change in the hair's natural colour, causing the ends to split and weakening the strands.
Chlorine also strips the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, rough, and brittle. This can completely change the texture of the hair. It can also break down amino acids in the hair, depleting its natural strength and drying it out.
There are ways to protect the hair from chlorine damage. Firstly, wetting the hair before entering the pool can prevent some chlorine absorption. Applying a hair oil or deep conditioning treatment can also help to prevent chlorine from penetrating the hair. Wearing a swim cap is one of the best ways to prevent chlorine damage, as the hair does not get wet. Using a clarifying shampoo or a shampoo with apple cider vinegar can help to remove chlorine from the hair after swimming.
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It can cause hair to break off
Chlorine can have adverse effects on your hair, and sleeping with chlorine in your hair can cause further damage. Chlorine can break down the chemical bonds in your hair, causing it to weaken and become brittle. Over time, this can lead to hair breakage and even hair loss.
Chlorine is a chemical that is commonly used in swimming pools to kill bacteria and maintain water quality. While it is effective for sanitation, chlorine can be harsh on the hair. When you go swimming, your hair absorbs chlorine, which can penetrate the hair cuticles and reach the cortex, where it can disrupt the disulfide bonds that give hair its strength and structure.
Leaving chlorine in your hair overnight can exacerbate the damage. As you toss and turn during sleep, your hair can become tangled, and the friction between strands can lead to breakage. Additionally, the chlorine can continue to strip away the natural oils from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle.
To prevent hair breakage and minimize chlorine damage, it is essential to rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water immediately after swimming. You can also use clarifying shampoos or apple cider vinegar rinses to remove any residual chlorine from your hair. Applying a leave-in conditioner or coconut oil before swimming can also help create a protective barrier, reducing the amount of chlorine absorbed by your hair.
It is worth noting that regular and prolonged exposure to chlorine can cause cumulative damage to your hair. If you are a frequent swimmer, taking preventive measures to protect your hair before swimming and properly caring for your hair afterward can help maintain its health and minimize the risk of breakage.
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Ways to prevent chlorine damage
Chlorinated water can damage your hair by stripping it of its natural oils, leaving it dry, rough, and prone to breakage. It can also cause chemical reactions inside your hair, changing its natural colour and weakening the strands. Here are some ways to prevent chlorine damage:
Wet your hair first
Before entering a chlorinated pool, wet your hair with clean tap water or non-chlorinated water. This will help your hair strands absorb non-chlorinated water, minimising the amount of chlorine that is absorbed.
Wear a swim cap
Wearing a swim cap is one of the best ways to prevent chlorine damage to your hair. It creates a barrier between your hair and the chlorinated water, ensuring that your hair stays dry. To improve the seal, wet your hair before putting on the cap and make sure all your strands are tucked inside.
Use oils or conditioners
Applying natural oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, or avocado oil can create a protective layer on your hair, preventing chlorine absorption. Alternatively, you can use a leave-in conditioner or deep conditioning mask to coat your hair and block chlorine from penetrating your strands.
Precondition your hair
Using a leave-in conditioner or a swimmer's shampoo and conditioner after swimming can help prevent chlorine absorption and repair any damage. Look for products that will moisturise your hair and scalp, such as those containing vitamin B3.
Strengthen your hair
To defend your hair against chlorine damage, it's important to keep it strong and healthy. Eating foods high in protein can help strengthen your hair. Regularly trim your hair to avoid split ends, and keep an eye on your hair's natural colour—if it hasn't changed, you're doing a good job of keeping it healthy.
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Frequently asked questions
Chlorine can damage your hair while you sleep by drying it out and causing chemical reactions that change its colour, cause split ends, and weaken the strands.
To prevent chlorine damage, wet your hair before entering a chlorinated pool, wear a swim cap, and use a leave-in conditioner.
To remove chlorine from your hair, immediately rinse your hair after swimming, use a clarifying shampoo or apple cider vinegar rinse, and look for moisturising products to repair damage.
Signs of chlorine damage to hair include dryness, roughness, discolouration (green or blonde), split ends, and overall weakness of the strands.
It is not known exactly how long chlorine stays in your hair, but if you can still smell it, it is likely still present.
