Pool water can wreak havoc on a swimmer's hair. Chlorine and hard metals in the water can lead to damage, dryness and turn your hair green. With a little extra consideration and care for your tresses, these effects can be prevented or eliminated.
Mechanism
The inner layer of hair, or the cortex, is protected by the cuticle. Sebum is a natural lubricant that coats the cuticle. The chlorine in pools leeches sebum from your hair, leading to cracked cuticles, according to Go Ask Alice of Columbia University. As a result, your hair's natural shine fades, and the cortex of hair may split, causing split ends. Hair can also turn green as a result of hard metals, including copper, iron and manganese, in the water.
Tips
Hair that's already saturated with water will absorb less water from the pool, so wet your hair before jumping in. Apply a conditioner before taking a dip to moisturize your hair. If you swim outside, the heat from the sun will activate the conditioner. Wear a tight swim cap to protect your hair. If you're a regular swimmer and want to reduce hair damage, don't color or perm your hair, and reduce heat styling, recommends Go Ask Alice.
Products
Some product lines are made especially for swimmers, including Swimmers Solution and Ultraswim. Look for a shampoo that contains sodium thiosulfate, which removes the color and odor of chlorine from hair. Ingredients like aloe or glycerin will moisturize your hair. Go Ask Alice recommends shampoos that contain protein because they are acidic. To get rid of green hair, look for products that contain chelating, or metal-removing agents, such as ethylenediamene tetracetic acid, or EDTA, erythorbic acid and acetylsalicylic acid, or antioxidants. "Allure" magazine recommends Bumble and Bumble leave-in conditioner, which contains antioxidants vitamins B5 and E.
After You Swim
Shampoo immediately after getting out of the pool. If you can't wash your hair right away, rinse it. You can also use club soda--the carbonation breaks up minerals from the water that can collect on your hair. When you dry your hair, don't rub--instead pat or squeeze hair gently or wrap it in a towel. Blow-dry on a low heat setting. To detangle, use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush. Black hair deserves special consideration. Don't wash your hair every time you get out of the pool if you swim every day, as this will dry your hair out. Try rinsing off with conditioner instead.
Green Hair
If your hair has turned green from the pool, several products made for this purpose can help you out, such as Aquia Swimmers Shampoo and Conditioner. Also consider home remedies, like an aspirin rinse. Put eight aspirin tablets in a glass of warm water, allow them to dissolve, then wait 15 minutes. Rinse your hair with the mixture and the green should wash away. You can also try rinsing hair with lemon juice, vinegar or tomato juice.
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