Get Rid Of Chlorine Damage to Your Hair From Swimming Pools

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image by RamonP via Flickr.com

Swimming is fun, but what it can do to your hair certainly is not. If your hair looks like you just stuck your finger in an electrical outlet and a bleach factory at the time every time you swim, then this is for you. Even if that hasn't happened to you yet, know that it can. Chlorine is not good for your hair at all. It can cause frizziness, dryness, split ends, bleaching, and more. You need some damage control for your hair before and after swimming. As someone who has personally dealt with various types of hair on myself, my kids, and other family members, I have learned quite a bit about hair.

Condition Hair Before a Swim

Before swimming, it is wise to condition the hair very well. A deep conditioner is really good for this. For deep conditioning, I like my homemade avocado conditioner. It helps to protect the hair from root to tip, as well as prevents breakage and provides excellent moisture for all types of hair. Conditioning the hair before a swim can help keep it moisturized, which will help fight against the damage that chlorine can cause.

Do a Hot Oil Treatment on Hair Before a Swim

For extra moisture protection, as well as strength and overall protection from the chlorine, a hot oil treatment can be good before a swim. A tea tree oil blend is a good choice to use as a hot oil treatment. Simply take your hair oil of choice, heat it in a small microwaveable container for 15 seconds and smooth into the hair. Be sure to cover all areas and comb in. Leave the treatment on the hair during the swim for the most effective chlorine protection.

Wash and Condition Hair After a Swim

After swimming, the hair can have buildup and residue from the chlorine. It is important to wash all the chlorine out of the hair to prevent damage. In addition to depleting moisture, chlorine also can fade the color or even bleach the hair. I recommend using my homemade clarifying shampoo (the baking/soda vinegar blend). After a good washing, also be sure to condition the hair to restore moisture. A deep conditioning again with the homemade avocado treatment is a great idea and will help keep that moisture in and fight the dryness and frizz. Even though the avocado blend can double as a conditioning shampoo, the clarifying blend is necessary to remove the damaging particles contained in the chlorine.

Apply Tea Tree Oil to Hair After a Swim

After a swim, once the hair has been washed and conditioned, apply a tea tree oil blend for added moisture and protection. Tea tree oil is good for damage control, moisture, treating dry scalp, and fighting the fade. Tea tree oil also happens to be a fungus fighter and can repair breakage and split ends, which can help keep the hair healthy and strong.

*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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