What Does Chlorine Do To Your Hair & How To Prevent Damage

Most of us are aware that pool water contains chlorine (a common disinfectant). It keeps you safe from many infections. But what does chlorine do to your hair? Apart from killing bacteria in the water, does it also damage your hair? This article explores how chlorine affects your hair, how you can protect your hair from chlorine damage, and how to remove it from your hair. Keep reading.

What Does Chlorine Do To Your Hair?

Chlorine sucks all the natural oils from your hair. It leaves your hair feeling dry, rough, and damaged. We are aware that our hair needs natural oils to remain healthy and shiny. But chlorine may make the hair brittle and dry as it strips your hair of these natural oils. It also may lead to split ends(1).

Chlorine may also lead to a change in hair color (2). But does it turn your hair green?

Does Chlorine Turn Your Hair Green?

Swimmers usually observe their hair turning green after swimming. However, chlorine is not directly responsible for this effect. This change in hair color is caused by copper that has been oxidized by chlorine. Chlorine contains oxidized copper that is absorbed by your hair while you swim, eventually turning your hair green (1).

Quick Tip

If you have colored or chemical-treated, dry, or damaged hair, then it is at higher risk for damage due to chlorinated water.

But you sure can protect your hair while swimming from the ill effects of chlorine. We have highlighted a few techniques in the following section.

How To Protect Your Hair From Chlorine Damage?

1. Wet Your Hair First

Wetting your hair before going into the pool can keep it from absorbing the water containing chlorine or other damaging salts. A cold water hair rinse before swimming can form a protective barrier against chlorine. A pre-rinse saturates the hair and makes it less likely to absorb chlorine.

2. Wear A Swim Cap

Keeping your hair from getting wet altogether can help. Wear a swim cap to ensure your hair does not come in contact with the chlorinated water.

3. Use A Leave-In Conditioner

A leave-in conditioner in your hair can prevent the absorption of chlorine in the water. It can help you prevent hair dryness and brittleness effectively. Apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair before going for a swim. You can also put on a cap after applying the leave-in conditioner. This will keep your hair from chlorine damage, and will also moisturize your hair (3).

4. Apply Oil

Oil is hydrophobic and repels water. Applying oil (like coconut oil) to your hair can help repel the chlorinated water and potentially prevent hair damage.

Anna, a YouTuber, shares her favorite tips for maintaining and caring for hair while swimming at the pool or beach. She emphasizes the importance of pre-swim care, including wearing a protective style like braids or buns with a bit of oil for added nourishment. She says, “I always like to put in a little bit of oil… any oil I have lying around. I always like to put just a few drops in my ends. This just helps to seal my cuticles and keep my hair nice and nourished and protected from the saltwater or from the chlorine, and it also just helps to keep my hair nice and soft afterwards (i).”

Quick Tip

Use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo for hair washing after swimming, opt for outdoor pools, and follow a post-swim hair care routine to protect your hair from chlorine damage.

It is important to understand that these are not fool-proof methods. Your hair may still get in contact with chlorinated water despite your best efforts. Well, what should you do then?

How Do You Get Chlorine Out Of Your Hair?

1. Wash Your Hair Immediately

Washing your hair immediately after swimming reduces any possible damage due to chlorine. You may wash your hair with specific shampoos meant for removing chlorine from hair.

2. Comb Your Hair

Brush/comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb after washing your hair. However, ensure you do not comb through wet hair (as it can cause breakage). A wide-toothed comb can gently help untangle your hair.

3. Clarify Your Hair

Hair clarifying products help remove the harsh chemicals from your hair. You may use a clarifying shampoo to wash your hair right after you are out of the pool. You may also use an apple cider vinegar rinse. Make sure to follow up with a good conditioner to replace moisture in the hair.

4. Baking Soda For Hair

Anecdotal evidence suggests that baking soda can possibly help remove chlorine from hair. Create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to your damp hair, and gently massage. Leave it on for a few minutes and rinse thoroughly. Follow up with your regular shampoo and conditioner. This may restore your hair’s natural balance.

5. Vitamin C For Hair

Some research supports the efficacy of vitamin C in neutralizing the chlorine in water (4). Some believe the nutrient may also potentially help eliminate chlorine from hair through the same mechanism. However, research is limited in this regard. You may still try using it on your hair after consulting with your doctor.

Crush vitamin C tablets into a fine powder, mix with water to form a paste, and apply it to your wet hair. Allow it to sit for a few minutes and rinse thoroughly. Follow up with shampoo and conditioner for optimal results.

Infographic: How To Clarify Your Hair Using A Sea Salt Scrub

Swimming is a fantastic way to tone your body and keep your mind relaxed. However, there’s one thing it’s not great for—your hair, thanks to all the chlorine in swimming pools. But that’s no reason to ditch your swim sessions. You can always clarify your hair afterward.

Check out this infographic for steps to clarify your hair using a simple salt scrub.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does chlorine make your hair gray?

Chlorinated water causes hair discoloration (1). Therefore, it may turn dark hair gray.

Does chlorine turn brown hair blonde?

Hair discoloration can be caused by chlorinated water (1). Hence, chlorine may bleach your brown hair and make it blonde.

Can I color my hair if I swim regularly in chlorinated water?

It is not a good idea to color your hair when swimming in chlorinated water regularly as the chlorine can make your dye wear off quickly and even lead to brittle, dry, and greenish-gray hair.

Can I use a swimmer’s shampoo to prevent chlorine damage?

Yes, as a swimmer’s shampoos help deeply cleanse and remove buildup.

Discover different tips and tricks to protect your skin and hair from pool chlorine! Watch the video below to learn how to keep your skin and hair healthy while swimming.

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Tere PruettCT, PBT

 

Tere Pruett is a certified trichologist from the United States Trichology Institute, with 9 years of experience. She also has a graduate education in phlebotomy. She is a master educator for the United States Trichology Institute and began traveling all over the United States teaching and facilitating trichology and hands-on clinical classes. Tere understands the science of hair loss and...more

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

 

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy. She has taken it upon herself to show...more

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru. Her passion for writing and editing and her background in psychology help her create content that...more

Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor

Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches. She has also worked with a number of high-profile beauty brands on a freelance basis to upscale their businesses. Krati...more