Pool hair refers to the damaged and often undesirable effects that frequent exposure to pool water, particularly water treated with chlorine, has on hair. It encompasses dryness, brittleness, discoloration, and overall weakening of the hair strands.
Effects of Pool Water on Hair
Here's a breakdown of how pool water affects your hair:
- Dryness and Brittleness: Chlorine acts as a harsh chemical that strips away the natural oils (sebum) from your hair. This leaves your hair feeling dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Think of it like over-washing your hands; they become dry and cracked.
- Increased Porosity: Regular chlorine exposure can make your hair more porous. Porous hair has raised cuticles, allowing more moisture to enter and exit the hair shaft. This makes it harder for your hair to retain moisture and can lead to frizz and tangles.
- Discoloration: Chlorine can react with minerals in the water (like copper) and bind to the hair shaft. This is what often causes blonde or light-colored hair to turn green. Even darker hair can experience dullness or brassiness.
- Weakened Hair Strands: The chemical damage from chlorine weakens the protein structure of your hair (keratin), leading to split ends and breakage. Essentially, it damages the hair's integrity.
Preventing Pool Hair
Fortunately, you can take steps to protect your hair from the negative effects of pool water:
- Wet Hair Before Swimming: Saturate your hair with clean water before entering the pool. This helps to prevent your hair from absorbing as much chlorinated water.
- Apply a Leave-In Conditioner or Hair Oil: Coating your hair with a leave-in conditioner or natural oil (like coconut oil or argan oil) creates a barrier that reduces chlorine absorption.
- Wear a Swimming Cap: A swimming cap provides a physical barrier against the water. Make sure the cap fits snugly to minimize water seepage.
- Rinse Your Hair Immediately After Swimming: Rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water immediately after leaving the pool. This helps to remove chlorine and other chemicals before they can cause further damage.
- Use a Clarifying Shampoo: Use a clarifying shampoo once a week (or less, depending on how often you swim) to remove chlorine and mineral buildup. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner to restore moisture.
- Deep Condition Regularly: Deep conditioning treatments help to replenish moisture and repair damage.
By taking these preventative measures, you can minimize the impact of pool water on your hair and keep it healthy and vibrant.
