After visiting a hair salon for fresh highlights or a new color, you may be reluctant to jump in a swimming pool that contains chlorine. While the chemical removes bacteria from the water, it can also be harsh on your locks. Here’s more information about how chlorine affects your hair and what you can do to protect it.

How Does Chlorine Hurt Your Hair?

Chlorine has an oxidizing effect that removes natural oils from your hair. If you swim frequently in chlorinated water, you may notice that your hair feels more dry and brittle. It may also fade any artificial coloring that you have, as the brittle hair cannot hold the pigment effectively.

One common complaint that many people have after swimming is that their hair takes on a green tint. However, the green color isn’t directly due to the chlorine. Instead, it happens when the chlorine oxidizes copper that is in the water or natural oils, staining your hair.

How Can You Prevent Damage?

Although chlorine is harsh, taking some precautions will limit the damage and prevent your color from running. First, soak your hair in water before going for a swim. When hair is dry, it will absorb the chlorine more easily. To further prevent the hair from reacting with the chemical, purchase some leave-in conditioner from a hair salon and apply it. This product will moisturize the hair, keeping the pores from opening.

Another excellent step if you swim often is to wear a cap when you get into the pool. This will prevent the strands from getting wet in the first place, blocking out the chlorine entirely. Finally, always rinse your hair thoroughly after you get out of the pool. The longer that chlorine remains, the more time it has to oxidize the oils and damage the strands.

If you want to learn more about hair, contact College of Hair Design in Lincoln, NE. This family-owned and -operated cosmetology school has been preparing students for careers in hair salons for over 55 years. They provide hands-on training to teach you how to cut hair and apply makeup properly. The class sizes are small so that you receive individualized attention. Call (402) 474-4244 to speak to a team member about enrollment. Visit the website for more information about their programs.