How Long Should I Wait Until Swimming After Bleaching My Hair?

The chlorine in swimming pools can discolour bleached hair

Is Your Hair in Good Condition?

According to the Hairfinder website, it depends what condition your hair is in following bleaching it. If it's in good condition then swimming should not have a negative impact, although it's not advisable to go swimming the same day. Always wash and condition hair after you've been swimming.

Protect Your Hair

Other hair experts recommend using a swimming cap, or at the very least protecting bleached hair with a deep conditioner before swimming, no matter what condition it's in. Hairstyles.com also suggests rinsing hair with apple cider vinegar, then soda water after swimming to get rid of the chlorine, which can discolor hair.

Bottom Line

Be cautious about swimming the same day as bleaching hair, and always rinse thoroughly and condition after being in the pool. Condition hair before swimming, and if it is dry or damaged, use a swimming cap.

References

• Hairstyles: Protect Your Hair
• Hairfinder: Highlights and Swimming