How Does
How Does Chlorine Affect Human Hair?
Swimming Pools
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Large amounts of chlorine are used in swimming pools to kill bacteria and fungus, keeping the water sanitary for people using the pool. This prevents viruses, infections and the like from being passed from swimmer to swimmer. As a result, our hair is exposed to chlorine more in a swimming pool than anywhere else. Chlorine exposure to other water sources is so minimal, damage from it is unlikely. This is what gives swimming pools their bad reputation of being hard on a person's hair.
What the Chlorine does to the Hair
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Chlorine bonds to the hair, stripping hair of the oils that are there naturally to protect and nourish our hair. This can cause the hair to become dry, frizzy or brittle. Chlorine in excess has also been shown to cause damage to the hair follicles and increases the risk of hair breakage. The more hair is exposed to chlorine, the more that damage becomes a possibility because of the exposure.
The Green Hair Effect
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Chlorine is often blamed for the green tint some people see in their hair after swimming. This is actually a myth. Green hair is actually caused by copper, iron and other minerals that are added to pools and spas. In addition to chlorine to sanitize pools and spas, these other minerals are added to aid chlorine in the job of keeping the water sanitary for the protection of swimmers.
How Can Chlorine Damage be Prevented
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Chlorine damage can be prevented. Those who love a good swim on a hot summer day need not be stopped from doing so because of chlorine. A couple of minutes is all it takes to save the hair from the havoc that can be caused by chlorine. Wetting the hair before jumping in is one way to protect the hair. In addition to wetting, apply conditioner to the hair and leave it in. This will provide a protective barrier between the hair and the chlorine it is being exposed to.
If possible, swimmers should wear a swimming cap. The cap can be put on after applying the conditioner. Last, always wash hair as soon as possible after swimming. Letting the chlorine set on the hair, or even worse, letting it dry on the hair, is the worst thing to do. Taking a few seconds to even just rinse the hair with water after swimming will make a big difference and prevent damage to the hair from chlorine. Many public swimming pools offer shower facilities for patrons to use. Avoid roughly brushing hair that is wetted with chlorine water.
eHow Article: How Does Chlorine Affect Human Hair?
