- To prevent chlorine damage, wet your hair before swimming. Your hair will absorb the nonchlorinated water, so there is less "room" to absorb the damaging chlorinated water. Next, apply a leave-in conditioner for moisture and added protection from the chlorine. Finally, place a swim cap over your hair. A swim cap is the most effective way to shield your hair from chlorine damage, but it's the step that most swimmers skip.
- After swimming, rinse your hair as soon as possible. According to FreeBeautyTips.org, rinsing your hair in club soda removes chlorine more effectively than water. If you didn't use a swim cap, shampoo your hair with a shampoo containing sodium thiosulfate, an anti-chlorine ingredient that will remove the smell and color of chlorine from your hair, reducing the chances that your hair will take on a greenish hue. After shampooing your hair, condition it thoroughly with a moisturizing conditioner.
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If your hair has already been damaged by chlorine, you can repair it at home. Use a shampoo that contains sodium thiosulfate every other shampoo, and use a deep conditioner at least once a week.
If your hair is extremely dry or if you notice any breakage, contact a professional hair care technician. He can apply a protein treatment to your hair that will help repair the chlorine damage.
