The official start of summer is FINALLY here! Who else is ready for shorts, sunshine, and days spent lounging by the pool? There’s nothing more relaxing than spending a day poolside — until you realize what that pool water is doing to your hair. Chlorine can be incredibly drying and damaging, especially for those with color treated or frizzy hair. Not willing to give up your pool time, but still want to protect yourself from chlorine damage? Try these tricks!
First, it helps to understand why chlorine can be so harmful. While it helps to protect you from bacteria and viruses extremely well, chlorine is still a harsh chemical. There’s a lot of science behind it, but basically, chlorine causes chemical changes to your hair’s color, shine, and moisture. When absorbed into your hair shafts, chlorine can leave your hair feeling brittle, dry, and limp. No thank you!
So what can you do?
Start by wetting your hair before you jump in! Hair strands are like a sponge, meaning they absorb whatever they are exposed to. By dousing your head in clean water before you jump in, less chlorine will enter your hair to begin with!
Wash your hair with gentle cleansers. When your hair has already been in contact with harsh chemicals, the last thing you want to do is continue to strip it of moisture. Using a natural, sulfate free shampoo is a gentler way to wash the chlorine out of your hair. Pair it with a conditioner made with organic ingredients to bring your strands back to life.
Check your pantry for a natural remedy! Apple cider vinegar has so many health benefits, but did you know it’s also great for your hair? After you wash your hair, rinse your strands with a diluted apple cider vinegar to remove what’s left of the chemicals and balance your hair’s pH.