Pool parties are amazing source of enjoyment yet you need to be careful! While swimming is an amazing full-body workout that rejuvenates the mind, public pools can take a toll on our skin and hair. From flaky and itchy skin to dull and damaged locks, the consequences can be harsh. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of protecting our skin and hair from pool damage and provide tips on how to do so, ensuring you can enjoy your summer pool sessions with confidence and glow.
Uncovering the Effects of Chlorine on Hair; how it effects?
When you take a plunge into a swimming pool, you’re surrounded by chlorine, a potent chemical that ensures the water is safe and clean. However, have you ever stopped to think about how chlorine affects your hair?
The reality is that chlorine can have a devastating impact on your locks. It:
- Strips away the natural oils that keep your hair healthy and moisturized
- Leaves your hair feeling dry, brittle, and prone to tangling
- Increases the risk of split ends and breakage
- Can cause scalp irritation, leading to flakiness and dehydration
- May react with hair dye, resulting in discoloration, particularly in lighter shades
PRE AND POST-SWIM HAIR PROTECTION: TOP TIPS
Pre-swim protection
Do you dream of swimming without sacrificing your hair’s health? Well, we got you! Our pre-swim hair protection tips are here to save hair (and the day too)!
1. wash and rinse your hair with fresh water before hitting the pool. This will make sure that your hair absorbs the chlorinated water less quickly.
2. Slip on a swim cap and keep your hair dry and protected
3. Nourish your hair with a leave-in conditioner or hair oil that’s like a healthy snack for your hungry locks!
4. Braid or bun your hair to keep it tidy and tangle-free – it’s like a neat little package that’s ready to dive in!
5. Avoid hot tools and heat styling tools before swimming – give your hair a break and let it enjoy the swim too!
After pool hair care hacks
Hair care after swimming is just as important as your pre-swim prep! Follow these steps to try and get chlorine out of hair as efficiently as possible.
Shower to the Rescue!
Don’t let chlorine linger in your locks! Race to the showers immediately after your swim to rinse away as much of the harsh chemical as possible. The faster you act, the better!
Lock in Color, Lock out Damage!
Use color secure, sulfate-free shampoo for dyed hair. It will be gentle on your hair, protecting their vibrant look.
Use hair conditioner
It creates a barrier against future damage from chlorine and other chemicals and helps repair damaged hair cuticles, reducing frizz and breakage. Helps restore your hair’s natural pH balance, which can be disrupted by chlorine. Always choose deep conditioning or intense moisturizing formulas
Heat Alert!
Chlorine-damaged hair is like a fragile flower – it needs gentle care to flourish. So, beware of heated tools! Hairdryers, straighteners, and curling irons can be like a triple threat to your tresses, causing further damage and breakage.
How long should wait to swim after coloring hair?
Just got your hair colored? Hold off on that swim session for a bit! Freshly colored hair is like a work of art – it needs time to set. The cuticles are open, making your hair more prone to damage and color fade. Pool chemicals can be harsh on your new color, causing it to fade faster. So, how long should you wait? Give your hair at least a week to settle before diving into the pool. This allows the cuticles to close, sealing in your vibrant color and protecting your hair from damage.
Chlorine or copper? Uncovering the Mystery of Green Hair in the Pool
Blonde hair in the pool – a worrying combination? Well, think again! Contrary to popular belief, chlorine isn’t the villain turning your lovely locks green. The real culprit is copper, a chemical used to control algae growth in pools. When copper meets air, it transforms into a dull green hue, and porous hair (like lightened locks) absorbs it like a sponge. Copper is the real culprit here!
Fixing Green Hair
If your blonde hair has turned green, don’t worry! A hair colorist can help. They will use special treatments to remove the green tint and make your hair look healthy again. Remember, lightened hair is fragile, so it’s best to let a professional fix it. They will make your hair look great again!”
Chlorine hazards on skin: what you need to know?
Diving into a pool can be a refreshing escape, but chlorine’s harsh effects on your skin might leave you feeling dry, itchy, and red. Chlorine exposure can trigger dryness that leaves your skin feeling tight and flaky, itching that’s hard to scratch, and redness that’s embarrassing and uncomfortable. In some cases, it can even cause a pesky rash known as chlorine rash or swimmer’s itch. And if you already have skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis, chlorine can make them worse! So, what can you do to protect your skin from chlorine’s wrath?
Swim Smart: Pre-Swim Tips for Healthy Skin
Take a few extra minutes to prep your skin and hair before hitting the pool. Slather on a waterproof sunscreen or barrier cream to create a powerful shield against harsh chlorine. Then, rinse off in the shower to hydrate your skin and hair – it’s like giving them a drink of water! And, if you want to keep your locks extra protected, grab a swim cap to keep them safe from chlorine’s grasp. With these simple steps, you’ll be ready to take the plunge and enjoy your swim, worry-free!
Apply a swim proof body lotion
Using a swim-proof body lotion before diving in can be a game-changer. It creates a protective barrier on your skin, neutralizing chlorine absorption and keeping your skin healthy and happy. So, don’t be afraid to slather on that lotion before hitting the pool – your skin will thank you!
Massage in some oil
Massage in some oil before hitting the pool! Olive oil, coconut oil, or baby oil will do the trick. This clever hack creates a protective barrier between your skin and the chlorine water, keeping your skin soft, supple, and healthy-looking. So go ahead, oil up and enjoy your swim – your skin will thank you!
Pre-swim shower
Wet your skin to reduce chlorine absorption. Dry skin is like a sponge, soaking up chlorinated water and causing damage. A quick shower helps create a barrier, protecting your skin from harsh chemicals.
Post-swim shower
Rinse off chlorinated water before it dries on your skin, causing irritation and dryness. A second shower seals the deal, keeping your skin soft, supple, and protected.
Incorporate Vitamin C for a Glow-Up
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the skin against UV damage, making it a great addition to your daily routine. it fights sun damage by shielding your skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but it also reduces sun tan by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for producing melanin. This results in a more even-toned complexion.
Hydrate Your Way to Happy Skin
Dehydrated skin is a recipe for dryness and roughness, but hydrated skin is always supple and radiant. So, sip on some water before, during, and after your swim to keep your skin necessarily hydrated. This magic elixir not only purifies your skin but also replenishes lost moisture and flushes out those pesky chlorine toxins. Make hydration your skin’s BFF and enjoy a glowing, healthy complexion that’s ready to take on the pool
Do not forget sunscreen!
Don’t let the pool’s chlorine waters and harsh UV rays crash the party on your skin! Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen at least 15-20 minutes before taking the plunge to create a powerful protective barrier. This magic shield not only deflects UVA and UVB rays but also keeps pool water from making direct contact with your skin. So, slather on that sunscreen and enjoy your swim, worry-free!
Vaseline to the Rescue: A Chlorine-Blocking Hero
Yes, Vaseline can be a chlorine-fighting champion for your skin! By applying a thin layer to exposed areas before swimming, you create a protective barrier that prevents chlorine from directly contacting your skin. This helps reduce absorption, minimizing dryness and irritation. However, if you’re not a fan of the greasy feeling, don’t worry! Specialized pre-swim lotions are available, designed specifically for this purpose. Either way, you can enjoy your swim with protected, healthy-looking skin!
