It’s no secret that chlorine can be harsh on hair, but is it safe to bleach your hair after swimming in a chlorinated pool? The answer is…it depends.
While chlorine can certainly damage hair and make it more susceptible to bleaching, if you take some precautions you can usually avoid any problems.
This article will explore the effects of chlorine on hair, what you can do to protect your hair from damage, and how to safely bleach your hair after swimming.
We’ll also provide some tips on how to keep your hair healthy and beautiful while you’re enjoying the pool all summer long.
Let’s go!
The Effects of Chlorine on Hair
Chlorine is a chemical that is added to pools in order to kill bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. It’s effective at its job, but chlorine can also be very harsh on hair.
When chlorine comes into contact with hair, it can strip away the natural oils that protect and nourish the hair. This can leave hair feeling dry, brittle, and damaged.
Chlorine can also make hair more susceptible to bleaching. When bleach is applied to hair that has been damaged by chlorine, it can cause the hair to become even more brittle and dry. In some cases, it can even cause the hair to break off.
So, What Can You Do to Protect Your Hair From Damage When You’re Swimming in a Chlorinated Pool?
There are a few things you can do:
Rinse your hair with clean water before getting into the pool. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that could be on your hair, which can help to protect it from damage.
Wet your hair with clean water before applying chlorine to it. This will help to dilute the chlorine and minimize its effects.
Use a swim cap. This is the best way to protect your hair from damage, as it will keep your hair from coming into contact with chlorine at all.
Apply a conditioner to your hair after swimming. This will help to replenish the natural oils that were stripped away by the chlorine.
These are just a few of the things you can do to protect your hair from damage when swimming in a chlorinated pool. If you take these precautions, you can help to keep your hair healthy and strong all summer long.
Tips for Keeping Your Hair Healthy and Beautiful While Swimming
In addition to taking precautions to protect your hair from damage, there are also a few things you can do to keep your hair healthy and beautiful while you’re swimming.
- Use a leave-in conditioner. This will help to keep your hair hydrated and minimize the damage from chlorine.
- Rinse your hair with clean water after swimming. This will help to remove any chlorine that might be left in your hair.
- Apply a deep conditioner to your hair once a week. This will help to keep your hair hydrated and prevent damage.
- Wear a swim cap to keep your hair out of harm’s way. This is the most effective approach to protect your hair from damage, as it will prevent it from coming in touch with chlorine at all.
How to Safely Bleach Your Hair After Swimming
If you’re planning on bleaching your hair, it’s important to take some extra precautions if you’ve been swimming in a chlorinated pool. Bleaching can be very damaging to hair, and if your hair is already damaged from the chlorine, it can make the damage worse.
Before bleaching your hair, be sure to shampoo and condition it thoroughly. This will help to remove any chlorine that might be left in your hair. You should also avoid using a high-lift bleach, as this can be especially damaging to chlorine-damaged hair.
If you’re bleaching your hair at home, be sure to follow the directions on the bleach carefully. If you’re using professional bleach, talk to your stylist about how to best protect your hair from damage.
After bleaching your hair, be sure to use a deep conditioner to help replenish the natural oils that were stripped away by the chlorine. With some extra care, you can safely bleach your hair after swimming and minimize the damage.
Who Should Avoid Bleaching Their Hair After Swimming?
Those with extremely dry or damaged hair should avoid bleaching their hair after swimming. Bleaching can be very damaging to hair, and if your hair is already damaged from the chlorine, it can make the damage worse.
If you’re not sure whether or not bleaching your hair is right for you, talk to your stylist. They can help you assess the condition of your hair and determine whether or not it’s safe to bleach it.
Bleach Hair After Swimming: the Aftercare Routine
If you have just bleached your hair, it is important to keep it as dry as possible. This means no swimming, as the chlorine or salt water will react with the bleach and could cause your hair to become brittle and break off. If you do go in the water, make sure to shampoo and condition your hair as soon as possible afterwards to remove any residue.
It is also important to avoid heat styling your hair for the first few days after bleaching it. This includes blow drying, flat ironing, and curling. The heat can further damage your hair, making it more likely to break or become brittle. If you must style your hair, use low heat settings and be sure to use a heat protectant product.
Finally, make sure to use a deep conditioner at least once a week to keep your hair hydrated and healthy. Bleaching can be very drying, so it is important to replenish the moisture in your hair to prevent breakage.
With some extra care, you can keep your bleached hair healthy and beautiful all summer long.
Can I Bleach My Hair After Swimming? – Final Thoughts
Although bleaching your hair after swimming might be harmful, it is possible to do it safely if you take some extra precautions.
To remove any chlorine from your hair, shampoo and condition it thoroughly, avoid using a high-lift bleach, and use a deep moisturizer on a regular basis. You may safely bleach your hair after swimming and minimize the harm with a little more effort.
However, as a hairstylist, I would not recommend it as chlorine is very damaging to the hair and can cause breakage, split ends, and dryness. If you are planning on bleaching your hair, it would be best to do it before swimming season to avoid additional damage or after the season has ended.
Happy bleaching!
Read Also: Can I Bleach My Hair Twice In One Day?