Chlorine is an essential element for swimming pool hygiene, but unfortunately it can damage the hair. In addition to making them dry and brittle, it tends to impart a greenish hue to blonde hair. Fortunately, removing chlorine from your hair is pretty simple, you can rinse it thoroughly in the shower and treat it with a professional anti-chlorine product. For a less expensive solution, you can use an apple cider vinegar or baking soda home remedy.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Eliminate Chlorine with Anti-Chlorine Hair Products
Step 1. Wash your hair with a shampoo formulated for swimmers
Anti-chlorine shampoos for swimmers are specially formulated to remove chlorine from hair and prevent it from changing color. Distribute the product evenly on your hair immediately after exiting the pool, let it produce the foam and leave it on for a minute before performing a thorough rinse.
- If you have dyed hair, you can use a purifying shampoo formulated for colored hair instead of an anti-chlorine one.
- You can find anti-chlorine shampoos in pharmacies, perfumeries and professional hair product stores.
- Use conditioner regularly to make your hair smoother and get rid of knots easily.
Step 2. Use an anti-chlorine spray if you don't want to buy a specific shampoo
You can find it online or in stores that sell sports and swimming goods. The anti-chlorine spray should be applied in the shower after thoroughly rinsing the hair, before shampooing. Keep the bottle about 30-40 centimeters away from the head and spray the product all over the hair. Wash your hair with the shampoo you usually use to remove the spray.
- Anti-chlorine sprays neutralize the chlorine present on the hair, preventing damage and irritation.
- Most anti-chlorine sprays can also be used on the skin. You can spray the product on your hair and body to remove the chlorine odor from your skin and prevent irritation.
Step 3. Try a special treatment if you often swim in the pool
Some companies also produce other hair products dedicated to swimmers in addition to shampoos. For example, you can find powder treatments to massage into your hair in the shower. Leave the product on for 2-3 minutes before rinsing your hair.
These treatments can be used alone or in combination with other anti-chlorine products
Method 2 of 3: Eliminate Chlorine with Home Remedies
Step 1. Make an anti-chlorine blend with baking soda
Mix 30 to 60 g of baking soda with enough water to form a smooth paste. Apply it to wet hair after rinsing it from the pool water. Massage it into your scalp and hair, from roots to ends. Rinse your hair thoroughly before shampooing.
- The baking soda neutralizes the chlorine and eliminates the green color that the chlorine has deposited on the hair, but unfortunately it also tends to dry it out, so use a moisturizing conditioner after shampooing.
- If you have very light hair, you may have to repeat the process several times to completely get rid of the greenish undertones.
Step 2. Wash your hair with apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can act as a cleansing shampoo after you swim in the pool. Just pour about 60ml on your head when you shower and massage it into your scalp. Rinse your hair with warm water to remove the vinegar.
- There is no need to shampoo. If necessary, use conditioner to get the vinegar smell out of your hair.
- Apple cider vinegar can be aggressive, so it's not recommended to use it too often. If you often swim in the pool, it is best to purchase a professional anti-chlorine product.
Step 3. Try using a tomato derivative, such as ketchup, tomato paste, or tomato juice
Apply a veil to damp hair, trying to distribute it evenly from the roots to the ends. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse your hair thoroughly in the shower. When the rinse water is perfectly clean, continue with your regular hair beauty routine.
- Comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb to distribute the product well.
- The red pigment of the tomato helps to neutralize the greenish shades caused by chlorine.
Step 4. Rinse your hair with a mixture of sparkling water and lemon juice
Take a bowl and mix the juice of one lemon with a drop of sparkling water. Pour the mixture into damp or dry hair and distribute it from the roots to the ends using a wide-toothed comb. Leave the treatment on for 3-5 minutes, then rinse your hair thoroughly in the shower and shampoo as usual.
- If you prefer, you can pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray it on your hair.
- Do not use this method if you have dry, cracked or irritated scalp.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing the Accumulation of Chlorine on the Hair
Step 1. Swim with the cap
If you intend to go to the pool often, it is worth investing in a good quality swimming cap. Look for a silicone one that is lightweight, breathable and comfortable to wear. A good cap doesn't have to tear your hair out or give you a headache.
Make sure all hair is carefully tucked under the cap before entering the pool tub
Step 2. Soak your hair with shower water
Before diving into the pool, saturate your hair with clean water. This way they will only be able to absorb a minimal amount of chlorine.
Generally in the pools you can find showers in the changing rooms and next to the tub
Step 3. Protect hair from chlorine with oil
The oil is hydrophobic (it doesn't mix with water) so it helps keep chlorine out of your hair. Purchase a hair oil and apply a generous amount from root to tip before diving into the pool. For maximum protection, grease your hair and then put on your swimming cap.
If you don't want to buy hair oil, you can use plain olive, coconut, avocado, or jojoba oil
Step 4. Rinse your hair immediately after you finish swimming
Even if you don't intend to take a full shower in the pool locker room, at least rinse your hair to start eliminating chlorine and prevent it from building up on your scalp.
