It's that time of year again when hairdressers like Jess Wang start noticing the telltale signs of hair damage caused by saltwater and chlorine. But here's the thing: many of us might not even realize our hair is suffering, or what's causing the damage in the first place.
The Battle Against Chlorine and Saltwater Damage
Chlorine damage can be quite noticeable, according to Ms. Wang. It often manifests as a change in color, making your hair look "muddy," and can also cause dehydration, leading to texture changes. Imagine having hair that's shiny like Barbie's, but feels stringy and tangled - not a great look!
In Brisbane/Meanjin, dermatologist Leona Yip explains that chlorinated water can wreak havoc on both your hair and scalp. It can disrupt the scalp's moisture barrier, causing flaking, itching, and even worsening conditions like scalp eczema. Additionally, chlorine can strip your hair of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, frizz, and brittleness. And if you've dyed your hair, chlorine can react chemically with the dye, changing your hair color.
But it's not just chlorine we need to worry about. Saltwater, as Dr. Yip points out, can be just as damaging. "Salt draws moisture out of your skin, scalp, and hair," she explains. Ms. Wang notes that saltwater damage can result in lighter ends and dry, brittle strands.
Even freshwater swimming can impact your hair, says dermatologist Clare Schofield from Naarm/Melbourne. "Hair is weaker when it's wet," she explains. When wet hair swells, the outer layer lifts, making it more susceptible to damage.
Protecting Your Hair While Swimming
So, what can we do to limit hair damage while swimming?
Ms. Wang acknowledges that it's challenging to avoid chlorine exposure in a chlorinated pool. However, wearing a swimming cap is a great way to minimize contact, according to both Dr. Schofield and Dr. Yip. If you're not a fan of swimming caps, Dr. Yip suggests tying your long hair into a bun to reduce contact with chlorinated water.
Another tip is to rinse your hair with normal tap water before and after swimming in chlorinated or salty water. "Pre-rinsing reduces your hair's capacity to absorb chlorinated [or salt] water," Dr. Yip explains.
Using a leave-in conditioner or similar product after rinsing can create a barrier, adds Ms. Wang. Dr. Schofield shares her routine: she applies a conditioning product to her hair, braids it, and then puts on a swimming cap. She also emphasizes the importance of protecting your scalp and hair from UV rays, recommending hair products with UV filters or simply wearing a hat.
Caring for Your Hair After Swimming
After a swim, Dr. Yip recommends using a good moisturizing shampoo to clean your scalp and condition your hair. The goal is to restore the moisture that's been lost. This could involve using a deep conditioning mask or coconut oil once or twice a week.
"I like coconut oil ... it helps with deep conditioning moisturising," Dr. Yip says. However, she cautions that it might be too heavy for those with thin hair, suggesting argan oil as an alternative.
On days when you've spent a lot of time in chlorinated water, Dr. Schofield advises avoiding other hair-damaging activities like heat styling. She also recommends not leaving your hair wet, especially if it's thick or tied back, as this can keep your scalp warm and wet for an extended period, potentially leading to yeast overgrowth and seborrhoeic dermatitis flare-ups.
Ms. Wang suggests using a clarifying shampoo after swimming and a thermal protector if you need to blow-dry or heat-style your hair. If you color your hair, she recommends regular trims and professional hair care products designed to protect the color.
Dealing with the Infamous Green Hue
The green tinge that sometimes appears in hair is usually due to the copper present in pools, often from copper sulfate or the corrosion of water pipes. Chlorine can react with these copper metals, coating your hair with a green hue. While some online remedies suggest using tomato paste or sauce, Ms. Wang recommends consulting your hairdresser for a more effective solution, as this color can be challenging to counteract.
Remember, this is general advice, and for personalized recommendations, it's best to consult a qualified medical practitioner who knows your medical history.
