One of the highlights of the Summer Olympic Games is the swimming competitions. These world-class athletes spend hours in the pool training, practicing, and perfecting their routines, because every second counts. But all that hard work comes at a cost, and that includes the effect of pool chemicals on hair. Whether you're a future Olympian or just love spending your days in the pool, here's what you need to know about swimmer's hair.
What Is Swimmer’s Hair?
“Swimmer's hair” is a term that describes the damage caused to hair by prolonged exposure to chlorinated water. Chlorine is used in pools to kill bacteria and keep the water clean, but it can also wreak havoc on your hair. Chlorine damage strips your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to damage.
But it’s not just chlorine that’s the culprit—saltwater pools and ocean water can also contribute to swimmer's hair. Saltwater, while less harsh than chlorine, can still dry out your hair, leading to similar issues. Over time, repeated exposure to chlorine or salt water can lead to more severe damage.
The Harmful Effects of Swimmer’s Hair
As many an Olympian will attest, swimming pools are no friends to hair. Discoloration, dry hair, and breakage are common results from swimmer's hair and, if not treated, can cause additional problems down the road. Here's what you need to watch out for:
1. Dryness and Brittleness
The most immediate and noticeable effect of swimmer's hair is extreme dryness. Your hair’s natural oils act as a protective barrier, keeping your hair moisturized and resilient. Chlorine and saltwater strip away these oils, leaving your hair parched and vulnerable. The result? Dry hair that feels like straw and breaks at the slightest touch.
2. Hair Color Changes
Ever heard of someone’s hair taking on a green tint after swimming? It happens! This green hue sometimes appears in light or blonde hair after swimming and is caused by the copper compounds found in pool water. Even color-treated hair can be affected. Prolonged chlorine exposure can leave your color looking dull or faded. And some Olympians even report getting their hair bleached (and not in the hair salon way) from their long days in the pool.
3. Split Ends and Breakage
Dry, brittle hair is more prone to split ends and breakage. When your hair loses its natural moisture, the strands become weak and start to fray at the ends. If left untreated, these split ends can travel up the hair shaft, leading to more significant breakage and damage. Another potential cause of damage is that trusty swim cap. While it provides a protective layer between your hair and the water, swim caps -- especially those made of latex -- can tug on the scalp and break hair follicles.
4. Scalp Irritation
It’s not just your hair that suffers—your scalp can also take a beating from chlorine and saltwater. Chlorine can strip your scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness, itching, and irritation. In some cases, it can even cause dandruff or exacerbate existing scalp conditions.
How to Protect Your Hair
If you're worried about swimmer's hair, don’t hang up your swimsuit just yet! There are plenty of ways to protect your hair from all that chlorine and saltwater, from practical tips to the right hair care products, so you can enjoy your time in the water without sacrificing your lovely locks.
1. Wet Your Hair Before Swimming
One of the easiest ways to protect your hair is to wet it with clean, fresh water before diving into the pool. Hair is like a sponge—it can only absorb so much water. By soaking your hair in non-chlorinated water first, you reduce the amount of chlorine it can absorb, minimizing damage.
2. Use a Protective Leave-In Conditioner or Cream
Before jumping in the pool, apply a leave-in conditioner or cream, like Lu's Intense Therapy Leave-in Cream, to your wet hair. You can even use a special swim cap conditioner. These products create a barrier between your hair and the chlorine or saltwater, locking in moisture and protecting your strands.
3. Wear a Swim Cap
There's a reason Olympians wear not just one, but two swim caps. A swim cap is one of the best ways to protect your hair from damage, but as we mentioned before, a poor-quality cap can cause its own problems. If you’re serious about protecting your hair, invest in a high-quality latex or silicone cap that fits snugly but isn't too tight.
4. Rinse and Wash Immediately After Swimming
As soon as you’re done swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water. This helps remove as much chlorine or salt water as possible before it has a chance to dry and damage your hair. Follow up with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and a deep conditioner to replenish lost moisture and nutrients. Lu's Rescue shampoo and conditioner are made to gently nourish and restore stressed or damaged hair. They’re free of sulfates, phthalates, and parabens, which means you're not putting any harmful substances in your hair while washing harmful substances out!
5. Avoid Heat Styling
When your hair is already stressed from swimming, adding heat styling to the mix can cause even more damage. Try to give your hair a break from blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons, and other tools that cause heat damage. If you must use these tools, apply a heat protectant spray first and use a diffuser.
6. Use a Hair Oil or Serum
Hair oils and serums are great for added hair protection and extra moisture, especially after swimming. Apply a small amount of oil or serum to the ends of your hair to seal in moisture and smooth frizz. Look for products that contain natural oils which are known for their hydrating and protective properties.
Swim On
Swimmer’s hair might be an annoying side effect of spending time in the water, but it doesn’t have to ruin your favorite sport or your healthy hair. With the right care and precautions, you can swim for gold (or just for the other end of the pool) while keeping your locks shiny, and strong. So dive in and make a splash—just remember to protect those precious strands!
