How to Protect Your Hair from Chlorine this Summer

Prevent hair damage with this advice.

There’s nothing quite as relaxing and refreshing as the swimming pool during the humid days of summer in NYC. Whether you swim laps or prefer to lounge in the water, you’ll end up dealing with chlorine. This chemical is an unavoidable part of swimming, and can have damaging effects on your hair without the right protections. In this blog post, we’ll explain how chlorine affects hair and offer advice on how to protect yourself from chlorine hair damage all summer long.

How Chlorine Affects Hair

Chlorine is a chemical used in swimming pools to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. While it’s essential for keeping the water clean and safe for swimmers, it can also cause damage to your hair. Here’s how:

• Dryness – In the same way chlorine can take natural oils and moisture from the skin, it can do it to your hair, too. This results in hair that feels dry and brittle.
• Discoloration – Chlorine can cause your hair to become discolored, especially if you have light hair. With intense levels of exposure, the chemical can make your hair take on more of a greenish hue. 
• Breakage – Chlorine weakens the hair, making it more prone to breakage. This can lead to issues like split ends and thin locks. 
• Scalp Irritation – Chlorine can also irritate the scalp, leading to itchiness and dandruff. 

Protecting Your Hair from Chlorine Damage

Now that you know how chlorine can affect your hair, let’s talk about how to protect yourself from chlorine damage this summer. Here are some tips to help you keep your hair healthy and looking great:

1. Wet Your Hair Before Swimming: A quick shower before pool time can help your hair. With wet hair, you won’t soak up as much water, leading to less absorption of and exposure to chlorine. 
2. Use a Swim Cap: Wearing a swim cap can be a great way to protect your locks from chlorine damage. The cap creates a barrier between your hair and the pool water, preventing the chlorine from penetrating and soaking into the hair. 
3. Apply Leave-In Conditioner: A leave-in conditioner coats the hair, creating an extra barrier between your hair and the chlorine in the water. Products designed specifically for swimmers are available. They contain ingredients such as aloe vera and vitamin E to moisturize the hair.
4. Rinse Your Hair After Swimming: Make sure to thoroughly rinse your hair with fresh water after you have finished swimming. This helps remove any chlorine residue from your hair and prevents further damage.
5. Take Breaks: While it may be tempting to rest in the water all day, remember to take a few breaks throughout to give your hair a rest. Limiting your length of exposure to chlorine is one of the easiest ways to prevent damage. 
6. Shampoo and Condition Regularly: Increase the number of times you shampoo and condition your hair during the summer if you will be swimming frequently. A clarifying shampoo once per week can remove any chlorine buildup. Additionally, a deep conditioning treatment is beneficial for restoring moisture to the scalp and hair.
7. Don’t Skimp on Your Salon Visits: Regular check-ins at the salon can ensure your hair stays healthy and beautiful all summer long. Our stylists at Warren Tricomi are here to help. They can advise you on any additional treatments or services your hair may need during summer activities.

Schedule Your Next NYC Hair Salon Visit Today

Swimming is a fun and refreshing activity in summer. However, it is important to take steps to protect your hair from chlorine damage. Warren Tricomi is a full-service luxury hair salon in NYC who can help you protect and nourish your hair throughout the summer and beyond.

Our online booking portal and mobile app provide a seamless way to manage your account. You can also use them to schedule appointments at any of our locations, including Midtown and the Upper East Side, as well as East Hampton, NY and Greenwich, CT.

Learn more about what to expect when visiting a salon like Warren Tricomi on our blog, then schedule an appointment with our online booking portal today.