The chlorine fallout - how to pool-proof your hair this summer

Who doesn’t love the cool azure blue waters of a swimming pool on a hot summer day? Well… whilst this may sound appealing to almost all of us, it is far from appealing to our hair, with chlorine damage being one of the biggest issues it has to face during the summer months. 

Chlorine is a chemical used in most swimming pools to maintain a desirable pH that assists in killing dangerous germs & bacteria. Without Chlorine, or another suitable compound, swimming pools would be a literal petri dish of undesirable and potentially harmful bacteria. 

The downside of chlorine is that it strips hair and skin of their natural oils, leaving hair dry, brittle & frizzy and skin dry & scaly. The oxidising nature of chlorine also has the ability to significantly alter hair colour due to natural proteins in the hair cuticle being damaged, resulting in leaching of vital lipids, proteins and moisture from the hair shaft.  

Chlorine damaged hair is often dry, brittle, frizzy with a change in colour. So what to do? You love summer, love the swimming pool, but hate your chlorine hair….

Avoid

Tie hair up, wrap it in a scarf or swimming cap, do whatever you have to do to avoid your hair coming into contact with chlorine. Prevention is always a better option than a cure! 

Protect 

If you can’t or won't avoid it, the next best option is to protect hair from the damaging effects of chlorine. Dry hair is extremely porous, meaning it acts like a sponge & absorbs everything! There is good news… once the hair is soaked, the sponge becomes full where it can’t absorb anymore liquid. Thoroughly wetting hair with fresh water before swimming can help to minimise the chlorine fallout. 

 

Rinse

We advocate rinsing hair with fresh water after every single swim. This will help to remove a large amount of the chlorine from your hair and reduce any continuing post-swim damage. Try to avoid letting chlorine dry in your hair as it makes it even more difficult to remove. 

Double Wash

This technique is effective not only after swimming but also whenever your hair has been exposed to a particular aggressor including pollution, salt & sunscreen. Ensure you work the shampoo through the scalp, hair roots all the way to the ends. We also recommend using a low-poo or no-poo shampoo. These shampoos have either very gentle sulfates, or none at all in their formulation. Most sulfates used in shampoos are harsh detergents that will further strip the hair of its natural oils, thus aggravating the damage already done by the chlorine. Always follow shampooing with a rich and deeply nourishing conditioner. 

Restore vital lipids & moisture 

Unfortunately, removing the aggressor will not return your hair back to its soft & shiny glorious state. It is essential to replenish the vital lipids, moisture & proteins that were lost in the pool in order to restore your hair back to its smooth, silky status. Applying a hair mask, abundant in nourishing ingredients is an excellent way of providing a deep conditioning treatment for chlorine damaged hair,  but for best results in post-pool hair care we recommend a layering technique:

+ Apply your hair mask to the mid-end lengths of damp hair. Spritz 20-30 pumps of a pH restoring hair tonic on top of the mask. 
+ Leave for 15-30 minutes. Rinse well. 
+ Whilst still wet, apply 2-3 drops of hair oil to the ends for an extra soft & shiny result.   
+ If you suffer with dry scalp or dandruff, massage a few drops of hair oil into the scalp whilst hair is still wet. This will assist in repairing the scalps important skin barrier, allowing it to better regulate its own natural oil production. 

Pool-proof product options 

Nourished x Romy Natural Hair Care Duo

This duo is low-poo, free from silicones, parabens & drying alcohols and is heaven sent for chlorine damaged hair. The powerhouse formulations include star ingredients Aloe & Vitamin E to moisturise & soften hair and Rhassoul Clay to remove excess chlorine and mineral deposits.  Moringa Seed & Avocado Oils work together to strengthen the hair and reduce breakage and Broccoli Seed Oil deeply moisturises, improving shine & gloss. Finally, added Argan Oil protects hair hydration and prevents damage from aggressors, creating an all round cleansing and restorative hair care routine. 

Sans [ceuticals] Hydratant Ultra+ Hair Treatment 

Containing four times the beneficial ingredients of most conditioners, the Ultra+ is a secret weapon against dry, brittle & frizzy hair. Formulated with potent levels of lipids to deliver slip, shine and intense hydration, this deluxe hair mask will leave your hair with a soft, velvety after-feel.   

 

Sans [ceuticals] pH + Shine Corrector 

This pH correcting hair tonic is the often-missed boost for restoring chlorine-damaged hair back to its shiny, silky smooth and tangle-free glory. Sans [ceuticals] pH + Shine Corrector uses a unique combination of B vitamins and fermented fruit enzymes to lock vital lipids, moisture & protein into the hair shaft by repairing the damaged cuticle, returning hair to its virgin state. 

This salon-strength product is truly a must for chlorine, hot tool, keratin or colour damaged hair! 

Nourished x Romy Luxurious Hair + Scalp Treatment Oil 

This deeply nourishing and protective Hair + Scalp Treatment Oil harnesses the power of antioxidant rich Amla & Marula Oils to heal & repair damaged hair whilst also offering protection from moisture + lipid loss with the use of hot styling tools. Formulated with added Squalaan to leave hair soft, smooth & luminous, this luxurious hair oil makes styling an effortless dream, whilst Buhle Manketti Oil acts to improve barrier function, assisting with sensitive skin & scalp conditions. Heavenly scented with natural Vanilla and Cedarwood this 100% natural product truly is a gift to your hair. 

Bondi Wash Nourishing Shampoo + Conditioner 

This deeply nourishing no-poo and silicone & sulfate free shampoo + conditioner work to hydrate & restore your hair. These no-fuss yet highly effective products are enriched with deeply nourishing Australian Native Botanicals like Kangaroo Paw, Banksia and Wattleseed. 

Explore more hair repair options in the Nourished clean hair care collection.