Pool season is right around the corner! If you are looking for hair stylist advice Kelowna, you’ve come to the right place. For those with plans of being in a pool all summer long, you’ve come to the right place. It can be hard to maintain your luscious locks while still being able to enjoy the refreshing bath that a pool provides. Chlorine damage is a big problem that we often see with our clients during the summer months. Especially, with those who use a pool on the daily. However, if you want to keep your hair from being chlorine damaged and still enjoy your daily swim, there are a few things that you can do. In this article, we will be going over all of the ways that you can protect your hair from chlorine this summer. Follow along below to learn more. 

How Does Chlorine Damage Your Hair? What are the Signs of Chlorine Damage?

Water with chlorine can take a toll on your gorgeous locks. The chemicals that form chlorine have a tendency to dry out your hair which leaves it weak and brittle. In turn, causing lots of breakages and sometimes discolouration. Most of our tap water contains chlorine, but there is usually not enough of it to cause noticeable damage. But, the amount of chlorine in pools can have seriously harmful effects on both your hair and skin. 

Chlorine is necessary in pools because it helps kill bacteria and keep the water clean for swimming. If you go in chlorinated water every now and again your likely hair won’t suffer any damage. But, the more frequently you visit the pool, the more risk you have of ruining your hair.  Some of the effects that chlorine can have on your hair include:

  1. Cracking and Splitting
  2. Removal of Natural Oils (Sebum)
  3. Changing Your Hair Colour
  4. Weakened Structure → More Split Ends

In addition to this, those who have the following types of hair are more likely to experience damage from chlorine than others:

  1. Thin or Fine Hair
  2. Coloured Hair
  3. Bleached Hair
  4. Dry Hair
  5. Already Damaged Hair 
  6. Blonde Hair

Regardless of your type of hair or how often you swim in the pool, it is important to know how to protect your hair from chlorine damage. These tips can also help for those who spend lots of time in saltwater, like the ocean. 

Kelowna hair stylist advice

How to Keep Your Hair Healthy with Increased Exposure to Chlorine?

  1. Wet Your Hair Before and After Swimming

There’s a reason that as a kid you were told to shower before and after swimming. This is an important step that ensures your hair is protected and your body is clean before entering the pool. By wetting your hair prior to swimming in chlorine, your hair strands absorb the clean water which minimizes the amount of chlorine your hair can soak up. Then, once you’re done swimming it’s always a good idea to rinse your body and hair with clean water. 

  1. Apply Natural Oils to Your Hair

If you frequent the pool, it may be a good idea to add some natural oils to your hair. Coconut oil and olive oil are common choices that can help prevent chlorine damage. This is because they act as a protective barrier so that chlorine and other chemicals aren’t as easily absorbed. 

  1. Buy a Swim Spray

Swim sprays have long been used by pro swimmers and those who spend lots of time in the water. They’re also a common purchase among blondes since blonde hair tends to be more susceptible to the green side effect of chlorine damage.

  1. Wear a Swim Cap

While It might not be the most attractive solution, it’s certainly effective. Swim caps are a standard garment for competitive athletes that promote aerodynamics and prevent chlorinated water from reaching your hair. Wet your hair prior to putting on a swim cap for easier application. 

  1. Put Your Hair Up

If your hair is super long, you may want to consider putting it up before taking a swim. By placing your hair in a braid, bun, or ponytail before swimming, you can help minimize the contact that your hair makes with the water. This tactic isn’t the most effective, but it’s better than nothing!

Contact us Today for More Hair Stylist Advice Kelowna!

Contact us today for more information on how to protect your hair from chlorine and saltwater damage. Feel free to reach out to one of our West Kelowna hair stylists with any questions you may have about your hair or our salon! Bottega has a range of beauty services to ensure all of your hair needs are taken care of. Be sure to check out our social media for the latest updates and events! We look forward to seeing you at our salon soon!