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How to Moisturize Dry Hair Caused by Chlorine Damage

Oct 11, 2011 / By Meghan Cronen

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Enjoy the pool while keeping your hair intact!

Photo: Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images

Swimming is great for exercise and enjoyment, but it can wreak havoc on your locks. Continuously taking a dip in the pool can cause your hair to become rough and brittle. Some swimming pools may have excessive amounts of chlorine, exposing your strands to chemicals that break down the structure of your hair. Learn to protect and replenish moisture within your tresses for a harm-free swim for your hair!

Wash your hair thoroughly with freshwater after swimming in a chlorine-filled pool. The fresh water of a shower will help remove any remaining chlorine from your locks. Create a clean and well-prepared base for your hair. This will help your strands absorb moisture from post-swim treatments.

Use a shampoo and conditioner that are rich in moisture. Several brands offer products that boost hair moisture while not stripping it of its natural oils. Consider using a swimmer shampoo if your hair is frequently saturated with chlorine. Swimmer shampoos and conditioners work to remove any excess chlorine chemicals, while providing natural supplements needed for your hair to stay strong.

Treat the hair with a leave-in conditioner product or moisturizing hair mask. Such products work to rebuild the natural strength of your locks. Using such products on a weekly basis will help to restore any strands damaged by the harsh pool chemicals.

Use a towel to dry your hair. Avoid exposing your newly moisturized locks to further damage. Give the hair several days of rest, and avoid using a blow dryer, straightener, or curling iron. Do not cause further breakage and roughness by exposing your hair to excessive heat. Flaunt your moisture-rich strands with these few post-pool fixes!

1.Fresh water

3.Swimming shampoo/conditioner

2.Moisture-rich shampoo/conditioner

4.Leave-in conditioning treatment

Prevent hair damage by wetting hair with freshwater prior to swimming in a chlorine pool. Hair that is dampened prior to swimming will block chlorine from penetrating the hair entirely.