In order to prevent bacterial proliferation, chlorinated substances such as chlorine or hypochlorite are used in swimming pools. However, these are not without consequences for your skin and hair. Here's an overview of the effects of chlorine on hair.
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The effects of chlorine on hair.
Summary
- Focus on the structure and composition of the hair
- Why is chlorine bad for hair?
- What should you do after exiting the swimming pool?
Published June 1, 2022,
updated on February 19, 2024,
by
Sandrine, Scientific Editor
—
5 min read
Focus on the structure and composition of the hair.
The hair is biologically dead matter composed of over 80% keratin fibers, a fibrous protein that also makes up the skin, nails, and hair, providing impermeability and protection to the hair. The hair fiber (or hair shaft) consists of 3 distinct layers :
The most superficial layer is the cuticle which is composed of scale-like cells that overlap each other. The cuticle must be well sealed and impermeable with well-aligned scales to fulfill its protective role.
Next comes the cortex, the main component of the hair, where one finds very long cells composed of keratin bound together by an intercellular cement rich in lipids and proteins, which give the hair its elasticity, flexibility, and strength.
Finally, the most central layer of the fiber corresponds to the core (or medulla) composed of an amorphous, soft, and fatty substance.
However, the hair is alive at the level of the scalp. Just like the skin, the scalp is composed of 3 overlapping layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis. Therefore, it is important to distinguish between the visible part of the hair, which is dead matter, and the scalp, which consists of hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and is richly vascularized.
Why is chlorine bad for hair?
The chlorine found in swimming pool water has detrimental effects on the skin as well as the hair. Indeed, it strips the hair fiber, promoting the lifting of the scales at the cuticle level, which can no longer perform their protective role. As a result, the hair becomes brittle and rough.
Furthermore, chlorine alters the natural color of hair : dark hair can lighten and blonde hair can show greenish tints. In case of frequent swimming, chlorine weakens the corneal layer of the scalp skin causing irritations, dryness, and dehydration.
What should you do after exiting the swimming pool?
The first rule after swimming is to immediately rinse your hair with clear water, if it has been in contact with pool water, in order to eliminate any trace of chlorine. Once at home, wash your hair with a nutritive shampoo while hydrating and soothing the scalp. It is composed of 1% biolipid complex and camellia oil which rebalance the lipid levels in the stratum corneum. It also contains aloe vera which hydrates and soothes the scalp. Continue with the application of a repairing hair mask based on biomimetic ceramides, mango butter and avocado oil which help to restore the cohesion of the cuticle. The scales are filled, the cuticle is smoothed and the cortex is better protected.
If your scalp is itchy, our soothing scalp serum helps to alleviate discomforting sensations (dryness, itchiness, irritation) thanks to the combination of bisabolol andcotton extract. It also containssweet almond oil which helps to rebalance the hydrolipidic film, and glycerin to prevent dehydration. To use, dispense one to two pipettes into the palm of your hand and spread the product over your entire dry scalp, using circular motions for better penetration and effectiveness. This practice should be done once a day, in the morning or evening, and does not require rinsing.
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