Is Chlorine good for hair?

lalisiva · Sep 22, 2008

Hi ladies, i was just wondering if chlorine is super-bad for your hair.
because when i went swimming yesterday and after i get out of the pool i've noticed that my hair looks even better than it does with taking shower at home. I mean i noticed less hair fall, no frizz, and looks bouncier too, and i honestly feel like it looks radiant now.
why is that? i don't get it
even my husband has commented on it.
Is chlorine bad or good?

Ansuya · Sep 22, 2008

Hello, Lalisiva

I don't know the science behind it, but we've been taught since we were young to always rinse our hair immediately after swimming because chlorine is bad for your hair. This means as soon as you get out of the pool, even if you can't get to a proper shower immediately.

Like I said, I don't know if this is true or not, but it seems reasonable to me that since chlorine is some sort of chemical drying or sanitizing agent (it is used to keep pools clean and clear of algae), it can't really be good for your hair.

The effects you are noticing may be just short-term; do you have naturally oily hair? Maybe the chlorine strips it of the natural oil and makes it look better. However, I wouldn't take a chance with leaving a chemical residue like chlorine in my hair in terms of the long-term effect it may have.

I'm sorry to tell you this - maybe you can find a good salon-recommended hair product that gives you the same effect of chlorine without the long-term damage!

Ansuya

Nandshyam · Sep 22, 2008

I am with Anu here..

Chlorine is a big NO-NO. Its a strong oxidizing agent and thus poor cuticles in your hair might be damaged. Swimming is good for your skin ;-) not your hair.

In future, apply good amount of conditioner before you swim and use caps if you are a regular swimmer.