When someone begins to experience hair loss, they usually try to quickly determine the reason for losing their hair. Is it genetics? Is it your diet or lifestyle? People often try to find out the reason why they are experiencing hair loss in order to change whatever activity or lifestyle choice they did to cause the issue. These fears are often largely unfounded, however. Although someone who is experiencing a lot of stress may experience acute onset hair loss, daily activities are likely not the cause of your hair loss.
The health benefits of swimming regularly are numerous. It builds muscle, strengthens your heart, and builds stamina. It’s a great workout and keeps your body in tip-top shape. But could swimming in a chlorinated pool have negative effects on your skin and hair?
The effect of chlorine on hair
All swimming pools contain chlorine, a chemical used to disinfect the pools. Chlorine is also found in tap water, paper, plastic, and medications. According to Allure, spending too much time in a chlorinated body of water can dry out your skin cells. The chemical strips the cells of their natural oils, leaving your skin feeling tight and your hair feeling brittle. A scientific journal called Dermatology published a study in 2000 that analyzed the effect chlorine has on human hair. It specifically wanted to determine whether chlorine increased your risk of losing hair. This study looked at 67 professional swimmers and 54 nonswimmers and found that 61% of swimmers displayed some hair discoloration. While swimming in a pool with chlorine may temporarily dye your hair a greenish tint if you have blonde hair, it does not contribute to hair loss. Chlorine may cause your hair to become dry or coarse, but it will not cause you to experience hair loss. Exposure to harsh chemicals may damage your hair, but will likely not cause it to fall out.
Interestingly enough, chlorine doesn’t actually dye blonde hair “green”, but rather, it is caused by copper, due to oxidized metals in the water, which attach to the proteins in the hair. Chlorine actually oxidizes the metals, and those metals create that greenish tint!
While there are many factors that can contribute to hair loss, swimming in pools is not one of them. Exposing your hair to all the chemicals in pools may seem like it can contribute to your hair loss, however, pool chemicals such as chlorine simply dry out your hair. A study from The Journal of Dermatology concluded that swimming in a pool has no correlation to hair loss. Instead, swimming in a pool with chlorine usually results in the stripping away of natural oils from the hair and skin, which often leaves you with dry, brittle hair.
How to protect yourself from chlorine
Even while chlorine does not definitively increase your risk of losing your hair, it is still wise to take steps to protect your hair and skin cells from its damaging effects. Allure recommends soaking your hair in fresh water before you even step into the pool. Then, apply a thick leave-in conditioner so that your hair soaks in its oils and moisture. Once you get out of the pool, be sure to rinse your hair with more fresh water and clean it with a gentle shampoo. Tap water from your shower also contains some amount of chlorine, so it is a good idea to moisturize your hair with conditioner again.
The bottom line is: swimming pools are not likely the culprit when it comes to hair loss. While the chemicals used to keep water clean may damage the hair that you have, they are not the reason for noticeable and sustained hair loss. The good news is, you can enjoy pools in the summertime without having to worry about the effects they have on your hair! The bad news is, you will have to look elsewhere for a solution.
That’s where the Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) professionals of Hairline Ink come in. Our world-class practitioners have helped countless people like you regain their confidence and enjoy the way they look again, through our SMP procedure.
Make an appointment with Hairline Ink
Chances are that swimming in a chlorinated pool won’t cause your hair to fall out. But if you notice hair thinning or balding, you might be wondering what your next steps should be. If you have tried alternative methods to solving your hair loss problems but have been dissatisfied with the results, it’s time to call Hairline Ink. We offer state-of-the-art scalp micropigmentation that expertly creates a realistic-looking hairline.
Have questions about hair loss? Hairline Ink has the answers. If you or someone you know is suffering from hair loss, contact our team of experts to learn how scalp micropigmentation can help you to defy hair loss and reinvent the way you feel. We offer Scalp Micropigmentation in over 50 US cities. Call or text us today at 833-HAIR-INK (833-424-7465) to schedule an appointment, learn about our pricing, or to get a free quote!
