Swimming is a fun activity during summer. Who does not like to play with the cool water to beat the effect of the scorching sun? But this fun comes with some challenges to your natural self. Your skin and mostly your hair tends to get damaged by the chemicals used in swimming pools. However, there are simple steps you can take to protect your hair and avoid the possible damages.

What does chlorine do to your hair?
Chlorine added in water pools is used for a variety of purposes. It is mostly used as an antibacterial agent to destroy bacteria and germs in the pool and keep the water safe for swimmers before it needs be replaced. Chlorine is composed of elements that make it unhealthy for hair. It makes the hair shaft dry, that in-turn, will make the hair strand coarse and fragile. Chlorine in the pool seizes the sebum from the hair, leading the hair strand to lose shine, undergo breakage, and also result in split ends.

How to get chlorine out of hair?
Here are some simple, easy to follow tricks that can help you protect your hair from damage by chlorine water:

1. Swim Outdoors - Swimming in an outdoor pool allow gases from the chlorinated water to escape into the air. This will leave less room for contamination of your hair and skin as well. These types of pools are also better for your eyes, nose, throat and lungs. If it’s needed to swim indoors, look for pools that are well-ventilated.
2. Shower before you swim - Wet hair tends to absorb less than dry hair. So taking a shower before you step into the pool decreases the possibility of your hair from absorbing the water molecules from the pool. Same case works for your skin as well. This is the scientific reason behind the necessity to take shower before you enter the pool.
3. Use oil and hair conditioner - Oiling or applying hair conditioner to hair prior to swimming is highly suggested by hair experts. This creates a protective layer between your hair follicles and the chlorinated water in the pool. It also nourishes the hair strands and make them smooth and shiny. However, be sure to use a swim cap if you’re using oil, else the oil is likely to attract sun damage.
4. Wear latex or swim caps - If you tuck your hair entirely into a swim cap and then jump into the swimming pool, you can safeguard your hair against any kind of damage from chemicals present in the pool. The cap will keep your hair dry. It is one smart way to maintain the health of your hair and avoid it from any possible harms.
5. Wash after you swim - A mild and sulfate-free shampoo after swim can help you get rid of all those chemicals hanging around the surface. Be mindful to give your hair a good soak in fresh water as a quick wash can result some chlorine molecules left in the hair follicles.
6. Comb your hair - Using a wide-toothed comb helps avoid frizzy hair and is an easy and effective way to keep your hair tangle-free. It relaxes the mess and also reduces the hair breakage. Avoid using a hair brush immediately after your swimming routine. A wide tooth comb detangles your hair without added stress and possible deterioration.  

You can also follow these home remedies to safeguard your hair from possible chlorine threats.
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1. Olive Oil Massage - Olive oil makes an effective hair coating that protects the hair from many type of damages – including effects of chlorine. The oil strengthens the sebum content  produced by the scalp, therefore enhancing the hair follicles. Olive oil nourishes both the hair and the scalp and makes it naturally beautiful. Coconut oil can be a great alternative. Coconut oil helps to lock in moisture and strengthen the hair shaft.
2. Apple Cider Wash - Apple cider vinegar can be used as a clarifying rinse after every swim session. Using ACV will help get off all those chemicals attached to your hair strands and associated threats. The positive aspect of using this natural remedy for after-swim effects on hair is that it helps get rid of chlorine along with other damaging elements found in pools like copper, salt, and other impurities.
3. Treatment with Tomato puree - Tomatoes are one such nourishing agents that prevent the loss of  moisture due to exposure to chlorinated water in the swimming pool. It also greatly reduces the harm that is caused by chlorine to your hair. You can cut some tomatoes and grind them to get a thick consistent puree. Then apply this paste on your clean hair and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes before shampoo.
4. Baking Soda cure - Baking soda is another effective home cure for tackling frizzy hair problem due to chlorine water. It cuts out chlorine and other chemicals muddled in the hair follicles. It clears your scalp and makes your hair clean by removing any unnecessary build-up. Add water to some baking soda to make a consistent paste. Apply this paste to your hair and scalp and let it sit for 20 to 30 seconds. Then wash it off with plain water and regular shampoo.

Despite being an antibacterial agent, chlorine is a not a recommended element for your hair. It can cause hair discoloration, brittle and frizzy hair, loss of luster and volume along with dry and itchy scalp. So, if you really want to avoid the resulting consequences with even a single dip in chlorinated water, follow these easy and reliable tips and don’t forget to share your experience.

BACK in the ’80s and ’90s, many Aussie girls forked out their hard-earned cash on a bottle of SunIn, soaked their hair, then lay out in the sun, hoping for lighter tresses.

But it turns out we probably didn’t need the extra help that spray provided. Spending all summer outdoors will lighten your hair even if you don’t put anything extra in it.

Trichologist Anthony Pearce says it’s all down to ultraviolet radiation. The colour pigment in our hair shafts is oxidised by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, that according to Pearce, is “the same chemical process as having the hair bleached”.

This might sound like welcome news for those who spend hundreds of dollars (and hundreds of hours in the hairdresser’s chair) attempting to lighten their hair. But be warned, “sun-kissed” hair isn’t exactly a good thing.

“The sun can ‘bleach’ hair blonde but in doing so degrades the hair as well,” Pearce, founder of Anthony Pearce Trichology, explains.

A lighter hair colour as a result of time spent in the sun equals a permanently weakened hair shaft. Hello split ends, dryness and a whole lot of irreversible damage.

The solution? For starters, wear a hat when you’re outdoors and opt for hair products that provide protection from ultraviolet radiation — they’re like sunscreen for your hair.

“I’m a big believer in protecting your hair against UV rays the same as we do for our skin. It is especially important for weak or colour-treated hair,” explains Lisa Farrall, hair expert for Fudge Professional.

“It is also important to think of your scalp, especially your part. I find the best trick is to use a high SPF lip balm on your scalp to avoid it burning, it’s easy to apply with no grease and it will stop you from having a flaky scalp.”

If you are looking to speed up the hair lightening process, there are some great options out there that don’t involve sun damage. For anyone who grew up in the late nineties or early noughties and abused hair lightening product Sun In like I did (I still shudder thinking about the Coke-coloured patches on my head), you’ll be pleased to know the technologies and formulas have improved dramatically.

The key? Three-time Australian Hairdresser of the Year and Co-Creative Director of ELEVEN Australia, Joey Scandizzo, recommends simply asking for subtle highlights.
“Most hairdressers understand what ‘sun-kissed’ hair is — a great way to describe it is to say you would like subtle variation through the front or the ends which are generally the places the sun hits,” explains Scandizzo. “Sun-kissed means you want to go only one or two shades lighter, nothing too drastic.”

If you’re religious about keeping your hair out of the sun but still find your hair has lightened by the time March rolls around, there are a couple of reasons for that.

“Salt water will also lighten hair in it’s dual effects with ultraviolet light. Salt water can add to hair damage as it can swell and dry hair shafts; making them more porous and prone to breakage,” explains Pearce.

Oh, and that chlorinated pool you’ve been swimming in? It’s not your hair’s friend either.
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“As an alkaline, chlorine is potentially the most damaging to hair. Hair should be double shampooed immediately after swimming. Depending upon what chemicals are added to the pool water, Chlorine pools can gradually cause a green/blue discolouration to hair,” says Pearce.

Natural hair rules in the summer! Now is the season to let go of perfect, sleek hairdos and embrace that loose, natural look. Learn how to protect your hair from the heat, sun, and humidity without turning it into an endless battle.

1. Cover up!
​Use a scarf or hat to cover your head when you’re out in the sun. Not only does this provide extra UV protection, but it also helps your scalp to retain moisture. A hat reduces damage caused by wind, especially if your hair is prone to tangling, and protects colour-treated hair.

​2. Put your hair up in loose, comfortable styles
​A messy braid is ideal for keeping your hair under control and minimizing exposure to the sun. Tight hairstyles can be damaging because they tend to pull and tear hair, especially if your hair is dry from the summer heat.

4. Reduce the heat
Try to blow-dry your hair as little as possible. It is already exposed to a significant amount of heat on a daily basis in the summer, and it will probably air-dry quickly anyways, so give the blow dryer a break and go au naturel if you can. Avoid flat-irons, too, as they will do further damage to already-dry hair. Plus, a sleek hairstyle only makes that frizz stand out more.

6. Condition always
​Rinse with apple cider vinegar diluted in water for a quick natural conditioner. Use some coconut oil or shea butter (careful with this, since it can be heavy) to smooth, de-frizz, and moisturize your locks after washing. The oil will give some shine and, if you have wavy hair, create natural, air-dried curls. Try a natural deep conditioning treatment once a week to get that extra bit of moisture into your hair.​

7. No more swimmer’s hair
​If you’re a blond who turns green after a dip in the pool, try rinsing out your wet hair with 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar and 2 cups water to get rid of discolouration and dullness. It helps to get your hair wet before entering the water because then it won't absorb as much chlorine.

8. Add some sunscreen
​There are shampoos that contain UV protection, but most of those are chemical-laden, conventional shampoos that I’d recommend avoiding. One quick way to add some protection is to run your hands lightly through your hair after applying sunscreen to your body.

9. Try a hot oil rinse
​Coconut, olive, and avocado oils are good at penetrating the hair shaft. Shampoo hair as usual, then work in oil from ends to roots. Rinse, then condition as usual. Your hair should feel moisturized afterward, but not greasy.

10. Fake that beach look if you haven't been there
One blogger recommends this homemade sea salt spray, made with 1 tsp sea salt and 1 tsp coconut oil, mixed with water in a small spray bottle. Spray and scrunch to get that desirable wavy beach look. The coconut oil will counteract the dryness of the salt.​

 11. Use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush