How to Repair Swimming Hair Damage
Copyright 2006 Roger Hall
Chlorine and Your Hair
Imagine your hair as a sponge absorbing water. Before you
get in the swimming pool, wet your hair with fresh water. With
non-chlorinated water on board, your hair won't be able to
soak-up as much chlorine while you swim. And always rinse
your hair with clean water after swimming; chlorine in
pools not only dries-out your hair, but will fade the
colour too.
Chlorine in swimming pools can cause sebum - oil that
lubricates your hair shaft - to start building up in your
hair follicles. As time passes follicles can become
blocked, creating further hair damage. After Swimming use a
good 'clarifying' shampoo. The main ingredient to look for
is EDTA (Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid). It’s like a
chemical claw, removing chlorine from your hair.
Baking soda is a wonderfully inexpensive home remedy.
Shampoo as usual, but add ¼ cup baking soda to your
shampoo. Using this mixture once a week can remove water
impurities and lighten your hair. Also consider mixing
baking soda with hair conditioner in your hand to condition
the ends of your hair. It’ll give your hair more volume,
body and health.
Protect Your Hair from the Inside
Drinking plenty of water every day is a good way to
lubricate damaged or excessively dry hair. Other liquids
such as herbal teas and fruit juices also help. Be moderate
in your use of coffee and colas, as they can cause
dehydration to your hair and skin.
A healthy diet and recommended use of vitamins will help
the overall health of your hair by providing a boost of
minerals and nutrients. Besides feeding hair with
vitamins, minerals and amino acids you can crank up the
moisture by adding daily Essential Fatty Acid (EFA)
supplements. Flax Seed is reported to be a great EFA that
softens a woman’s hair and skin.
Be Gentle
Don't mangle your hair by brushing it when wet. Instead,
comb it with a wide-tooth comb. Work out tangles as you
move from the ends toward the scalp. Don't over dry - leave
some moisture in to prevent static. Use care when styling.
Your hair will be better-off if you don't use styling
appliances; but if you must, don’t let your hair get too
hot and avoid aggressive manipulation of your hair.
Hats Best to Stop Damaging Rays
UV-radiation from the sun can damage your hair, fading
colour and making it brittle. Although some hair care
products claim they contain sun protection, wearing a hat
or cap around the pool or beach to is the simplest, most
effective way to look after your hair.
Deep Conditioning Hair Treatments
If you already have damaged hair, perhaps it’s time for
intensive treatment to turn the tide for your bruised hair
cuticles. Whether you whip up your own recipe, go to your
favourite salon or buy an off-the-shelf product, you may
need to perform intensive conditioning at least once a week.
Salon treatments are more expensive and usually involve the
application of a healing hair masque or deep conditioning
product to return your hair to its natural, healthy
appearance.
Keep these tips in mind next time you’re at the pool or
beach. With a little care and know-how, you can maintain
great-looking hair while enjoying the benefits of outdoor
exercise.
Roger Hall of COEGA Sunwear develops tips and clothing that
provide you with Style, Comfort and Protection. Find out
how to protect yourself with more popular FREE Skin and
Hair Care Tips for active women of all ages, available at=>
http://tinyurl.com/l2exz
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