Swimming Pool Hair

ScrapHappy · ‎03-28-2010

We just moved into a house with a pool. My daughter, 11, swims several times a day and the effects of it are starting to show. I do have her rinse in a shower after swimming, but not always wash the hair because I thought that would be too much. She'd be washing her her 4-5 times a day if that were the case. Any tips or advice to protect her hair? Thanks everyone.

redwingsgal · ‎03-10-2010

If she starts swimming with wet hair (from the hose or a shower) then her hair will not absorb the chlorinated water

Also, a hat will help with the sun damage

I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend, til death, your right to say it

NativeJax · ‎01-27-2015

I know it's expensive to redo a pool but a salt water pool will solve the problem but the swimming cap will help:-)

BARBIE100 · ‎03-09-2010

@NativeJax wrote:
I know it's expensive to redo a pool but a salt water pool will solve the problem but the swimming cap will help:-)

I agree, if you can switch to a salt water pool, it is so much easier on your skin and hair. I swim every day in a saltwater pool. I also use Wen in my hair and found that to be very helpful.

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SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

There's a product called Circle of Friends Pre-Swim leave-in spay conditioner. It's hard to find but you can google it to get more info.

KingstonsMom · ‎03-09-2010

There are also shampoos in drug stores, to protect hair from chlorine in pools.

Ultra Swim

This popular shampoo for swimmers contains vitamin E, aloe and other conditioners which help add moisture back to the hair. The manufacturer claims that it is gentle enough for everyday use and that it is suitable for all types of hair including permed, lightened and color treated. It contains EDTA. The price as of 2010 is approximately $5 for a 7-oz. bottle. The company also offers a conditioner.

Anyone that swims in a chlorinated swimming pool regularly is used to the problem of chlorine build up in hair. One of the best ways to prevent build up is to saturate the hair with water approximately 15 minutes before entering the pool. This allows the hair to absorb this water and not the pool water. While it is true that normal tap water contains some chlorine, it is much less chlorinated than most municipal swimming pools. The shampoos that remove chlorine from the hair best use a chemical from the Dow Corporation called ethylendiamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). This chemical binds (chelates) with the chlorine and can be washed from the hair. It is also used as a cleaning ingredient in many industries. For those that prefer a more organic solution, use citric acid from fruits or a rice-based chelate.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/89935-shampoos-remove-chlorine-hair/

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ItsME · ‎03-10-2010

I agree with @redwingsgal. ..... assuming you're not planning to convert to a salt water pool, wet the hair with fresh water first. It will help, as it will prevent it from soaking in as much chlorine. You should also look for a shampoo that is made for removing chlorine from from hair.... but that might be harsh. I'd lo a lot of conditioning, and also look for a pre-treatment product.

Mz iMac · ‎07-26-2014

I haven't seen a bathing cap in eons!!!! Olympic swimmers do not count. LOL

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."

Buck-i-Nana · ‎09-28-2010

Changing to a salt-water system would be extremely expensive. You could go to a "low chlorine" system that attaches to your existing pump/filter system. There are 2 that I know of, Aqua Smarte and King Technology Pool Frog. I know the Pool Frog makes a system for in-ground pools as well as on-ground pools.

These systems use a mineral based system to help keep the water clean and sanitary that works in combination with chlorine "back packs" that load into the system. You use much lower amounts of chlorine which is easier on the hair and skin and the water stays clean, clear and well balanced.

ETA - Amazon has tons of really cute swim caps!

ChrissyKR · ‎03-29-2016

@Buck-i-Nana wrote:
Changing to a salt-water system would be extremely expensive. You could go to a "low chlorine" system that attaches to your existing pump/filter system. There are 2 that I know of, Aqua Smarte and King Technology Pool Frog. I know the Pool Frog makes a system for in-ground pools as well as on-ground pools.

These systems use a mineral based system to help keep the water clean and sanitary that works in combination with chlorine "back packs" that load into the system. You use much lower amounts of chlorine which is easier on the hair and skin and the water stays clean, clear and well balanced.

ETA - Amazon has tons of really cute swim caps!

My kids swim a lot and I use the trouble free pool method and their hair is always in great shape. Please don't use mineral packs or any of that stuff. It adds tons of garbage your pool doesn't need.

Google trouble free pool. It is very economical and you only add stuff your pool actually needs and everyone who comes to house house comments on how great my pool is. My family is pool snobs and won't swim anywhere else. My pool company always tells me I could be the poster child for a perfect pool but they don't sell me any chemicals so they don't make any money off me.