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Swimming towards bald patches?
- By Susan Whitford
- Published 9th May, 2008
- Prevent Hair Loss
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Susan Whitford
Susan Whitford has twelve years experience as a health and beauty journalist in the United Kingdom. Susan has worked as a staff writer and features editor on a number of consumer magazines.
Although a weekly dip at the local pool may be doing the body lots of good... is it so healthy for the hair?
Recent findings suggest that it isn't, and that frequent exposure to the chemicals in swimming pools can significantly damage hair – and even worsen hair loss.
The chlorine in swimming pools bonds with hair protein and causes the cuticle - the protective scaly outer protein layer that covers each visible hair - to be eaten away, resulting in dry and brittle hair. This makes the hair weak and prone to being easily damaged by brushing or combing, which may lead to hair breakage, split ends, and even hair loss.
This doesn't mean giving up weekly exercise though, since there are some simple steps that can be taken to avoid hair damage and loss.
In the first instance, always wear a cap when swimming, as this will protect hair from most if not all damage.
Then, aim to wash hair with fresh water immediately after swimming. Use a shampoo which is pH balanced and contains sodium thiosulfate, as this will dissolve chlorine and help to reverse any damage.
Swimming is a great way to stay fit and healthy, so follow these simple steps and there's no need to sacrifice hair for health!
Recent findings suggest that it isn't, and that frequent exposure to the chemicals in swimming pools can significantly damage hair – and even worsen hair loss.
The chlorine in swimming pools bonds with hair protein and causes the cuticle - the protective scaly outer protein layer that covers each visible hair - to be eaten away, resulting in dry and brittle hair. This makes the hair weak and prone to being easily damaged by brushing or combing, which may lead to hair breakage, split ends, and even hair loss.
This doesn't mean giving up weekly exercise though, since there are some simple steps that can be taken to avoid hair damage and loss.
In the first instance, always wear a cap when swimming, as this will protect hair from most if not all damage.
Then, aim to wash hair with fresh water immediately after swimming. Use a shampoo which is pH balanced and contains sodium thiosulfate, as this will dissolve chlorine and help to reverse any damage.
Swimming is a great way to stay fit and healthy, so follow these simple steps and there's no need to sacrifice hair for health!
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2 Responses to "Swimming towards bald patches?"
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said this on 28 May 2008 2:41:02 PM BST
Not to do with hair, specifically, but good advice nevertheless is to always get into the shower every time before entering a swimming pool . The water slows down the absorption of chemicals including chlorine. This is certainly the case with skin, and might apply to hair too.
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Author/Admin)|
said this on 31 Jul 2008 6:57:29 AM BST
I have waist long and until recently very thick hair. I did not know swimming could cause problems. but recently, every time I brush my hair (3 to 4) times daily, there is an excessive amount of hair left on the brush, counter and floor. Most hairs still have their roots attached. But then I looked real close and noticed several short hairs along my part. So they must be breaking too. Then I took a handful and looked at the ends, they look awful and bent or twisted up. What is going on. The only thing I've been doing different for the past 45 days is swimming most every day for 1 to 2 hours. Can this really be the culprit???
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