Swimming with Bleached Hair
A: The recommended waiting period is typically 24 to 48 hours after bleaching, though this timeline can vary significantly depending on your hair's current condition and the intensity of the bleaching process you've undergone.
This increased porosity is precisely why chlorinated pool water poses such a significant threat to freshly bleached hair. Chlorine is a powerful oxidizing agent that can react with any remaining pigments in your hair, often creating unwanted color changes. The most common result is a greenish tint, which occurs when chlorine interacts with trace amounts of copper found in pool water and combines with the yellow undertones that are often present in bleached hair. This chemical reaction can happen relatively quickly, sometimes within a single swimming session.
Beyond the color-changing effects, chlorine can also cause additional dryness and brittleness in already compromised bleached hair. The chemical can strip away what little natural oils remain in your hair and further damage the protein structure, leading to increased breakage, split ends, and an overall straw-like texture.
However, you don't have to avoid swimming altogether if you have bleached hair. There are several protective measures you can take to minimize damage and maintain your hair color. Specialized swimming products, often labeled as "swimmer's shampoos" or "chlorine-removing products," are specifically formulated to create a protective barrier between your hair and pool chemicals. These products typically contain ingredients that help seal the hair cuticle and prevent chlorine absorption.
For the best protection, consider applying a leave-in conditioner or hair oil before swimming, as this creates an additional protective layer. Coconut oil, argan oil, or specifically designed pre-swim treatments can be particularly effective. Additionally, wetting your hair with fresh water before entering the pool helps minimize chlorine absorption, as your hair will already be saturated with clean water rather than drawing in chlorinated water.
After swimming, it's crucial to rinse your hair immediately with fresh water and follow up with a clarifying or chlorine-removing shampoo. Deep conditioning treatments become even more important for bleached hair that's been exposed to pool chemicals, as they help restore moisture and repair some of the damage caused by both the bleaching process and chlorine exposure.
If you're planning to swim frequently during the summer months or you're a regular pool-goer, you might want to consider waiting longer than the standard 48 hours before your first swim, especially if your hair was heavily bleached or feels particularly fragile. Some hairdressers recommend waiting up to a week for severely damaged or over-processed hair to allow the cuticles to close as much as possible and for any chemical processing to fully stabilize.
©Hairfinder.com
See also:
The effect of chlorine on hair
How long must I wait until I can dye my hair after I've bleached it?
Can hair coloring turn my hair green if exposed to a lot of chlorine?