Hair Dye and Chlorine 101; All Hair Colors Can Be Affected NOT Just Blondes

When it comes to swimming, hair color, and chlorine it can turn into a huge disaster, especially if the hair dye starts to bleed into the pool. Most people always think just the "Blondes" get affected by the chlorine, but that's not true. Red hair dyes, browns, purple, and even black can all go wrong if not protected the right way. Who wants to leave a trail of hair color in the pool? How embarrassing is that?

Swim Waiting Time And Protection After Coloring Hair

There is no wrong or right time when it comes to swimming. You can go into a pool or ocean after coloring your hair as long as you protect it. By protection I mean a swimming cap, sunscreen, and a deep conditioner. I know half of us women are so vain, and don't want to be caught wearing a huge condom looking cap on our heads right?

Well, instead of purchasing a plain color, opt for a cap with flowers all over it, flowers just on the side, camo print, animal print, or if all fails and you still feel like your wearing a rubber condom on your head wear a bandana or head scarf. Although the bandana or scarf won't be as secure, at least your hair, scalp, and color will still be somewhat protected. Something is better than nothing, especially if you don't want your new hair color to leak out.

Make Sure All Excess Hair Dye Is Out Before Swimming

Once we dye our hair a new color, sometimes we're afraid of washing it too many times due to the fading factor. However, if you don't get all the dye out it will end up in the pool with you.

After the color wash the hair using a gentle color treated and anti-fading ingredients. No medicated shampoos or clarifying. Give the hair a good scrub, lather, and rinse with warm water. Then repeat again, but this time, use hot water for the first few seconds of rinsing to help get rid of any excess hair dye on the scalp and hair. Once the water runs clear, rinse with cold water to lock the color in. The hot water removes hair dye, so only do this after you first wash it like mentioned above.

If the water runs clear after two shampoos, then you shouldn't have an issue in the pool.

Washing Chlorine Out correctly

You can use a shampoo that is specifically for removing chlorine out of hair, or you can use baking soda, tomato paste, or vinegar. The main key here, is to rinse in cold water. Hot water will activate the chlorine, and also make the new hair color/dye run. This process should be done immediately after swimming is possible.

If you swim a lot, every other day try to mix some baking soda with your shampoo. This will help remove any excess chlorine you didn't get out the first time.

Sources: Professional Beautician