Permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes are now an integral part of our routines for hair. It’s always fun to test new shades, blends and colours if you’re a lover of hair dyes.

But before you make your visit to the salon make a quick stop and think about if your hair is having the right condition for dyeing.

Swimming, for example, is a sport which puts your hair at risk because of the damaging effects of chlorine on hair. If you’re often swimming or have just been in the pool, have you thought about whether it’s acceptable to colour your hair with chlorine in the hair?

Learn what happens when chlorine is mixed with hair dyes, whether the chlorinated water in the pool is a problem for hair dye, and how long you should allow your hair to rest after swimming before dyeing your hair, and many more.

Does the chlorine in the pool has any reaction with you hair dye?

Yes! Chlorine is a negative reaction to hair dyes and will cause the hair’s colour turns dull and dry due to the fact that it’s another bleaching agent. Even if you’ve never employed a hair dye, chlorine could create a mess on your hair’s colour.

Chlorine can also block that dye from working properly on hair fibers. It prevents peroxide from opening the cuticles of hair in order to release the colour. This results in uneven distribution of colour across the fiber of hair.

This is the reason why swimming enthusiasts are advised to put on a waterproof cap to protect the hair against chlorine.

Showering prior to getting into your pool, and then applying conditioner to your hair can help guard your hair from chlorine reactions, the same way like washing your hair with a chlorine-removing shampoo after swimming is a great way to safeguard your hair.

Does the pool’s water affect the colour of your hair following swimming?

It’s not a good idea to colour your hair following swimming because the water in the pool could, and will most likely, cause a mess in the colour of your hair.

The aggressive nature of chlorine present in swimming pool water, when added with peroxide and ammonia in hair dyes, can cause serious, and even irreparable damage to hair.

The pool’s water certainly affects hair dye.

It’s also not recommended to go swimming right after dying your hair , as the chlorine could deplete and eradicate the colour, causing it to fade or even alter the tone of your hair colour in the event that you chose the lighter shade of dye for your hair.

Hair experts recommend that you wait until you’ve washed your hair at least one time before you swim, and typically, this takes between one and three days.

How long do you have to wait before dyeing your hair after swimming?

What you need to know depends on how long it takes to make your hair completely chlorine-free. It is possible to get the chlorine from your hair within a few minutes, meaning a long wait is not required.

If you’ve washed your hair thoroughly and properly rinsed it, you can then proceed to colour your hair. But, tell your hairstylist that you’ve been in the swimming pool so they can pay more attention and ensure that your hair is cleaned prior to dyeing it.

It’s not a bad idea to wait for a day or two after you have removed all chlorine in your hair prior to applying hair colour. Your scalp has time to create natural oils to provide additional hair protection.

Do I need to wash the chlorine out of my hair prior to colouring?

Absolutely! If you don’t clean away the chlorine from your hair and follow by colouring it, you will be falling into issues with multi-coloured hair and uneven tones as well as uneven distribution of colour, and even weak hair, particularly when you have dry or damaged hair.

In simple terms, the dye may not be effective in hair that contains chlorine. Likewise, damaged hair fiber is nearly certain.

How can you get rid of chlorine in your hair?

There are many methods to get rid of chlorine from your hair, such as homemade methods as well as the application of products. We will discover what they are.

1. Shampoo and Conditioner Wash

The easiest method to eliminate chlorine from hair is rinse it two times with chlorine removal conditioner and shampoo.

Start by soaking your hair with plenty of water. After that, apply your hair shampoo.

Massage the shampoo into your hair with a gentle motion and then rinse it out.

After that, apply your shampoo the second time and massage hair a few minutes as you would do when washing and make sure it is lathered properly.

Rinse your hair using warm water.

Apply conditioner on your hair focusing between the ends and the middle.

Last but not least, wash your hair well and then dry.

2. Use a chlorine-removal spray

Chlorine removal sprays are available in athletic and swimming stores. They can be used immediately after swimming.

After swimming, wash your hair prior to applying the hair spray followed by shampooing your hair.

While you shower, keep the bottle half an arm length away from your head , and spray the hair with the mist.

Then rinse off the mist of the spray with shampoo.

The spray neutralizes chlorine that is present in hair, thus preventing the irritation and damage it can cause.

Additionally, you can use chlorine-removal spray for your skin since they are designed for hair and the skin. They also assist you to eliminate chlorine smell and prevent any chlorine from irritating your skin.

3. Apple cider vinegar

After swimming, you may shampoo your hair using Apple Cider Vinegar instead of clarifying shampoo as it serves the same purpose.

Take 60ml of Apple Cider Vinegar and pour the mixture over your head in the shower time. Apply the vinegar to your hair’s tips and scalp by using your fingers.

After rubbing into your hair, wash off the vinegar using some warm water to ensure your hair remains clean.

Proceed with hair conditioning if you notice the smell of the vinegar which will help to eliminate it. There is no need to rinse your hair with shampoo since vinegar acts exactly like shampoo.

While Apple Cider Vinegar is effective however, it could remove your hair of its essential oils and nutrients So, don’t apply too frequently.

4. Use a baking soda paste

Make a measurement between 32g to 64g baking soda. Add sufficient water to turn it into an emulsified paste.

Make sure your hair is damp then apply baking soda paste, and then apply it all over your hair, starting from the scalp all the way to the tip.

Rinse the paste using shampoo and water. Baking soda can neutralize chlorine and eliminate any green colour that chlorine might have left behind.

Make sure to use a moisturizing shampoo after washing as baking soda can cause your hair to feel dry.

If you have light hair it is possible to repeat this several times, particularly to get rid of all green colour remaining.

5. Tomato juice, paste and Ketchup

The tomato products such as juice, paste and ketchup are all able to be used as a DIY chlorine remover for hair.

The tomato’s red colour is believed to help neutralize the green colour that is deposited because of the presence of chlorine on hair.

Apply either one of these products onto your damp hair  and massage it from your scalp until the hair ends. Apply it uniformly to your hair with a comb that has wide-tooth. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, then wash your hair during shower.

Proceed with your regular hair care routine once your hair is clean.

6. Club soda and lemon juice rinse

A citrus rinse made of lemon juice and club soda will remove chlorine from your hair leaving your hair in its natural condition.

Mix with a spatter of lemon juice and club soda from a lemon in the bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over your hair (whether damp or dry).

Make use of a comb that has a wide-toothed tip to comb through your hair to ensure even distribution.

Alternatively, you can put the mixture in spray bottles and then apply the mixture all over your hair.

Let the mixture sit on your hair for about 3-5 minutes and then wash it off in the shower.

After that, apply your normal shampoo and wash your hair.

If you suffer from dry or flaky, dry, or irritated scalp, you should avoid this procedure as it could cause further harm.

7. Special Chlorine Hair Treatment (for regular exposure to chlorine)

If you are a frequent swimmer and can’t afford the swimming shampoos and conditioners, this chlorine treatment can be ideal for you. They’re powder-like and are available in packs.

Massage them into your hair during the shower. It should rest for around two minutes before you wash it out.

This chlorine hair treatment can be used in conjunction with other products for chlorine removal, or as a stand-alone product.

8. Swimming Hair Care Products

Other products such as distilled water as well as rose water and argan oil, which includes regular conditioners for your hair are important for soothing your hair, especially if you’ve been afflicted by chlorine damage to your hair.

They can be applied and leave them in your hair, or rinse them off after letting them remain within your hair for a few minutes.

Additionally, applying a moisturizing treatment could aid in the repair of split ends after your hair is in contact with chlorine.

Final Comments:

Hair that is contaminated with chlorine could result in damaged and brittle hair and can even prevent the hair dye from functioning properly.

But, there’s no worries due to the steps that we have talked about and how they will assist you in eliminating chlorine from hair, while keeping it healthy.