Chlorine damage keeps me out of water...

[happa54]

Hello all....

I'm finding myself less motivated to get into the pool everyday because of the chlorine damage to my hair.

I swim 1 - 1.5 hours each day, but cutting back now because of this problem.

I am a male TI swimmer and am not one who is too concerned about my looks....however...my hair is turning redish in color and doesn't look nor feel like what I used to have prior to my 7 months of TI swimming. I'm afraid of permanent damage at this point.

I am using a swimmer's shampoo and rinse made by "ION". They work much better than standard shampoo, but the chlorine is still taking it's toll on my hair. I use these products immediately when leaving the pool.

Also wear a swimmers cap for minimum exposure to the chlorine.

Can someone recommend a product that may work better than what I am using?

Thank you

[KatieK]

Wetting your hair before you get in makes a big difference, especially to the way your hair feels. Some people use a leave-in conditioner instead, but I don't like that as well. For one thing, the leave-in conditioner can make your cap slide off.

Silicone and latex caps offer some protection; Lycra caps do not. Make sure to wash your hair as soon as you get out.

Chlorine won't permanently damage your hair. If you stop swimming, the damaged hair will grow out.

[grandall]

Originally Posted by happa54

Hello all....

I'm finding myself less motivated to get into the pool everyday because of the chlorine damage to my hair.

I swim 1 - 1.5 hours each day, but cutting back now because of this problem.

I am a male TI swimmer and am not one who is too concerned about my looks....however...my hair is turning redish in color and doesn't look nor feel like what I used to have prior to my 7 months of TI swimming. I'm afraid of permanent damage at this point.

I am using a swimmer's shampoo and rinse made by "ION". They work much better than standard shampoo, but the chlorine is still taking it's toll on my hair. I use these products immediately when leaving the pool.

Also wear a swimmers cap for minimum exposure to the chlorine.

Can someone recommend a product that may work better than what I am using?

Thank you

Hi Happa,
I use chlorine removing shampoo and neutralizer soap. You can buy both products from Amazon.
Hope this helps

[CoachToddE]

Haven't had this problem myself but many of the remedies I've heard follow KatieK's advice.

Good luck but don't give up the swimming. Maybe the pool but find some open water instead then.

[happa54]

I am a member of LA Fitness and make full use of their facilities.

Here is my routine...

1. shower and wet hair thoroughly...(I tried the leave-on-conditioner method but cap will not stay on and pool water gets milky)

2. swim with cap for 1 - 1.5 hours

3. leave pool and back to shower

4. shampoo with swimmer's shampoo (ION) and use swimmers conditioner (ION)

5. hair remains sorta redish and scraggly at the back of head and on sides above the ears. hair does not lay or look natural anymore....looks bad IMO

[ewa.swimmer]

Try something a little bit lighter than leave in conditioner. (Full Repair by John Frieda is one example). Seems to coat the hair nicely without being extra greasy.

[CoachDavidShen]

I use UltraSwim shampoo, available on Amazon.

I also use Barracuda Aquia Dechlorinating Gel for washing my body, also available on Amazon.

Both seem to work well for me in taking chlorine out of my hair, and the smell on my skin.

[swim2Bfree]

Another option is to re-define your preferences. Chlorine-damaged hair is ruggedly handsome, and chlorine smells delicious, like your morning coffee!

[happa54]

Now that is funny "Swim 2B Free"

But, I will take the high road and try the ultra swim shampoo/conditioner.

I've just read the Amazon customer reviews and it looks positive.

I've just placed my order and will report back on the results.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

[caronis]

And another option is to go the Kojack route. . . . However, rather than your hair turning reddish, you might find your scalp getting reddish from the LA Fitness Chicks getting their lipstick on it!
Trust me . . . Chicks dig bald heads.
25 years ago I went bald and wanted to jump off the the Golden Gate Bridge. 25 years later, and with the bald head . . . I'm Baldacious.