Yes, pool water can be damaging to colored hair. Chlorine, a common pool chemical, reacts negatively with artificial hair color.
How Chlorine Damages Colored Hair
- Color Fading: Chlorine bonds with artificial hair color, causing it to fade quickly. This leads to a loss of vibrancy and dullness in your hair color.
- Greenish Tint: Chlorine reacts with copper in the water to form a compound that can stain hair a pale green. This is especially noticeable in lighter colored hair.
The reference material states that chlorine will bond with the artificial color and draw it out quickly. It also highlights the reaction of chlorine with copper, resulting in a greenish discoloration of the hair.
Protecting Colored Hair from Pool Water
To minimize damage, consider these precautions:
- Wet Hair Before Swimming: Wetting your hair with clean water before entering the pool helps to minimize chlorine absorption.
- Use a Protective Cap: A swim cap creates a barrier, protecting your hair from direct exposure to chlorinated water.
- Rinse Thoroughly After Swimming: After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water to remove chlorine residue.
- Use a Color-Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner: These products are formulated to help maintain color vibrancy and protect against damage.