Chlorine removal from hair (shampoo, dying, color, blonde)

[EB2]

I've been swimming a lot (and living in FL with the sun [as much as I avoid it, because I'm not fond of burning + skin damage, even with a sunblock]) - my hair is drying out pretty badly. So, I went to Sally Beauty Supply today, hoping to find the ION Swimmer's shampoos but they were sold out. I opted instead (for now) for the ION Purifying Solutions Swimmer's Leave-In Conditioner (basically an anti-chlorine detangler, with sunscreen)

I applied it this afternoon, to dry hair, and so far I like it. But has anyone else used it? Any thoughts on it? Is it safe to use daily? (I forgot to ask the sales woman).

Also, does anyone have any suggestions for brands (less than 10.00 a bottle, preferably), or anything I can use to help keep the chlorine from further wrecking my hair? (I do the whole deal with wetting my hair before getting in the pool + washing hair before it dries with the chlorine in it)

TIA.

[ruejacobs]

i tried L'Oreal Kids 2-in-1 Shampoo, Extra Gentle, Splash of Sunny Orange years ago and have stuck with it ever since. it's cheaper, better, and gentler. i stock up on that stuff! also, i use alot of silicon oil to coat my hair, before braiding it whenever i go swimming...it cuts back on the damage.

[bande1102]

Can't recommend a specific product, but one thing that is helping me alot is not washing my hair so frequently. I wet before I get in the pool and then immediately rinse it with cool water (no shampoo), thoroughly, and let air dry. I'm only washing with shampoo a few times a week at this point. I'm blonde with highlights and this is what's working for me.

[tentyler]

there is some special shampoo you can get at vitamin shoppe made specifically for this. You could give it a try.
http://www.self-confdence-coach.com/flashstuff/images/11.gif (broken link)
http://www.self-confdence-coach.com/flashstuff/images/10.gif (broken link)

[mobilecomb]

I once worked with a stylist that was a bleached blonde. She got in a hot tub and when she dunked down and got her hair wet it turned slate, blueish black. She should have just avoided the water all together.

Chemicals on hair changes the porisity.? Maybe mispelled.
Hair is chemistry. I think the product line Nexxus has a product called Epitomy and it will put the hair to a natural PH. You will have to excuse the mispelling for I have been away from the salon for several years.
I do try to keep up as much as possible.

Bleaches are very easily to over process the hair. This is the reason people should use a professional stylist or color Tech. Call directly one of the Goulds Salons for they do hire nothing but the best.

Maybe it is time to go red or brunette. Winter is coming and colors that are deeper and richer help one to look their best with all of the fall colors.

[EB2]

Thanks, mobile and all the rest. I'll look into the products suggested.

My hair is a dark blonde/light brown and sometimes has an auburnish tint. I have no intentions of bleaching or dying it, as I love my natural color and don't want to damage it further.

[fierce_flawless]

You might scoff at the suggestion... I know I did... but how about a swim cap?

I took 2 water related phys ed courses earlier this summer; water aerobics and swimming. Since it was a summer session, this meant a minimum of 3 hours a day in the chlorinated pool at school. Not good. I was seeing damage within the first week. I had ignored the instructor's recommendation to wear a swim cap until I started finding breakage!

After that, I wore a swim cap daily. First I would wet my hair in the shower, then coat it with conditioner (leave in or not, doesn't matter much), then put the swim cap on. Then after class I used a chlorine-removing shampoo (not sure what brand, I found it at my grocery store), then more conditioner. It successfully protected my hair for the remaining 7 weeks of class.

Yeah, swim caps are kinda ugly, but they do a good job if you condition first and get a properly fitting one. And, IMO, damaged hair is much uglier! There are some websites out there that sell swim stuff and only swim stuff, and I saw quite a few swim caps that were actually quite cute. I especially like the retro styled ones with flowers and such, just for the kitsch factor. Also there are different varieties and materials and sizes, so someone who has a lot of hair, or a larger head, or a smaller head, whatever, can easily find a cap that will work for their own situation. Oh, and they are usually pretty cheap ($5 to $10). The one I used was silicone and less than $4 at Walmart but if I was swimming more than that class I would have bought a more "fun" one.

[arielmina]

I have been using Kiehls All Sport Swimmers rinse shampoo on my daughter who swims alot and has very curly dry hair...I love it so far! Her hair is amazingly shiny and soft. It does cost around $18 per bottle so may be over your price range, but I love it.

All Sport Swimmers Cleansing Rinse for Hair and Body, Skincare and Body Formulations | Kiehl's Since 1851

[*Danielle*]

You could do a peroxide shampoo...

[Swimmer2001]

There is a product called SwimSpray (see Welcome | SwimSpray, LLC) that eliminates the smell/irritation caused by chlorinated pools. It's the best thing that I have every used. You just spray in on you after rinsing off the pool water and then use your shampoo and conditioner like you normally would.