SLS helps remove any oily buildup that has occurred as a result of the mineral film, and a simple formula without lots of additives prevents interference with the chelating agent. For those who prefer to avoid shampoos and the surfactants found in them, a mixture of distilled water and vinegar can aid in the removal of the minerals. Follow up either treatment with a deep, moisturizing conditioner.
Chlorine Damage: Our hair gets exposed to chlorine both in swimming pools and in our shower. The effects of overexposure to chlorine can be excessive dryness, tangling, and breakage, as well as color fading. One way to minimize contact with chlorine in the swimming pool is to wet your hair prior to swimming and to saturate it with a good conditioner. This prevents the chlorine from entering the hair through the cuticle. After swimming, rinse hair immediately, in distilled water if possible. A mildly acidic rinse, in lemon juice, citric acid and water, or vinegar and water can also help remove chlorine from the hair. The acidic rinse also seals the cuticle, helping to maintain shine and minimizing tangling and breakage due to raised cuticle scales. Chlorine strips oil from the scalp and hair, so always follow up with a good conditioning treatment, as well.
If you experience problems with a green tinge to your hair after swimming, it isn’t actually chlorine causing the problem, but copper buildup that occurs when the pH of the pool is too low. It can be removed to some extent via a good chelating agent (EDTA, citric acid), but definitely adjust the pH of the pool as well (or recommend it be checked if it is a public pool).
As with hard water build-up problems, an ounce of prevention can be worth a pound of cure. Several means of protecting your hair and skin from the ravages of chlorine exposure are:
- Wear a bathing cap in the swimming pool
- Swim in non-chlorinated water where possible
- Install a shower filter that removes chlorine
Since most of us encounter water with less-than-ideal components in it on a fairly regular basis, it is a great idea to have on hand a good clarifying shampoo with some EDTA, citric acid, or other acids and a deep conditioner. Non-shampoo users can try a vinegar rinse with distilled water and vinegar. These can help remove buildup from hard water and/or chlorine and keep hair clean and moisturized. Remember to look for a shampoo containing a chelating agent and without too many extra additives or conditioning ingredients.
