If you’ve just had your hair colored or permed and wonder if you’ll be able to go for that dip, we have some answers later! But first, let’s talk about why this is such an important question.
There are many reasons to dye your hair. Perhaps you’re feeling adventurous, want to try out new colors, or feel like experimenting with different shades. Whatever your reason, there will always come the point when you need to decide whether or not to get wet. And while most people would probably say yes, sometimes the answer isn’t so obvious.
The problem here is that certain chemicals are used during processing which may cause damage to the coloring once the moisture hits them. This could result in fading of the color over time or even changes in texture. So how long should you wait before heading into the sea or taking part in a fun-filled day at the beach? Keep reading to find out.
PS, you might be interested in: Can I Dye My Hair Again The Next Day?
Can you swim in the pool after dying your hair?
First things first, what exactly happens when you use chemical dyes? They react with melanin, one of three types of protein found naturally in our skin and hair. Melanin gives color to the pigment responsible for producing red/dark brown/black hair and giving us tanned skin. While these proteins usually work together, they also become damaged by exposure to sunlight, heat styling tools like curling irons or straightening irons, chlorine from pools, and other harsh substances. Once exposed to any of these elements, the proteins break down and lose their ability to give your hair its natural shade.
Each time you dye your hair, you risk permanently damaging those precious melanocytes causing the color change. For example, if you bleach blonde hair, the process damages the very cells needed to produce darker tones. That said, no matter how much care was taken while applying the final product, it usually takes up to 14 days before all traces of damage disappear entirely. For the results to last longer than this period, you’ll need to avoid direct contact between your head and the environment until then. Luckily, the only thing standing between you and your next summer look is a quick shower.
What does chlorine do to dyed hair?
Chlorine gas is quite dangerous because it reacts with organic molecules such as sugars, fats, alcohol, and aromatic compounds. When mixed with hydrogen chloride, it becomes powerful enough to strip away several bonds from whatever molecule gets hit. As a result, it breaks apart DNA strands, disrupts cell membranes, and weakens enzymes. It doesn’t take long for these effects to show themselves either. Chlorination has been proven to decrease sperm count in men who spend too much time around it, making it potentially hazardous to both males and females alike.
There are two main ways chloramines can impact it as far as hair goes. Firstly, they have been known to strip away protective oils which help keep your scalp hydrated, leaving your locks dryer and more prone to damage. Secondly, they can also remove essential nutrients required for healthy growth. If you’re using a shampoo designed specifically for bleached hair, chances are it contains ingredients meant to combat both of these issues. However, if you don’t know anything about shampoos, this is where conditioners come in. Conditioners contain moisturizing agents whose job is to replenish lost oils and restore vital nutrients. Using one after another can effectively counteract the adverse side effects caused by chlorine.
Can I swim at the beach after dying my hair?
Yes, absolutely. There are a few problems that occur less often when going to the beach that involves your hair. One of them is sunburn – something you definitely wouldn’t want to happen when wearing sunscreen. Sunscreens protect against UVB rays, mostly absorbed through tanning beds and sun lamps. These rays aren’t strong enough to harm your hair, meaning you won’t get burnt while lying under the hot sunshine. On top of that, if you follow proper procedure and apply sunscreen generously, you shouldn’t experience any allergic reactions either.
Another issue that might pop up is dehydration. Just like regular showers, saltwater baths require plenty of freshwaters to prevent drying out your hair. Even though saltwater itself is harmless to human health, seawater holds high sodium bicarbonate concentrations. Not only does it raise blood pressure and heart rate, but it can leave you dehydrated due to excessive sweating. Because of this, it’s recommended to rinse off immediately afterward and make sure to drink lots of fluids throughout the rest of the day. You were drinking a glass of lukewarm milk after a bath is considered safe since it acts as a mild diuretic without raising insulin levels.
Finally, remember that although chlorine is harmful to your hair, it’s still better than ammonia or hydrogen peroxide-based products. Ammonia strips hair of its natural oil content, leading to the frizzy, unmanageable mane. Hydrogen peroxide works similarly to ammonia, except it’s harsher on the cuticle. Both of these options are good choices to cleanse your hair. However, they’re unsuitable for washing every week.
Your best bet is to stick to the following routine whenever possible: wash your hair daily, followed by a weekly conditioning treatment. Or else, consider switching to a gentler alternative such as sulfate-free shampoos.
How To Protect Died Hair
Although you can safely visit the ocean or lake after dying your hair, it’s worth noting that doing so isn’t entirely necessary. Many salons offer services intended to minimize the amount of damage done to customers’ hair. Some of them include special rinses and treatments aimed to limit the effect of chlorine. Others recommend covering your hair with plastic bags and wrapping them tightly with bandages soaked in vinegar.
Unfortunately, none of these methods are foolproof. Most of them only serve to delay the inevitable rather than entirely prevent the damage. What’s worse, the chemicals involved in these procedures are generally pretty expensive. If you’d prefer to skip them altogether, nothing stops you from protecting yourself on your own instead.
Here are a couple of simple tips to follow that should reduce the chance of having to pull out all the stops next time you go to the beach:
- Apply a liberal anti-frizz serum directly onto damp hair before entering the water. Leave it on overnight before brushing out thoroughly.
- Avoid exposing your hair to extreme temperatures for extended periods. Don’t wear tight clothes or sit near a heater unless it’s unavoidable.
- Never pick at split ends since it increases the likelihood of infection. Also, never put metal objects near heated areas like stoves, radiators, etc.
- Use gentle brushes for blow-drying, and avoid rubbing your hands on your face. Instead, opt for disposable paper towels provided in bathrooms.
- Keep your hair protected as much as possible to prolong its lifespan. Use wide brims or turbans to shield it from rain, wind, and dust particles. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunrays and smoke. Wear hats and sunglasses to block direct light.
When bathing or swimming outdoors, bring along extra supplies of food, drinks, and medications. Have someone call your family members back home. Consider bringing a friend or relative who knows how to quickly and efficiently perform emergency CPR in case of cardiac arrest.
Conclusion
Going to the beach after dying your hair isn’t ideal, and neither is spending hours inside a steam room. However, it’s lovely to enjoy a nice soak in the pool now and again. All you need to do is prepare properly beforehand and follow a reasonable schedule. Always consult a professional hairstylist to ensure you choose the correct type of dye and coloring technique that suits your needs.
Check out: Best Guide To Permanent Ion Hair Dye
