Hair Loss Causes: How Does Chlorine Affect Your Hair?

For years, the answer to the question of whether or not chlorinated water in the swimming pool causes hair loss remains a mystery. In fact, various scientists have long argued about whether the high levels of chlorine in swimming pools have some undesirable effects on the quality of hair.

Now, let’s shed light to this unanswered mystery. Let’s take a closer look at chlorinated water of swimming pools. Is hair indifferent to it or can it be one of the hair loss causes?

Clinical Study

According to active.com, the levels of chlorine found in swimming pools can cause damage to the hair. However, it is neither one of the hair loss causes nor does it induce hair thinning problems.

A study published in The Journal of Dermatology revealed that chlorine causes discolouration and a change in hair texture.

In the said study, a team of researchers examined 67 professional swimmers and 54 non-swimmers. The researchers showed that 61% of the swimmers exhibited signs of hair discolouration, compared with the non-swimmers.

The researchers also revealed that the hair discoloration coincided with surface damage of the swimmers’ nail plates due to the effects of chlorine. However, though the swimmers’ hair appeared dryer, more brittle and coarser than the non-swimmers’, they did not exhibit higher rates of hair loss and hair thinning problems.

Considerations

Although the amount of chlorine found in swimming pools has already been eliminated from the list of hair loss causes, it causes hair damage by bonding itself to the hair, leading to easily breakable hair and an onset of split-ends.

Solutions

Individuals can minimise the effects of chlorine to the hair by using herbal shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated to remove the chlorine content in the hair follicles.

It is also recommended to use a swimming cap when going for a swim in chlorinated water. Wetting the hair prior to swimming can also reduce the amount of chlorine absorbed into the hair cuticles.

The Bottom Line

Chlorinated water in swimming pools can damage the hair, but it cannot necessarily be a cause of hair loss and hair thinning problems.