Our hair is constantly exposed to environmental stressors, the most dangerous of which are chemicals from swimming pools (chlorine) and UV rays – whether from the sun or artificial sources (tanning beds). This combination creates a synergistic effect that leads to the loss of natural oils and moisture necessary for a healthy hair structure.
Causes of damage: Chemical and Photodegradation
Hair becomes damaged when its outer protective layer (the cuticle) is damaged. This happens in two main ways:
1. Chemical attack: The effect of chlorine
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Sebum removal: Chlorine, used to disinfect swimming pool water, is a strong oxidant. It literally “washes away” the natural lipids and oils (sebum) from the surface of the hair, leaving it dry, porous and unprotected.
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Increased porosity: When the cuticle is opened and damaged by chlorine, hair becomes highly porous. This makes it susceptible to a build-up of chemicals and minerals, which can lead to color changes—most commonly a green tint in blonde hair.
2. Photodegradation: UV damage
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Protein Destruction: UV rays (UVA and UVB) have the ability to penetrate the hair shaft and destroy keratin proteins and the disulfide bonds that maintain its structure.
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Pigment oxidation: UV rays oxidize pigment (melanin), leading to color fading and loss of shine.
Over time, this combination of chlorinated water and UV radiation can leave hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Internally, a lack of hydration or nutrients only compounds the problem, making hair even more fragile.
How to fix the problem: Proactive protection routine
To keep your hair healthy despite regular swimming or exposure to UV light, a targeted care regimen is necessary:
1. Neutralization and detoxification
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Before swimming: Apply a leave-in conditioner or dampen your hair with clean water. This will saturate your hair with moisture and reduce the amount of chlorine it can absorb.
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After swimming: Wash your hair with chelating shampoos. These shampoos are designed to remove chlorine residue and mineral build-up before they can cause permanent damage or discoloration.
We recommend you:
Summer Hair Shampoo, Enriched with Gold Particles, 250 ml : The product is designed to give your hair a radiant shine and vitality, especially when it is exhausted by UV rays or solarium. Jojoba oil and olive oil deeply hydrate and soften the hair, making it silky soft and easy to comb. Whether you are at the beach or in the city, this shampoo will protect your hair from harmful UV rays and keep it healthy and shiny.
2. Intensive hydration and protection
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Restore moisture: Use hydrating masks or hair serums rich in proteins and emollients. These products are key to restoring moisture, closing the cuticle, and increasing elasticity, which protects hair from breakage.
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UV Protection: Before exposure to the sun (or solarium), apply products that contain UV filters. They create a protective film around the hair, protecting it from photodegradation and heat damage.
We recommend you:
Nourishing and hydrating mask for treated hair with argan oil, 250 ml : The mask restores hair vitality. Argan oil, often called "liquid gold", is known for its powerful nourishing properties. This mask penetrates deep into the hair, restoring its damaged structure and giving it a healthy shine. Regular use will make your hair soft, elastic and resistant to external influences.
With consistent care and the right products, you can keep your hair resilient and shiny, regardless of the challenges of the pool or the environment.