The Hidden Dangers of Chlorinated Water For Children's Hair & How to Prevent Them
We all know that chlorinated water isn’t great for our hair. With consistent contact, it can dry it out, making it brittle and lifeless. But did you know that chlorinated water can also be dangerous for children's hair?
The Dangers of Chlorinated Water
Chlorinated water is often used in swimming pools to keep the water clean and safe. Ironically, when children swim in chlorinated water, the chlorine can harm their hair, stripping it of its natural oils and moisture. Over time, this can lead to chronically dry and damaged hair.
Australian kids do a lot of swimming in both swimming pools and the ocean, which results in “swimmers’ hair, “or chlorinated and/or salty hair. If not treated properly, this can end up causing extensive damage to a child’s hair. Since their hair is still developing, kids are more susceptible to extensive damage to their hair follicles.
Chlorinated Water and Scalp Problems
If you suspect that your child's scalp is dry or itchy due to exposure to chlorinated water, there are several things you can do:
- Have them take a shower with lukewarm water immediately after swimming. This will help remove any chlorine residue from their hair and skin.
- Use a mild shampoo on their hair and scalp. Avoid using shampoos that contain harsh chemicals or fragrances, as these may further irritate their skin. Instead, look for products that are natural, gentle, and hypoallergenic.
- You could also try an egg white mask, which is known to be helpful in treating scalp psoriasis. Apply it evenly on the wet scalp and let it sit for about 20 minutes before rinsing off thoroughly with cold water.
- Apply a natural, plant-based moisturizing cream or lotion on their scalp and skin. This will help soothe any irritation and prevent their skin from drying out.
If your child's scalp is severely dry or itchy, you should consult a doctor to rule out any other underlying conditions.
How To Protect Your Kids from The Dangers of Chlorinated Water in Australia
There are several ways to protect your child's hair from damage caused by chlorinated water:
- Use a shampoo and conditioner that are designed for swimmers' hair - these products will help replenish lost moisture and nourish your child's hair.
- Apply leave-in conditioner or oil before swimming - this will create a barrier between your child's hair and the chlorine.
- Wet your child's hair completely before they get into the pool - this will help dilute the chlorine that comes into contact with their hair.
Chlorinated water can be damaging to children's hair, but there are several ways to protect them. The best way to avoid these problems is to take a shower with lukewarm water immediately after swimming and use mild soaps or cleansers on their body. Another great option is to use a natural, plant-based hair products that nourish their hair and scalp after the harshness of the chlorine.
Eekoloks natural shampoo and conditioner are designed with chlorinated swimmer’s hair in mind. Because swimming should be fun and stress free!