This is an interesting short New York Times commentary on a Dermatology Journal article about hair loss due to chlorine in pools. Despite the overall health benefit of swimming most women, particularly African American girls and women, don’t choose swimming as a major recreational sport, due to the perceived negative effects on their hair. Scientific data does not support the fact that chlorine leads to hair loss but it does not dispel the fact that it has detrimental effects on hair and skin. The most common question I get from my patients on this issue is “how can I protect my hair when I swim?” Some helpful tips for decreasing hair damage are:
Ø Rinse hair thoroughly before entering pool
Ø Apply oil-free conditioner
Ø Use of swim caps
Ø Weekly treatment mask – leave on overnight with shower cap
Ø Do not enter chlorinated water after chemically treating your hair
2 comments:
i think that this will help alot of african american girls/ women who are afraid to get their hair wet. swimming is a great cardio workout.
I have been swimming for years,the tips are very helpful, I agree with anonymus that alot of african american girls and women who are afraid to get their hair wet and also afraid of the damage that can be done in the pool.
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