Dyeing your hair is an exciting way to switch up your look and express your personal style. However, if you're a frequent swimmer or planning to take a dip in a swimming pool, salt water or the ocean, you might be wondering if it's safe to go swimming after dyeing your hair, especially if you've opted for an option which includes bleaching or a semi-permanent hair dye.
Can You Go In A Swimming Pool After Dyeing Hair?
In this blog post, we will delve into the topic and explore the effects of pool water, chlorine, saltwater, and UV rays on colour-treated hair. Additionally, we will provide you with essential tips and precautions to maintain vibrant, healthy hair while enjoying your pool days. We'll also cover off the concern on whether it's safe to jump into a relaxing hot tub after dyeing your hair. The combination of chemicals from hair dye and the hot water environment can potentially cause adverse effects. So in this post, we'll also explore the factors involved and provide some helpful tips to ensure you can enjoy a hot tub experience without compromising your newly coloured locks.
Understanding the Hair Dyeing Process
Before we delve into the dilemma, it's important to understand the basics of the hair dyeing process. Hair dye typically contains chemicals like ammonia and hydrogen peroxide, which help break down the natural pigment in your hair and allow the new colour to take hold. These chemicals can leave the hair cuticles more porous, making them vulnerable to external factors.
Understanding Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
Semi-permanent hair dye is a popular choice for those looking to experiment with different colours without committing to a long-lasting change. Unlike permanent hair colour, semi-permanent dyes do not penetrate the hair shaft deeply and tend to fade gradually with each wash. They typically contain fewer harsh chemicals and are gentler on the hair cuticle, making them less likely to cause damage.
The Impact of Pool Water on Colour-Treated Hair
Swimming in a chlorinated pool can affect your hair, regardless of its colour. Chlorine is a bleaching agent and can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. When it comes to colour-treated hair, chlorine can cause the dye molecules to react, resulting in a potential change in the colour of your hair. Blonde hair is particularly susceptible to turning to a bit of a greenish tint due to the presence of copper in some pool waters. Saltwater pools, although less harsh than chlorinated pools, can also have a drying effect on hair. So it's important to think about what type of water you'll be swimming in and for how long each of these swimming sessions might be.
The Impact of Hot Water on Hair
Hot water in a hot tub can be both a friend and a foe to your hair. While warm water helps open up the hair cuticles, allowing for better absorption of conditioners and treatments, excessively hot water can strip away natural oils and moisture, leaving your hair dry and brittle. The combination of hair dye chemicals and hot water may exacerbate these effects.
Pre-Swim Preparations for Colour-Treated Hair
To minimize the potential damage to your colour-treated hair while swimming, there are several precautions you can take. Consider these steps before diving into the pool:
Use a Swim Cap
Wearing a swimming cap is the best way to create a physical barrier between your hair and the pool water, reducing the exposure of your hair to chlorine or saltwater.
Apply Leave-In Conditioner
Before swimming, apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair. This can create a protective layer and help retain moisture in your hair strands.
Rinse with Clean Water
Wet your hair with clean water before entering the pool. This can help limit the absorption of chlorinated or salt water, as your hair will already be saturated with clean water. Most pools will have some kind of showering facility available to swimmers, whether that is poolside or contained within the changing rooms.
During and After Swim Care
While you're enjoying your swim session, it's crucial to keep these guidelines in mind:
Limit Chlorine Exposure
Minimize the amount of time your hair spends in chlorinated water by keeping your swimming sessions short.
Rinse Thoroughly
After swimming, it's a good idea to rinse your hair immediately with clean water to remove any residual pool water. This helps wash away chlorine or salt water and prevents it from further drying out your hair.
Use a Clarifying Shampoo
Once you're out of the pool, use a clarifying shampoo designed to remove chlorine and saltwater build-up. This will help maintain the vibrancy of your hair colour.
Deep Condition and Nourish
Treat your hair with a deep conditioner or hair mask to replenish moisture and nutrients lost during swimming. Look for products specifically formulated for colour-treated hair.
Protect from UV Rays
Exposure to sunlight and UV rays can fade hair colour. Consider wearing a hat or using hair products with built-in UV protection to shield your colour-treated hair from damage.
Can You Go In A Hot Tub After Dyeing Hair?
Several factors come into play when determining whether it's safe to immerse your hair in a hot tub after dyeing:
Time
Wait at least 48 to 72 hours after dyeing your hair before exposing it to hot tub water. This allows the colour molecules to settle fully and reduces the risk of colour bleeding or fading.
Hair Type
Different hair types have varying degrees of sensitivity. If you have fine or damaged hair, it's advisable to exercise extra caution, as hot water can be more damaging.
Quality of Hair Dye
The type and quality of hair dye used can influence how long the colour remains vibrant. Higher-quality dyes tend to adhere better and may be less likely to be affected by hot water.
If you are planning on taking a dip in a hot tub after dyeing your hair, here are a few tips which are similar to the swimming pool ones but specifically for hot tubs.
Cover Your Hair
Consider wearing a swim cap or tying your hair up to prevent direct contact with the hot tub water.
Rinse Thoroughly
Before entering the hot tub, rinse your hair with fresh water to remove any residual dye that could potentially contaminate the water.
Protect Your Hair
Apply a leave-in conditioner or a hair treatment specifically formulated to shield your hair from chlorine or other chemicals in the hot tub water.
Limit Exposure
Minimize the duration of your hot tub session to reduce the impact of hot water on your hair. Aim for shorter sessions, and remember to take regular breaks to keep your hair dry.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Colour-Treated Hair
In addition to the precautions mentioned above, here are some extra tips to ensure the longevity and health of your colour-treated hair:
Choose the Right Hair Products: Opt for shampoos, conditioners, and styling products specifically designed for colour-treated hair. These products are formulated to be gentle and help preserve your hair colour.
Avoid Heat Styling: Excessive heat can strip the colour from your hair. Minimize the use of heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons, or use them on the lowest heat setting.
Protect from Harsh Chemicals: Be cautious when using hair products that contain harsh chemicals such as sulfates and ammonia. These can accelerate colour fading and cause damage to your hair fibres.
Hydrate with Moisturizing Oils: Incorporate moisturizing oils, such as coconut oil, argan oil, or Moroccan oil, into your hair care routine. These oils can help nourish and hydrate your colour-treated hair, preventing chlorine damage, dryness and brittleness.
Get Regular Haircuts: Trim your hair regularly to remove split ends and maintain healthy hair strands. This will prevent breakage and maintain the integrity of your colour.
Take Precautions
In conclusion, while it is possible to go swimming after dyeing your hair, there are precautions you should take to protect your colour-treated locks. Allow time after dyeing your hair, use a swim cap, rinse with clean water, and take post-swim care steps like using clarifying shampoos and deep conditioners can help maintain your vibrant hair colour. Remember, every hair type and dye job is unique, so adjust these tips based on your specific needs. By following the rules of hair maintenance and providing your colour-treated hair with the necessary care, you can confidently enjoy pool or spa days without compromising your new hair colour.
Here are our recommendations for the best swim caps for you to use if you want to protect your newly dyed hair when swimming or taking part in a spa day.
Halocline Premium Swim Cap - Iris Pink
This beautiful Halocline Premium Swim Cap is the matching swimming cap to our popular Iris swimsuits. This particular design matches the Iris Pink Ombre swimsuit. You'll love the comfort and fit that this swimming cap offers as it's made from premium, 100% high-grade, hypoallergenic silicone. It has a unique suede surface treatment which also helps improve the comfort level. It will stretch and recover readily and easily, so you can be sure of the best fit whilst swimming. This swim cap measures 22.5cm x 19.2cm and is suitable for both male and female adult swimmers.
Long Hair Swim Cap - Sky Blue
This is one of our best sellers for those who have long or very thick hair, as it has a specially designed shape to accommodate additional hair at the rear of the hat. This design also features a non-slip inside to ensure that it stays put. Being another of our premium Halocline swim caps, this Long Hair Swim Cap is also made from 100% hypoallergenic premium silicone. Our swimmers also enjoy the fact that this is made from a unique new special compound which allows more elasticity and recovery in the silicone - giving you, the swimmer, peace of mind that your swimming hat will fit and last for a long time.
High Visibility Swim Cap - Flo Yellow
Our High Visibility Swim Cap in Flo Yellow is the perfect option for those with newly dyed hair who want to protect it whilst also being seen in the water. This swimming cap will provide the protective barrier needed whilst also being a smart choice for open-water swimmers. The contrasting black logo against the yellow help these hats stand out. Our swimmers can protect their hair whilst wearing this cap as it is made from a premium 100% high-grade silicone swim cap. This swimming cap is ideal for those who spend more time in the water during longer or endurance swims. This cap also features the unique suede surface treatment for improved comfort and feel whilst also having great elasticity and recovery. This swimming cap measures 22.5cm x 19.2cm, and it is designed for both male and female adult swimmers.
If these swimming caps aren't quite what you are looking for, we have a whole range of swimming caps over in our swim hat collection. We also have a dedicated blog post about swimming caps, so if you want to be in the know about why you should be wearing a swimming cap during your swim, we've got all the details.