Have you ever noticed how your hair feels and looks different after a swim in a chlorinated pool? Perhaps you’ve noticed that your straight hair transforms into beautiful curls or waves. This phenomenon has left many people wondering why chlorine has such a transformative effect on our hair. In this blog post, we will delve into the science behind this fascinating phenomenon and explore the reasons why chlorine makes your hair curly.
Chlorine makes hair curlier by oxidizing the cysteine amino acids in hair protein and stripping away natural oils and moisture.
The Science Behind Chlorine and Hair:
To understand why chlorine affects our hair, we must first understand the composition of our hair. Each strand of hair is made up of a protein called keratin. Keratin contains a high amount of cysteine amino acids, which have a unique attribute – they are susceptible to chemical changes.
When we expose our hair to chlorine, the chemical compound of chlorine reacts with the cysteine amino acids in our hair, causing a chemical reaction known as chlorination. During this process, the chlorine oxidizes the amino acids, leading to a structural change in the hair protein. As a result, the hair shaft becomes more porous and susceptible to changes in moisture levels.
The Role of Moisture in Hair Curling:
Moisture plays a crucial role in determining the shape of our hair. When our hair is dry, it tends to be straighter, while moisture in the hair can disrupt the hydrogen bonds that hold the proteins together and cause the hair to curl.
Chlorine not only oxidizes the cysteine amino acids but also strips away the natural oils and moisture from our hair, leaving it more porous than before. The increased porosity allows for easier absorption and retention of moisture, leading to a change in the hair’s natural shape.
The Effects of Chlorine and Porosity on Hair Shape:
The increased porosity caused by chlorine can have varying effects on different hair types. For individuals with naturally straight hair, the added moisture and porosity can lead to a slight wave or curl. On the other hand, individuals with already wavy or curly hair may experience a more pronounced curl after exposure to chlorine.
Additionally, the alkaline nature of chlorine can cause the hair’s cuticle layers to lift. This further enhances the porous nature of the hair shaft, making it more susceptible to moisture absorption and resulting in increased curliness.
Minimizing the Effects of Chlorine on Hair:
While the curly hair resulting from chlorine exposure can be a desirable change for some, others may prefer to minimize its effects. Here are a few tips to help protect your hair from chlorine:
Rinse before swimming: By saturating your hair with clean, non-chlorinated water before entering the pool, you reduce the amount of chlorine the hair can absorb.
Wear a swim cap: A swim cap acts as a physical barrier between your hair and the pool water, reducing chlorine exposure.
Use leave-in conditioner: Applying a leave-in conditioner to your hair before swimming can create a protective barrier, minimizing the amount of chlorine that comes into contact with your hair.
Rinse and wash after swimming: After swimming, it’s crucial to rinse your hair thoroughly with clean, non-chlorinated water and follow up with a clarifying shampoo to remove any chlorine residue.
Natural Remedies and Products to Counteract Chlorine Damage
If you prefer natural remedies, there are several options to counteract chlorine damage. One effective method is to rinse your hair with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. This helps to neutralize the chlorine and restore the hair’s natural pH balance. Another natural remedy is to apply coconut oil to your hair before swimming. The oil acts as a protective barrier and helps to prevent chlorine from penetrating the hair shaft. Additionally, there are numerous hair care products available on the market that are specifically designed to combat chlorine damage.
Chlorine has the unique ability to alter the structure of our hair, making it more porous and prone to moisture absorption. This, in turn, can result in a change in the hair’s natural shape, causing it to become curlier. While this effect may be desirable for some, others may prefer to minimize the impact of chlorine on their hair. By following a few simple steps, such as rinsing before swimming and using leave-in conditioner, you can protect your hair and minimize the curling effects of chlorine. Embrace your curls or take precautionary measures – the choice is yours!
