Does bleach in water damage hair?

Author: Jesse McGlynn  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 22, 2025

It's generally recommended to wait at least 48-72 hours after bleaching your hair before going swimming. Bleaching can weaken the hair and make it more susceptible to damage from chlorine and other chemicals commonly found in swimming pools.

Is bleach water bad for your hair?

If bleach is applied to hair, it can lead to dryness, brittleness, and breakage, especially if left on for too long. On the scalp, bleach can cause irritation, burns, or chemical burns if it comes into contact with the skin, particularly if the skin is sensitive or if the bleach is not properly diluted.

What happens if you wash your hair with bleach water?

Hair products are made for hair, and household cleaners are way too strong for hair or skin. Chlorine bleach will melt your hair, most likely causing it to break and/or fall out. It will also probably burn your skin, and if you were to dilute it enough so it didn't burn skin you would not see any change to your hair.

Is swimming in a pool every day bad for your hair?

Short, occasional swims in chlorinated water shouldn't affect your hair much, but frequent exposure can result in damage. The chlorine strips away the natural oils, leaving hair porous and brittle. And, this is why it is always suggested to wear swim cap before entering into pool.

Does chlorine in shower water damage hair?

Chlorinated water can make your hair dry and weak, which can cause breakage. While regular tap water contains chlorine, it usually doesn't contain enough to be a problem for regular showers. But the increased amount found in pools can have damaging effects on your hair and skin with more frequent exposure.

Tips to protect skin and hair from chlorine damage

How do I protect my hair from chlorine water?

Protect your hair and scalp: Wear a swim cap, and shield your skin from direct exposure to chlorine by wearing a rash guard or swim shirt. Swim caps create a physical barrier that helps minimise chlorine exposure to the hair and scalp, thus reducing the risk of damage.

Can bleached water cause hair loss?

Does chlorine cause hair loss? Normal exposure to chlorine will NOT make you lose your hair. This myth was debunked after a study was published in the Journal of Dermatology.

Is chlorine hair damage reversible?

For kids with longer hair that swim multiple times a week, a Malibu Treatment once a month can really help reverse and prevent damage. For the casual summer swimmer, getting a treatment every 2-3 months helps remove the chlorine that has built up on their hair and scalp.

How do swimmers keep their hair healthy?

One of the most effective ways to protect your hair while swimming is by wearing a swim cap. A swim cap creates a barrier between your hair and the pool water, reducing the amount of chlorine your hair comes into contact with.

Does chlorine water cause grey hair?

Chlorinated water causes hair discoloration (1). Therefore, it may turn dark hair gray. Does chlorine turn brown hair blonde? Hair discoloration can be caused by chlorinated water (1).

Is it bad to put bleach on wet hair?

Effects of Water on Bleach

Bleaching wet hair alters the potency of the chemical, reducing potential damage to individual strands but potentially affecting the desired lightness. It's crucial to manage your bleach hair processing time meticulously to reach your ideal results.

How many levels will a bleach bath lift?

A bleach bath typically lightens hair by about 1-2 levels, but the result can vary based on factors like hair colour and processing time.

Why can't you bleach freshly washed hair?

Stylists advise that bleach does not need to go on clean hair, and that it's actually healthier for your hair to be a little oily when you bleach. In fact, the oils in your hair help to protect your scalp during the bleaching process. So, however tempting it may be, do not wash your hair before getting it bleached!

Is it okay to put a little bleach in your bath water?

If properly diluted and used as directed, a bleach bath is safe for children and adults. For best results: Add 1/4 cup (about 59 milliliters) of bleach to a 20-gallon (about 125-liter) bathtub filled with warm water. Or add 1/2 cup (about 118 milliliters) to a full tub.

What happens if you don't wash your hair after swimming in chlorine?

Chlorine and salt start breaking down your hair's protective layer immediately, leading to dry, brittle strands within 24 hours. And if you swim regularly without washing? Tests show your hair can lose up to 40% of its strength in just one week.

How do I protect my hair from bleaching water?

10 Expert Tips to Protect Bleached Hair from Chlorine and...
  1. Tip 1: Pre-Wet Your Hair.
  2. Tip 2: Apply a Protective Hair Mask.
  3. Tip 3: Wear a Swimming Cap.
  4. Tip 4: Rinse Immediately After Swimming.
  5. Tip 5: Use a Clarifying Shampoo.
  6. Tip 6: Leave-In Moisturising Hair Spray.
  7. Tip 7: Limit Sun Exposure.
  8. Tip 8: Stay Hydrated.

Will my hair get damaged if I swim every day?

Chlorine is an antimicrobial and algicidal chemical that's often used to keep pools clean, and unfortunately, every time you submerge your hair in a chlorinated water, damage is unavoidable.

Can I swim with bleached hair?

Yes it can, always remember if you have bleached hair and plan to swim in a pool, put some leave in conditioner in your hair beforehand.

Does putting coconut oil on your hair help?

Coconut oil can have many benefits for your hair and scalp. It is used to relieve dandruff, restore luster to dry and damaged hair, tame frizz, and protect hair against styling damage. It is safe to use on all hair types.

What does chlorine damaged hair look like?

One of the tell-tale signs of chlorine damage is a green hue on blonde hair, you may even notice dryness or a waxy feel, making it hard to run a brush through your locks. However, don't fret! We tapped a hair expert to help break down the damaging effects of chlorine on hair and how to help manage and prevent it.

How do you rehydrate your hair after chlorine?

Your hair should be rinsed thoroughly and immediately with fresh water and mild shampoo after a swim to remove chlorine deposits from your hair. Apply some leave-in conditioner or hair serum to replenish the moisture that chlorine has ripped off.

Does swimming cause tanning?

Do We Get Tan In A Swimming Pool? Yes, you can get a tan in a swimming pool if it is outdoors. The UV rays from the sun can penetrate the water and reach your skin, causing a tan. Additionally, water can reflect UV rays, potentially increasing your exposure.

What to eat to grow hair faster?

  • Eggs. Eggs contain various proteins that boost collagen production. ...
  • Green Leafy Vegetables. Green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins A, C, carotene, folate, and potassium. ...
  • Vitamin C-Rich Citrus Fruits. ...
  • Seeds and Nuts. ...
  • Carrots. ...
  • Whole Grain. ...
  • Soybeans. ...
  • Avocado.

Is it bad to swim in chlorine every day?

Chlorine can irritate the eyes, skin, hair, and teeth. Swimming occasionally doesn't cause significant side effects. People who swim frequently are more likely to experience chlorine side effects. Chlorinated water is considered safe when pools have the correct concentration of chlorine.

Can your hair fall out if you bleach it too much?

Bleaching itself will not directly cause Hair Loss… but it makes hair loss much more likely to happen. Normal activities like brushing your hair or even sleeping will start to cause more Breakage as your hair becomes more damaged.

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