Can You Go Swimming After Dying Your Hair?

Can you go swimming after dying your hair? This is a frequently asked question on the internet, and if you are in that category, you’re at the right place. Here, you’ll learn what happens when you swim with dyed hair.

Most pool management procedures not only require pool filters but pool chemicals such as pool shocks are also added. Pool shocks contain chlorine. Hence, most people worry they will ruin their colorful hair when they jump into a pool.

There is nothing as annoying as jumping into the pool and seeing your hair ruined instantly. In addition, this article provides various tips on ways to prevent such from happening. Let’s proceed!

Is Chlorine Bad for Dyed Hair?

To maintain swimming pools, chemicals are often added to keep harmful microorganisms at bay and ensure water clarity. Of course, these chemicals are there to ensure that the pool is safe to use at all times.

While they may be very important to keep the water healthy, they also have side effects on the swimmers. Skin dryness is a common experience post-swim in a chlorinated pool, and that’s not the only thing.

Your hair can also be affected. For instance, the case of swimmer’s hair is rampant among those who don’t care for their hair after swimming. Hence, such individuals experience hair breakage and an unusual coloration.

If swimming in a chlorinated pool affects the hair, how about your dyed hair? Yes, the dissolved chemicals can affect your dyed hair in ways you cannot imagine. The commonest chemical in pool management is chlorine due to its availability.

However, there is no love lost between your hair and chlorine. Chlorine is widely regarded as a bleaching agent, and it can as well function as such on your dyed hair. To put things understandable, chlorine is bad for the hair and worse for dyed hair.

Is the Ocean Bad for Dyed Hair?

The ocean contains a larger concentration of salts and many elements. This is the reason your skin gets unusual after your swimming session.

Prolonged exposure will cause your hair to become brittle, tangled, dull, and dehydrated. Like chlorinated pool water, it will also bleach your dyed hair.

Why Will My Hair Dye Ruin in the Swimming Pool?

From all I have stated above, your hair dye is more likely to ruin in the swimming pool. This may be less likely to happen if you are swimming in fresh or open water. Your dyed hair may get ruined due to some reasons discussed below.

You visited the pool too early

In most cases, people mess up their hair when they visit the pool too early. Depending on the type, hair dyes may require some days to set properly into your hair. Often, it is indicated on the package or label.

If you visit a stylist, it will be reasonable to ask them how long you have to wait before swimming. Most times, the semi-permanent dyes take less time.

You didn’t wash your hair after dying

It isn’t uncommon for your hair to give off color after dying. But it can be worse if you do not wash your hair properly before entering the pool. You can easily color the whole pool if you fail to wash your hair.

The quality of the dye

If you are dying your hair by yourself at home, you should ensure you are getting the quality dyes that suit your hair. Quality dyes should last longer on your hair.

Also, ensure you read the instructions on the label for a successful application. Some colors run more into the water, e.g., red and purple. You might want to consider lighter colors.

The temperature of the water

The water’s temperature may also affect your dye and make it easier to ruin. It is easy to wreck your hair dye swimming in a warm pool or a hot tub. It is even easier if you dye your hair not long before swimming. Therefore, consider cool temperatures at least the first few days after the hair treatment.

So, how Long Do You Have to Wait Before Swimming?

Although it depends on the dye, you should wait 3 to 4 days to allow the dye to set in. You can ask your stylist to give you an idea of when to start swimming again. Some permanent dyes may require up to seven days to fully fix into the hair.

3 Ways to Protect Your Dyed Hair Before Swimming

Now you know the reasons your hair dye keeps getting messed up when you swim. Ocean or chlorinated water will always have negative impacts on the hair. Nevertheless, you can still protect your dyed hair while swimming.

These measures may not offer a hundred percent protection, but they will help reduce the effect of the water. Below are three effective ways to start enjoying your dyed hair in the water. You can combine all three for maximum protection.

1. Apply Oil to Your Hair Before Swimming

Chlorine, as a bleach, tends to strip the hair of moisture such that it becomes dry, tangled, and unattractive. It can be worse when the hair is color-treated. In some instances, the hair may suffer serious damage where it starts breaking.

Naturally, water and oil will not mix or interact. This phenomenon can be put into use when protecting your hair. Applying oil to your hair can help retain the moisture of your hair.

Common moisturizing options include coconut oil and Moroccan argan oil. They can limit the direct interaction of the water with your hair.

2. Wet Your Hair Before Swimming

Another effective way to protect your hair is to moisturize your hair properly before starting swimming. To do that, simply run to the shower or sink and soak your hair in fresh tap water.

Since it acts like a sponge, the logic here is to fill your hair with fresh unchlorinated water. This way, your hair won’t soak in chlorinated or ocean water as much as it would without wetting it.

3. Use a Good-Quality, Fitting Swim Cap

The most effective option is probably the use of a swim cap. To start with, you should purchase a good-quality swim cap that stays snugly on your head.

Swim caps come in different materials, with the common ones being silicone and rubber. Although rubber swim caps are cheaper, you should only consider them if you are non-allergic to rubber. Swim caps made from fabric may not offer high protection.

Before using a swim cap, wet your hair and tie it into a ponytail or high bun. This way, it will be easier to wear your cap and position it correctly on your head. It will be ideal to learn how to wear a swim cap.

Your swim cap should go first before wearing a pair of swimming goggles, and it may cover your ear. Note that swim caps may not keep out the water entirely. However, they can keep out water by a large percentage.

2 Ways to Protect Your Dyed Hair After Swimming

It is not enough to only take protective measures after swimming, but it will be best to do more even after swimming. It is possible that your dyed hair still got in contact with the water.

Instead of leaving the water to continue its harm on your hair, you should proceed with the following steps.

1. Hit the Shower Immediately

Once you exit the water, it would be ideal to head straight to the shower rather than just dry yourself with a swim towel. This won’t be beneficial to your hair alone, but it will also be good for your skin.

Taking a shower will help you remove leftover chlorine or ocean water from hair and skin. This way, you can keep yourself fresh and chlorine-free.

2. Get a Suitable Conditioner and Shampoo

Your hair needs to be taken care of as well. Therefore, you should look for a good hair conditioner and shampoos specifically made for dyed hair. Such shampoos are without sulfates and can help maintain hair color.

Not just to preserve your hair color alone, a good shampoo and conditioner will remove leftover chlorine. Also, it can help you restore your hair’s shine while reducing the harmful effect of the sun’s UV rays.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding swimming and dyed hair. Kindly take a look at them.

Is It Okay to Swim With Dyed Hair?

Yes. You can swim with dyed hair. However, ensure that you follow the instructions discussed in the article before and after swimming. Most importantly, the dye should have set in before you enter the pool.

Why Does My Hair Get Hard After Swimming?

Chemicals from the water, such as chlorine, bromine, and salts, are the culprits. They strip the hair of its moisture, making the hair dull and unattractive.

Conclusion

Can you go swimming after dying your hair? The answer is definitely yes, but with some conditions to protect your hair. You have to take some precautions if you do not want to ruin your beautifully dyed hair.

Swim caps are recommended to keep water out, but you must have tied and wet your hair prior. After swimming, taking a shower will neutralize the remaining chlorine or salt in your hair and skin.

Do you have some opinions or questions regarding this swimming and dyed hair? Please send them to me using the comments section down the page.

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