Hair Science Friday!!!!!!!
Here we are, another week of Hair Science Friday. I was lucky enough to have two questions emailed to me from one of my friends. With summer fast approaching, one of the biggest complaints I get is about the damage and split ends that comes from all the fun in the sun. I felt these two questions deserved a Hair Science Friday all their own.
So your lovely gold locks have turned green after your trip to the pool? Don't fret, together we can fight green hair syndrome! But first, lets take a look at why your hair is turning green in the first place, shall we? It has been said that chlorine will turn your lovely locks (blonde or brown actually) green if you swim a lot. Well, chlorine isn't entirely to blame, however, it is still part of the problem. That green tint is actually a response from a reaction between the chlorine and the metals in the pool. Chlorine causes hard metals such as copper to oxidize, the lighter your hair is or the more porous your hair is, the more susceptible it is to taking on the green color from the oxidized metals in the pool water. Don't be fooled, blondes are not the only ones who need to fear! You brunettes are likely to notice the same green tinge in certain lighting.
The porosity of a person's hair is likely due to chemical processing and heat styling which, overtime, causes the cuticle of the hair shaft to become porous. Overexposure to sun and chlorine can also cause it to become dry and brittle and even lighten the color, which further adds to the swimmer's hair frustration.
How do we prevent the green monster from taking over? First, try wetting down your hair with water and a leave-in conditioner BEFORE you jump in for a dip. Think about it this way: a dry sponge will soak up whatever you put it in. However, if you put a wet sponge in another substance it can't absorb it as much because it is full of water already. The leave in conditioner seals the cuticle preventing further damage from the chlorine and metals in the water. This will help prevent the green, but not completely tame it if you are an avid swimmer. You may need to wash your hair with a gentle swimmer's shampoo. My favorite line is L'anza Swim and Sun. Their products all have UV protectors in them and they help balance the pH of your hair after you have been in the water. A great leave-in option would be the Swim and Sun Daily UV Protector. Not only does it balance the pH level of your hair and condition your hair, but it also protects it from the damaging rays of the sun. They have a fantastic shampoo great for swimmers hair, which is L'anza Swim and Sun Chelating Shampoo. You will love the smell and the way your hair feels after you have used them.
Question Number 2: What are split ends and how do I avoid them?
Split ends are literally split ends! They are caused from mainly heat styling and chemical processing. Swimming can also cause your ends to become brittle and split. The best way to keep split ends tamed is to keep your ends trimmed. Split ends, if left unattended, can split up the entire hair shaft leaving it completely damaged. Deep conditioning your hair can help keep it in tip-top shape in between trims. I recommend using Joico Split End Mender. I love all of Joico's products, especially anything in the K-Pak series. Ulta and Trade Secret often have it on sale.
Alrighty folks! If you have questions, please post at the bottom of this, or message me on Facebook and hopefully I can answer them. Until then, have a great weekend!
