Chlorine Linked to Hair Damage, Not Balding

Oct 2007

All of those who abstain from wearing a cap in day to day swimming can breathe a sigh of relief, as it has been found that chlorinated pools do not actually cause balding. 

While research has clearly shown that chlorine causes discoloration and damage (was research really necessary?), to the delight of many, studies have not shown that there is not a direct link between this chlorine damage and hair loss.

A study in the Journal of Dermatology re-examined by The New York Times found that 61% of the 67 professional swimmers involved in the study showed signs of hair discoloration, compared with none of the control group (54 non-swimmers). 

The swimming group also showed signs of surface damage to finger and toe nails.  But although the swimmers’ hair appeared coarse and damaged, they did not have higher rates of hair loss.