What Chlorine Actually Does to the Hair Shaft
Chlorine is a disinfectant, and it does not distinguish between bacteria and the lipid layer coating your hair cuticle. When hair is submerged in a chlorinated pool, the chemical binds to the proteins in the cortex and breaks down the fatty acid layer that keeps each strand sealed. The result is a raised, porous cuticle that catches on itself, tangles easily, and loses moisture the moment it hits dry air.
