It is still spring and full of its long days, as well as the first hints of summertime heat. And what better way to take advantage of these rising temperatures than by splashing around in a cool dip into the pool? But keep in mind, while this kind of escape from heat is ideal in swimming, the same may not be said about your hair.

Chlorine, the same stuff that makes pools sanitary and bacteria-free, can be ruthless on your hair—removing natural oils, drying out your locks, and even turning lighter hair a dreaded greenish color. If you've ever emerged from the pool with your hair feeling brittle, knotted, or just. wrong, you're not crazy. The damage is real.

But first, before you stop using the pool completely, good news is there! Using some expert-endorsed preventative measures, you can continue with your swimming routines without concern over hair damage by chlorine. We asked Dr. Priyanka Sharma, who's an experienced dermatologist as well as hair transplant surgeon, to analyze how chlorine hurts your locks and divulge the ultimate fix for hair to be firm, healthy, and ready for summers.

How Chlorine Damages Hair?

Chlorine is a potent disinfectant meant to destroy bacteria and ensure water quality, but its severe chemical composition doesn't mix well with hair health. Based on scientific research, chlorine robs the hair of its natural oils, causing:

Drastic dryness and brittleness: Natural oils coat the hair shaft and keep the hair hydrated. Chlorine destroys these needed oils, making hair dry and more susceptible to breakage.

Frizz and split ends: Dehydration weakens the strands of hair, resulting in frizz and split ends.

Color fading and discoloration: Chlorine oxidizes the pigment melanin, which is responsible for the color of the hair. The oxidation can lead to a more rapid fading of natural or colored hair. Blondes can even turn green because chlorine interacts with trace amounts of metals such as copper present in the water.

Damaged hair structure: Chlorine degrades keratin, the protein giving hair strength and elasticity, increasing its vulnerability to damage and loss of thickness.

Signs of Chlorine-Damaged Hair

If you are a regular swimmer, it is worth being aware of the signs of chlorine damage from an early stage. Some of the most likely signs are:

• Hair that's rough or straw-like to touch
• More tangling and reluctance to comb the hair
• Reduced shine and luster
• Dryness which does not fade despite frequent conditioning
• Breakage and split ends occurring more often

Luckily, there are a number of preventative measures and after-swim care methods that can assist in shielding your hair from the destructive influence of chlorine.

Preventing and Dealing with Chlorine Damage

Pre-Swim Hair Protection Methods

1. Pre-Wet Your Hair

Before diving in, wet your hair with new, non-chlorinated water. Dermatologists say that pre-wetting hair diminishes its capacity for chlorine absorption because water-soaked strands are less permeable to chemicals.

2. Use a Protective Barrier

Pre-swimming applications of leave-in conditioners or natural oils such as coconut or argan oil can place a barrier in the way that restricts the penetration of chlorine. These moisture-rich products seal in moisture with a protective film, keeping your hair from drying out too much.

3. Use a Swim Cap

Although not always the height of fashion, a properly fitted swim cap will greatly minimize hair exposure to chlorinated water. Use silicone caps instead of latex ones, as they create a tighter seal and are less damaging to hair.

Post-Swim Hair Care Routine

4. Rinse Immediately After Swimming

The longer the chlorine remains on your hair, the more it damages it. Rinse with clean water as soon as you get out of the pool to wash away lingering chlorine before it can attach to hair proteins.

5. Apply a Chlorine-Removing Shampoo

Specialized shampoos that are designed to strip chlorine are a lifesaver for swimmers. These shampoos have chelating agents that attach to chlorine and other mineral buildup, lifting them out of the hair. Use shampoos with vitamin C or EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) to counteract chlorine exposure.

6. Deep Condition Regularly

To combat the drying effects of chlorine, include a deep conditioning treatment in your regimen at least weekly. Hair masks containing keratin, biotin, and shea butter replenish lost moisture and restore hair strength.

7. Restrict Heat Styling

Chlorine-damaged hair is already weakened, so exposing it to additional stress from heat styling can accelerate breakage. Minimize the use of curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers, opting for air-drying when possible.

Expert-Approved Products for Chlorine-Damaged Hair

Dr. Sharma recommends the following products to protect and repair chlorine-exposed hair:

• Pre-Swim Leave-In Treatment: A silicone-based leave-in conditioner to coat the hair shaft.
• Chlorine-Removing Shampoo: A clarifying shampoo with vitamin C to eliminate chlorine buildup.
• Hydrating Hair Mask: A weekly deep conditioning treatment with keratin and natural oils to replenish moisture.
• Serum or Oil Treatment: Argan or coconut oil used after washing to seal in moisture and guard against future damage.

Chlorine damage is indeed a risk for regular swimmers, but by having the right prevention methods and hair care plan in place, you can spend your time in the pool without compromising the health of your hair. By pre-wetting your hair, employing protective products, and adopting a disciplined post-swim routine, you can reduce chlorine damage and have your hair appear healthy, robust, and lively.

So the next time you go swimming in the pool, take a few extra precautions to protect your hair—you'll be glad you did.

Dr. Priyanka Sharma is Director and Chief Dermatologist & Hair Transplant Surgeon at V6 Clinics in India

Heart failure has quietly emerged as one of India’s most serious and underestimated health challenges, driven by a rise in hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and delayed diagnosis of heart disease.

Due to a shortage of donor organs and a long waiting period before receiving the right treatment, end-stage heart failure patients in India faced a lot of difficulties a few years ago.

Today, advancements in heart transplant techniques are changing the situation from what was once an untreatable condition to a second chance at life.

Data from the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) shows a significant year-on-year rise in heart transplants, with 253 transplants done in 2024, showcasing improved organ donation awareness, better coordination between hospitals, and stronger transplant networks.

What was once considered the only option is now emerging as a life-saving solution, offering patients not just a second chance but a return to a more meaningful and active life.

Why Are Heart Transplants Needed?

A heart transplant offers hope and gives a second life to patients whose hearts no longer support the body even after the best available medical aid.

Although it is never performed instantly, it becomes necessary whenever conditions of the heart result in end-stage heart failure, where the pumping function of the heart is compromised.

Also read: Harish Rana’s Family Donated His Heart Valves And Corneas After His Death From Passive Euthanasia

When medications and modern technologies cannot supply an adequate amount of blood and oxygen to the organs, patients experience extreme breathlessness, fluid buildup, fatigue, and repeated hospitalizations, making even simple activities like walking, eating, or lying flat exhausting.

As the flow of blood continues to deteriorate, failure is also expected in other vital organs such as the kidneys and liver. It is at this point that the transplantation of the donor heart is considered the only treatment option to ensure that the blood flow is normalized.

How Heart Transplantation Transforms Life?

Heart transplant is not just a surgical replacement of a failing organ, but a complete life restoration for patients with end-stage heart failure.

Its benefits include:

• Normalizes Heart Functioning: A healthy donor heart can immediately restore normal and effective blood flow. This will reduce weakness and fatigue that makes carrying out everyday tasks rather difficult.
• Enhances Survival Rates: Patients diagnosed with end-stage heart failure can only experience the best post-transplant survival outcomes when they undergo the transplant procedure as compared to other medical treatments.
• Enhances Quality of Life: The patients are able to attain independence once again as they are able to walk, sleep, travel, and socialize with their families and friends.
• Prevents Frequent Hospitalization: The successful transplant procedure prevents constant hospitalization, especially in cases with deteriorating heart failure, infections, and organ dysfunction.
• Protects Other Vital Organs: By restoring adequate blood flow, heart transplantation helps reverse damage to the kidneys, liver, and lungs caused by prolonged heart failure
• Permits Return to Normal Roles and Responsibilities: Patients regain their ability to work, take care of others, and carry out their daily responsibilities, which helps their emotional well-being.

Scottish Olympic legend Liz McColgan has warned athletes to wear sun protection during their training hours to protect their skin from “lasting consequences”.

Liz McColgan shared the health warning to athletes after undergoing surgery to remove lesions on her face.

The Olympic silver medalist from Dundee shared post-surgery photographs on the social media platform Instagram and lamented that, as a young runner, she never focused on wearing sun protection.

Avoiding sun cream because she felt it made her "sweat more" was her “ignorance”, said the 61-year-old former athlete.

“As a young athlete, I trained and raced in all weathers. Sun protection was never something I gave much thought to. In fact, I avoided it. I didn’t like the feeling of creams on my skin - I thought they made me sweat more, so I convinced myself I was better off without them. Looking back, that was ignorance,” Liz McColgan said.

“Recently, I had to undergo surgery to remove two lesions on my face. It was a stark reminder that the choices we make early on - especially the ones we dismiss as unimportant - can have lasting consequences,” she added.

Liz McColgan noted that athletes keep all their focus on "performance - mileage, sessions, recovery, nutrition”, but simple things like protecting their skin are often ignored.

“Yet it’s just as much a part of our overall health and wellbeing as any training session,” she said.

Sharing the health message to both young and old athletes, McColgan said, “Take sun protection seriously. Whether you’re training, racing, or even just spending time outdoors, protecting your skin matters.”

McColgan won a silver medal in the same event at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. In 1991, she went on to win the 10,000m World Championships title in Tokyo.

Also read:5 Simple Do's And Don'ts For Healthy Skin

Why Sunscreen Is Essential

Using sunscreen protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes

• skin cancer,
• premature aging,
• painful sunburns.

Should Sunscreen Be Used Indoors Too?

Sunscreen is meant to be part of a daily skincare routine. But most people reach for sunscreen when heading to the beach or stepping out for a long day in the sun.

According to dermatologists, sunlight can still reach you indoors.

Dr Khushboo Jha, Chief Dermatologist Consultant at Metro Hospital, explains that sunlight entering through windows can still affect the skin.

“While standard window glass blocks most UVB rays, which cause sunburn, UVA rays can still pass through. These rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are linked to long-term concerns such as premature aging, uneven pigmentation, and loss of skin elasticity,” she said.

These UVA rays are often overlooked because they do not cause immediate redness or burning like UVB rays. However, over time, they can lead to visible signs of skin aging and pigmentation.

Also read: Why Should You Must Apply Sunscreen Inside A Plane?

A Practical Approach To Daily Skincare

Dermatologists suggest viewing sunscreen as a preventive skincare habit rather than a rigid rule.

Dr Jha recommends incorporating sunscreen into your morning routine, particularly if your day includes stepping outdoors or spending time in naturally lit environments.

In simple terms, if daylight reaches your workspace or you plan to go outside later in the day, applying sunscreen in the morning is a small step that can help protect your skin over time.

Many men believe that as long as they feel healthy, active, and free from major illness, their fertility remains intact. While men do not have a sudden fertility cut-off like women, age still plays an important role when it comes to male fertility. Currently, a large number of men wish to start families later in life, often thinking their good health guarantees easy conception and fatherhood. They often neglect the age factor, even though it is linked to hormonal imbalance, stress, and genetic issues. A large number of men are unaware of their fertility health and continue to suffer. However, even in the absence of visible health problems, older men may face unexpected fertility challenges. Dr Madhukar J Shinde, Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, PCMC, Pune, answered this for Health and Me.

Read more: The Overlooked Role of Men in IVF: Why Their Silent Strength Is Key to Fertility Success

Why do older men struggle with infertility?

Decline in sperm quality: Various studies have confirmed that as men age, sperm count, movement, and shape can slowly decline. Even if the numbers appear normal, DNA damage in sperm increases with age, which can reduce the chances of successful fertilisation.

1. Hormonal imbalance: It is important to note that testosterone levels naturally decrease over time. Lower testosterone can affect sperm production, sexual function, and overall reproductive performance, even when a man feels physically fit.
2. Some medical conditions tend to take a toll on fertility: Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid disorders become more common with age. These may be well-managed and symptom-free, but can still affect sperm health and fertility.
3. Stress and other lifestyle factors can impact fertility: Chronic stress, lack of sleep, smoking, alcohol consumption, or exposure to pollution can take a toll on sperm quality and lead to fertility issues that can be worrisome for men. Preservatives in a lot of frozen and junk food not only contribute to poor fertility health, but research suggests they may also affect DNA function. Therefore, men should stay vigilant.
4. Genetic issues: Advanced paternal age is associated with a higher risk of genetic mutations in sperm. This can further affect embryo development and increase the risk of miscarriage or certain developmental conditions.

Men must stay in touch with a fertility consultant who can design an appropriate treatment plan. The expert will evaluate them thoroughly and suggest lifestyle modifications such as a well-balanced diet, exercise, stress management through meditation, and medication for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol. Awareness helps men take informed steps towards parenthood, even later in life. Certain pre-medications, including antioxidants advised by a fertility consultant, may significantly help in reducing DNA fragmentation, which contributes to poor sperm function. Therefore, men should prioritise their reproductive health, stay informed, and not suffer in silence.