Swimming is amazing for your body, but chlorine exposure can be harsh on your hair. If you swim regularly, understanding how chlorine affects hair and how to protect your hair can make a huge difference to the health, shine, and strength of your strands.
Why Is Chlorine Bad for Your Hair?
Chlorine is essential for keeping pools clean, but it can be very damaging to the hair cuticle.
Chlorine works by stripping away bacteria and impurities, but it also removes your hair’s natural oils, lifts the cuticle layer, and leaves the hair shaft feeling:
- Dry
- Brittle
- Rough
- Dehydrated
With frequent swimming, chlorine damage builds over time, leading to:
- Breakage
- Split ends
- Frizz
- Colour fading
- That stiff, crunchy “pool hair” feeling.
Who Is Most at Risk of Chlorine Hair Damage?
Some hair types are more vulnerable to chlorine damage from swimming pools than others.
You may notice more damage if you have:
- Colour-treated hair (especially blonde, balayage, or high-lift colour)
- Dry, damaged, or porous hair
- Curly or coily hair types (naturally drier with more cuticle lift)
- Children’s hair (finer strands are often more porous)
- Fine hair types
Blondes may notice yellowing or dullness, while brunettes often see faded richness and loss of shine. Overall, chlorine can leave all hair types feeling drier and more brittle.
The goal isn’t to avoid the pool — it’s to protect your hair strands before swimming and repair it after.
How to Protect Your Hair from Chlorine Before Swimming
1. Get Your Hair Wet Before Getting in the Pool
One of the easiest ways to prevent damage to the hair shaft is to rinse it with clean water before swimming.
Hair acts like a sponge. If it’s already saturated with fresh water, it can’t absorb as much chlorinated pool water.
A quick rinse before you jump in can create a simple protective barrier against chlorine exposure.
2. Use a Protective Hair Serum or Oil
Applying a hair oil or leave-in conditioner, or treatment before swimming helps create a barrier that reduces chlorine absorption.
Look for products containing:
- Lightweight oils (argan, coconut, grapeseed)
- UV filters
- Silicones (excellent for swimmers because they coat the hair fibre)
Salon-approved options include:
- Kérastase Elixir Ultime
- Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In
- Evo Lockdown Smoothing Treatment
3. Wear a Swim Cap
Swim caps won’t keep hair completely dry, but they significantly reduce chlorine exposure.
Types of swim caps:
Silicone caps
- Smoother and more comfortable
- More durable
- Better at reducing water penetration
Latex caps
- Thinner and tighter
- Slightly less durable
Even partial protection helps minimise chlorine damage over time to the hair.
Post-Swim Hair Care to Repair Chlorine Damage
Rinse Hair Immediately After Swimming
Always rinse your hair with fresh water as soon as possible after swimming. Allowing chlorine to sit in your hair can cause continued dryness and damage. Even a quick rinse at the pool shower is better than leaving chlorine in your hair.
Use a Clarifying or Chelating Shampoo
Using the right shampoo is essential to remove chlorine and mineral buildup from the hair.
Clarifying shampoos
- Remove product buildup on the hair and scalp
- Help cleanse chlorine residue
Chelating shampoos
- Remove minerals and metals
- Ideal for frequent swimmers or hard water areas
Recommended frequency:
- Regular swimmers: once per week
- Daily swimmers: every 3–4 days (paired with a hydrating hair mask)
Deep Condition or Use a Hair Mask
Chlorine strips moisture from the hair, so deep conditioning treatments are essential for restoring hydration.
Look for masks containing:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
- Proteins
- Lipids
Salon recommendations:
- Kérastase Nutritive Masquintense
- Redken ABC Intensive Treatment
- Evo The Great Hydrator Moisture Mask
Best Products to Repair Chlorine-Damaged Hair
Shampoos for Chlorine Removal
- Redken Hair Cleansing Cream
- Evo Normal Persons Shampoo
Conditioners & Treatments
- Kérastase Nutritive Lait Vital
- Redken ABC Conditioner
- Evo Mane Attention Protein Treatment
Leave-In Treatments
- Kérastase Blonde Absolu Cicaplasme
- Redken One United
- Evo Happy Campers Hard-Working Moisturiser
Hydrating Hair Masks
- Kérastase Nutritive Masquintense
- Evo The Great Hydrator Moisture Mask
Your Hair Game Plan to Swim Smarter
To maintain healthy hair while swimming regularly:
- Use a clarifying or chelating shampoo weekly
- Apply a deep conditioning mask 1–2 times per week
- Rinse hair before and after swimming
- Keep up with regular trims to remove split ends
- Use leave-in treatments with UV and heat protection
- Avoid swimming within 48–72 hours after colouring your hair
Chlorine might be part of your routine, but damage doesn’t have to be. With the right prep, protection, and post-swim care, you can keep your hair feeling soft, strong, and healthy all summer long. No crunch, less colour fade, no stress. If you’re not sure where to start or want a routine tailored to your hair type, colour, and lifestyle, chat with your Becky B stylist next time you’re in the salon. We’ll help you build a personalised chlorine protection plan with the right products and in-salon treatments to keep your hair looking its best, no matter how often you’re in the pool!
Written by: Libby Milnes, your typical hair science nerd!
