How to Protect Hair From Chlorine Before and After Swimming

Swimming in a pool can be refreshing, but it’s not always the most comfortable experience, especially if you’re serious about your skin and haircare routine. Not only does chlorinated water dry out your skin, but it also makes hair brassy and brittle. If you’re wondering how to protect hair from chlorine without missing any pool action, you're in luck – there are ways to keep your locks soft and silky even after a long swim.

Can chlorine damage hair? Yes. Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant that keeps pools clean, so it's really no surprise how it can wreak havoc on your hair. It strips away natural oils, leaving strands dry and prone to breakage. If you’re a frequent pool swimmer, chlorine buildup can alter hair texture, fade color-treated hair, and even cause chemical reactions that turn blonde hair green due to its interaction with copper and other minerals in the water. Protecting your hair from chlorine is essential to maintaining its health, softness, and vibrancy.

Whether you swim daily or during occasional family outings, prepping your hair before diving into chlorinated water can mitigate the effect of chemicals. 

• Soak your hair with clean water. Hair that's already saturated with water can’t absorb much – including water with chlorine. Showering before getting into any pool isn’t only hygienic, it’s also good for your locks. Rinse your hair with clean water before swimming to create a protective barrier against the drying effects of pool chemicals.
• Apply a leave-in conditioner or oil. Next, apply a nourishing leave-in conditioner or a light oil like coconut or argan oil. These products coat the hair cuticle, making it harder for chlorine to penetrate and cause damage.
• Wear a swim cap! Take it from the pros. A well-fitted silicone or latex swim cap is one of the best ways to prevent chlorine exposure altogether. It might not keep every strand dry, but it significantly reduces how much water and chlorine gets in.

If you’re swimming for an extended period, try to keep your hair out of the water when possible. A high bun or braid can help minimize chlorine exposure, especially if you're just lounging in the pool. Try not to go swimming in the middle of the day when UV radiation is at its peak – the combination can further weaken your strands and cause hair discoloration.

What you do after swimming matters. Chlorine is an oxidizer that can compromise the integrity of your strands, making them more porous. It can also irritate your scalp.

• Rinse immediately with clean water. The sooner you rinse, the better. Wash out chlorine residue right after swimming to prevent it from sitting on your hair and causing further dryness.
• Use a clarifying shampoo. If you swim regularly, using a clarifying shampoo once a week can help remove chlorine buildup. Just be sure to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture. Try Sunsilk Anti-Dandruff Healthy Strong Shampoo with tea tree oil and aloe vera to nourish hair while cleansing the scalp. Alternate with Sunsilk Damage Reconstruction Shampoo with almond oil, vitamin C, and keratin to strengthen strands against breakage.
• Hydrate with a deep conditioner. Chlorine can leave hair brittle, so a rich, hydrating mask or deep conditioner is essential. Look for ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, keratin, and hyaluronic acid to keep your strands soft and strong. Try Dove Ceramide Intense Repair Conditioner, which is infused with potent skincare ingredients designed to repair damage and protect the outer layer of each strand. 
• Do not heat-style right away.  Blow-drying or using hot tools immediately after swimming can worsen chlorine damage. Let your hair air-dry when possible and apply a leave-in treatment for extra protection.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the water without sacrificing your hair’s health. Knowing how to protect hair from chlorine before and after swimming makes all the difference.