How to Protect Your Hair from Chlorine

From fitness fanatics to those who only take a dip in more tropical countries, many of us look forward to spending time in a pool.

Whilst swimming is a fantastic way to stay active and cool off, the chlorine used to keep the water clean could wreak havoc on your hair, leaving it feeling dry and brittle. But don't let this keep you from enjoying a refreshing swim!

Here are some effective ways you can protect your hair from chlorine and keep it feeling healthy all summer long.

How to Protect the Hair Before Swimming

Prevention is better than cure, so with a few simple preparations, you could help protect your hair and maintain that healthy-looking shine you love.

Create a Protective Barrier

Before you dive into the pool, we recommend rinsing your hair thoroughly with fresh water, as this may help it absorb less chlorinated water and reduce the amount that could penetrate the hair shaft.

Wear a Swimming Cap

It might not be the most stylish, but one of the most effective ways to protect your hair from chlorine is to wear a swim cap.

Opt for a silicone or latex cap, as they provide a snug fit to significantly reduce the amount of chlorine that comes into contact with your hair.

Function over fashion!

How to Protect the Hair After Swimming

Once you’ve been for your swim, there are some measures you can put in place to ensure your strands are protected from the after-effects of the chlorine.

Rinse Immediately

As soon as you finish swimming, rinse your hair with fresh water to remove some of the chlorine.

Use a Clarifying Shampoo

A clarifying shampoo is useful to help remove any chlorine that may still be present after rinsing.

However, you need to be mindful not to overuse these, as they can sometimes be drying. If you’re a frequent swimmer, you may just want to incorporate this into your hair wash routine once or twice a week.

Hydrate the Hair

After swimming, it’s crucial to replenish your hair’s moisture. We recommend using a hydrating conditioner or a deep conditioning mask to do this.

Look for products containing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil or argan oil, to help to nourish and soften the lengths.

Avoid Heat Styling

Chlorine could dry out the hair which may leave it more susceptible to breakage from heat styling tools.

Try to minimise the use of blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons, and allow your strands to air dry whenever possible to reduce the strain on your hair.