Protect Your Hair From Chlorine the Next Time You Go Swimming

Few things beat a swim on a hot summer day. It’s a fun way to cool off, get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. But if you’re spending a lot of time in the pool, you may be wondering what all that chlorine is doing to your hair.

Dermatologist Taylor Bullock, MD, shares why chlorine causes hair damage and what you can do before and after swimming to sidestep those side effects.

How chlorine damages your hair

Chlorine is designed to disinfect public and private pools. But in the process, it strips away natural oils that normally protect your hair.

“Your hair may become dry, rough, dull and more susceptible to breakage the more it comes into contact with chlorine,” explains Dr. Bullock.

Chlorine can also affect your:

• Skin with a red, itchy rash
• Eyes with red, stinging irritation
• Nose, throat and lungs with coughing or irritation, especially from chloramines in poorly ventilated pools

And despite the common myth, chlorine isn’t what turns your hair green. It’s the minerals in pool water that leave behind a green tint, especially on lighter-colored or chemically treated hair.

The good news? Many of the same steps that protect your hair from chlorine can also help reduce the chance of green hair.

What you can do to protect your hair from chlorine

Most people won’t notice significant damage after an occasional swim. But frequent swimmers are much more likely to experience these effects.

Here’s what can help.

Before swimming

Protecting your hair starts before you ever get in the water, and a few minutes of prep can go a long way.

Here are some options before you get in the water:

• Wet your hair before swimming. Rinse it with fresh water before you get in the pool. “If your hair is saturated with clean water, it reduces the amount of chlorinated water your hair can absorb,” explains Dr. Bullock.
• Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil. This adds an extra layer of protection between your strands and the chlorinated water.
• Wear a swim cap. A well-fitted cap can help reduce chlorine exposure, especially if you’re a frequent swimmer or have color-treated or chemically processed hair.

“While no method completely blocks chlorine exposure, combining these strategies can significantly reduce damage,” says Dr. Bullock.

After swimming

Don’t leave your hair high and dry. A few simple post-swim habits can help wash away chlorine and keep your hair healthy.

Here’s what to do when you’re done swimming:

• Get a freshwater rinse right away. The longer chlorine stays in your hair, the more damaging it can be.
• Wash with a gentle shampoo and conditioner. “For people who swim frequently, using a clarifying shampoo on occasion can help remove buildup, but it shouldn’t be used every day because it can also have a drying effect,” says Dr. Bullock.
• Deep condition once a week. A weekly deep conditioning treatment can help replace moisture you’ve lost and reduce breakage, especially if you swim often.
• Avoid other sources of hair damage. During swim season, minimize excessive heat styling and harsh chemical treatments to give your hair a chance to recover between visits to the pool.

Stay current

Don’t let chlorinated water keep you from enjoying the pool. Its purpose is to make sure you can swim safely without having to worry about germs and bacteria. So, next time you dip your toe in the water or dive into the deep end, give your hair a little extra love and attention.

“Frequent swimmers should think of hair care as part of their swimming routine,” says Dr. Bullock. “Just a few minutes of prep and post-swim recovery can go a long way to keeping your hair smooth, healthy and strong.”