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Summer Hair Care: How to Protect Your Hair from Chlorine

Summer means pool time, but chlorine can be a hair nightmare. If you want to enjoy the water without sacrificing your hair’s health, these tips are for you.

Watch it done Video: Dr Dray on YouTube
Why this worksChlorine can strip moisture from your hair and lead to dryness and damage. It can also cause colour to fade, especially for dyed hair. Understanding how chlorine interacts with your hair helps you take proactive steps to protect it.

The ritual, step by step

  1. Wet Hair Before Swimming Rinse your hair with fresh water before diving in. This helps to saturate your hair and reduces the amount of chlorine it can absorb.
  2. Use a Swim Cap Wearing a swim cap can offer a barrier between your hair and the chlorine. It’s not just for serious swimmers; it’s a great way to keep your hair protected!
  3. Apply Leave-In Conditioner Before swimming, apply a generous amount of leave-in conditioner. This creates a protective layer and helps lock in moisture, reducing damage from chlorine.
  4. Shampoo After Swimming Use a clarifying shampoo after swimming to remove chlorine build-up. Follow with a deep conditioner to restore moisture and smoothness.
  5. Limit Sun Exposure Chlorine and UV rays can be a double whammy for your hair. Try to limit sun exposure by seeking shade or wearing a hat when not swimming.
60-sec versionWet your hair, apply leave-in conditioner, then swim. Rinse and shampoo after.

Where people go wrong

Many people skip rinsing their hair before swimming, which increases chlorine absorption. Others forget to use conditioner or assume that regular shampoo will suffice. Not wearing a swim cap can also lead to more damage than necessary.

The pro moveConsider using a UV protectant spray in addition to your chlorine protection routine for extra care.
Check out the embedded video for more tips on protecting hair and skin from chlorine.

Shop the routine

Leave-in conditioner Moisturises and protects hair from chlorine damage. Amazon → Clarifying shampoo Removes chlorine build-up from hair effectively. Amazon → Swim cap Provides a barrier against chlorine exposure. Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, BeautyCorner earns from qualifying purchases. Links open Amazon search results — compare options and reviews before you buy.

Good questions

How often should I shampoo after swimming?

It's best to shampoo after every swim to remove chlorine effectively.

Can I use regular conditioner instead of leave-in?

Regular conditioner helps, but leave-in provides ongoing protection during swimming.

Are there specific products for chlorine removal?

Yes, look for clarifying shampoos designed to remove chlorine.

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