A Swimmer’s Guide to Chlorine Hair: How to Keep Your Locks Healthy
Anyone who has swum since they were little knows the struggle of chlorine hair — dry, frizzy and bleached. “Swimmer hair” is a tell-tale sign in every group, the kind of signal that says, “oh hey, she definitely swims.”
From the outside, the bleached strands might look like highlights — I used to get asked this sometimes — but chlorine hair is anything but that. It means years of dead ends, a cotton-candy texture and damage that lingers long after your last season. For any girls scrolling past endless videos of bouncy blowouts and luxury hair routines: I promise there are ways to keep your hair as healthy as possible, even if you’re dousing it in chlorine every day.
Chlorine protection really comes down to two things: in the water and out of the water.
In the Water
Your hair acts like a sponge, so the goal is simple: keep it from absorbing as much chlorinated water as possible. That starts with one of the most well-known and most effective steps: wetting your hair before you get in. Dampening your hair creates a barrier so the chlorinated water isn’t the first thing soaking into your strands.
Adding a leave-in conditioner or a hair oil is another strong line of defense. Yes, it might make your cap a little more slippery, but it reduces direct chlorine exposure. Some swimmers also swear by protective styles, like tight braids or buns, to limit how much surface area is exposed. It won’t make you completely chlorine-proof, but it will help cut down the repeated damage over time.
Out of the Water
The moment practice ends, your best move is to rinse your hair as soon as possible, before the chlorine sets in. Follow that step with a clarifying or chlorine-removal shampoo. Brands like UltraSwim, Solpri and Malibu C are popular among swimmers because they’re formulated specifically to target chlorine buildup.
Deep-conditioning masks, serums and oils are also helpful. Look for products made for damaged or dry hair, and consider your hair type when choosing. Triathlete published a solid breakdown of swimmer-friendly products tailored to different hair textures, from curly to fine.
Try to avoid heat styling whenever you can. A curling iron once in a while isn’t the end of the world, but consistent heat only worsens the breakage chlorine already causes. You should also avoid washing your hair more than once a day. That said, if you’re doing multiple practices a day, it’s better to rinse your hair after each practice and get rid of the chlorine than to let it sit. If that’s your routine, continue to focus on hydrating and clarifying products.
Small changes, such as switching to a silk pillowcase, using microfiber towels, and adding deep-conditioning treatments to your routine can all contribute to your hair health. They help reduce frizz, friction and breakage — an easy switch that can go a long way for swimmers who already battle dryness.
Chlorine might be inevitable, but the damage doesn’t have to be. With a few habits in and out of the water, you can keep your hair healthier, stronger, even if the sport you love tries its best to do otherwise.