How to protect your hair from chlorine

The allure of a refreshing dip beckons, especially during the summer months and on holiday. But – and we admit this – we do get the chlorine fear. Yes, it’s a thing! After spending a LOT of time caring for our curls, we don’t fancy ruining all our hard work because of some pesky chemical.  

Chlorine can play havoc on your curls, coils and waves - weakening strands, bringing out brassiness and reducing shine. And those who hit the pool regularly are even more susceptible to the damaging effects. 

So, if you love a dip in the pool but also value healthy, luxurious locks, this is the article for you. Whether you’re a dedicated lap swimmer or simply enjoy a vacay dip, here’s how to navigate those chlorinated waters to keep your hair happy.

How does chlorine damage your hair?

Dipping in and out of a pool is both wonderful exercise and a dreamy way to cool down from the heat, but it can really impact the condition of your hair. 

Chlorine, a potent disinfectant crucial for maintaining hygienic swimming conditions, unfortunately doubles as a harsh adversary to your hair’s health. Its oxidising properties strip away natural oils and disrupt the cuticle layer. 

If you cherish your lustrous locks, understanding and mitigating the impact of chlorine is essential to preserving hair’s vitality.

What are the effects of chlorine on your hair?

Over time, chlorine’s effects can compromise the structural integrity of your hair, leading to: 

1. dryness
2. brittleness
3. increased frizz
4. split ends 
5. breakage
6. a dull, lifeless sheen

If your hair feels straw-like, looks dull, is prone to frizz, or has more split ends than usual after a swim, it’s likely suffering from chlorine damage. Even if pre-existing styling damage makes it harder to distinguish, any signs of excessive dryness indicate that chlorine has taken its toll on your tresses.

If you find yourself battling these issues, check out our post Does Your Curly Hair Need Moisture or Protein? Depending on your hair type, incorporating Protein Booster Drops or indulging in moisture treatments can significantly improve hair health.

Does chlorine damage textured hair?

For those with curly and coily hair, chlorine is especially detrimental. These hair patterns naturally tend to be on the drier side, and chlorine exacerbates this. The chemical strips away essential natural oils, leaving curls and coils parched and brittle. 

The result is dry, fragile strands that are more prone to breakage and frizz, transforming vibrant, bouncy curls into lifeless tangles. No bueno.

Can chlorine affect bleached, coloured and chemically treated hair?

A resounding yes. Chlorine can significantly affect: 

• bleached hair 
• coloured hair
• straightened hair
• permed hair

These types of hair are already compromised due to the chemical processes they’ve undergone, making them more susceptible to chlorine’s harsh effects. 

Chlorine can cause colours to fade unevenly, turn blonde hues brassy, and even give lighter shades an ashy or greenish tint because of reactions with metals in the water. 

How to protect your hair from chlorine

When it comes to protecting our skin for a dip, there’s a lot to consider. SPF? Absolutely essential. Waterproof mascara? Definitely necessary. But our hair often gets overlooked. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to shield your hair from chlorine, without sacrificing any pool time. Just follow these simple, effective pre-swim prep tips.  

1. Embrace the cap

The ultimate protection is to keep your hair out of the water and covered from the sun. We know this may not be your go-to choice, but a swim cap is an excellent way to protect your hair while swimming. 

Opt for a high-quality, well-fitting silicone swim cap that keeps your hair completely enclosed. For added protection, braid your hair or create a sleek bun before donning your cap.

2. Swim in outdoor pools when possible

Choosing to swim in outdoor pools can be beneficial for your hair health due to lower chlorine levels compared with indoor pools. Outdoor pools typically rely on natural sunlight and air circulation to help maintain water quality, resulting in reduced chlorine concentrations. 

This lower chlorine content means less exposure to the harsh chemical that can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause dryness and damage.

3. Rinse and soak

OK, you know that rule about showering before entering the pool that everyone tends to ignore? It’s not just there to maintain hygiene by removing dirt and oils from your body; it’s also a clever way to prevent chlorine damage to your hair. While it might sound odd since your hair is going to get wet anyway, it’s actually a genius move.

Before entering the pool, pre-wet your hair with fresh, clean water. This prevents your hair from acting like a sponge and soaking up all the chlorine. Why? Because saturated strands absorb less chlorine, minimising its damaging effects. 

Your hair can only take in so much water, so if you drench it in fresh water first, it’ll absorb that instead of the chlorinated pool water, resulting in significantly less chlorine damage. Huzzah!

4. Use leave-in conditioner

Apply a leave-in conditioner to create a protective barrier for your hair. By coating your hair with conditioner before swimming, you help seal the hair cuticle and create a shield between your strands and the chlorine. This step is crucial in reducing chlorine absorption and preventing dryness and damage. 

Our award-winning Intensive Moisturising Treatment is an excellent choice for this purpose – a powerful deep conditioner enriched with wheat bran extract that strengthens curls and locks in moisture. By incorporating this into your pre-swim routine, you can enjoy your time in the pool without sacrificing the health and vitality of your hair. 

5. Updo, don’t undo

Hairstyles matter! Keeping your hair in a braid, bun or high ponytail minimises contact with the water and reduces tangles. These hairstyles effectively minimise your hair’s exposure to water, which helps reduce the absorption of chlorine. 

Additionally, keeping your hair contained in a secure style like a braid or bun prevents it from becoming tangled during your swim. This not only saves you time and effort post-swim but also helps maintain the integrity of your hair, ensuring it remains manageable and tangle free. Win-win.

How to cultivate a great post-swim routine 

Incorporating gentle hair care practices into your post-swim routine will effectively minimise the damaging effects of chlorine and maintain strong, lustrous hair year-round. Here are seven steps to follow:

1. Rinse (and repeat)

Start by thoroughly rinsing your hair with clean water immediately after swimming to remove chlorine. 

2. Use a sulphate-free cleanser

Follow up with a sulphate-free shampoo, like our Curl Cleanser or Hydrating Hair Cleanser. This ensures a gentle cleanse that won’t strip your hair of its natural oils, which are already compromised from chlorine exposure. 

You could also opt for a clarifying shampoo, like our Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo, to deep clean and remove any remaining pool residue. 

3. Condition (again!)

A nourishing conditioner is essential for replenishing moisture and safeguarding your hair. Our silicone-free conditioners for curly hair are water based and naturally potent, delivering nourishing, weightless moisture that hydrates and defines curls, coils and waves. 

For an indulgent treatment, good old Intensive Moisture Treatment serves as a fabulous leave-in mask, giving your curls the luxurious care they deserve.

4. Detangle with care

Our Detangling Wet Brush and Wide Tooth Comb are specifically designed to gently remove any knots or tangles from curly hair. This helps prevent breakage and maintain the smoothness of your hair strands.

5. Correct your colour

For those with colour-treated hair, especially blonde tones prone to turning green from chlorine exposure, we have the solution. 

Enriched with deep indigo hues, our Colour Toning Drops formulated with blue spirulina banish brassiness and bring back the vibrance of your colour. Perfect for blondes, silvers, balayage or dyed brunettes. 

6. Dry with our Curl Towel

Unlike terry towels, which absorb all moisture from hair, our jersey Curl Towel absorbs excess water, leaving your strands hydrated, smooth and cared for. It helps reduce drying time and enhances curl formation. 

Next, forget the blow dryer and let your hair air dry naturally. Or if you’re heat styling - don’t forget to use our Curl Defence Spray for ultimate protection. 

7. Sleep on silk

Prioritise a restorative night’s sleep on our Silk Envelope Pillowcase or protect your locks with a Silk Turban. Silk reduces friction, preventing hair breakage and allowing for healthy hair growth. 

Aim for eight hours of sleep to support overall hair health and ensure your hair remains resilient and beautiful despite regular swimming.

A refreshing dip shouldn’t come at the cost of your crowning glory. Now, go forth and enjoy the water, with the confidence that your hair will remain as radiant as ever.