When it comes to summer skincare, there’s a lot to consider. Sun protection? Essential. Sweat-resistant makeup? Essential. But we often forget about our hair, which can suffer from sun exposure. So you’re wondering how to protect your hair from chlorine before things go wrong.
While a dip in the pool is a great way to beat the heat, it can be damaging to your hair. “Chlorine dehydrates hair, making it brittle and more prone to breakage and split ends,” says hair expert Sam McKnight.
If you thought that because your hair isn’t bleached or chemically treated, you don’t have to worry about chlorine damage, think again. While chlorine is more potent on damaged hair, it can affect all hair types. So if you’re planning on taking up swimming anytime soon, check out our suggestions below.
If your hair is dry, feels straw-like, looks dull, is more prone to frizz, or has more split ends than usual after you shower, McKnight says your hair is likely damaged by chlorine. It’s hard to tell if your hair is damaged by styling, but basically, if your hair doesn’t look or feel dry, then chlorine has penetrated your hair.
Chlorine is bad for curly and coily hair. Since some curly and coily hair is naturally dry, chlorine can make the dryness worse. “Chlorine is very damaging to hair, especially curly and coily hair,” says Rashuna Durham, stylist and lead professional instructor at Amika. “Chlorine strips the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle.” Not good.
Blonde lovers who love to dye their hair, brace yourself for a harsh truth: “Hair that has been chemically treated, such as coloring, bleaching, chemically straightening, or perming, is more susceptible to chlorine damage,” says McKnight. If you have blonde hair, you’re more likely to notice the damage, since the chemical reaction is more visible. “Chlorine combines with other metals in the water, like copper and iron, and turns the hair a gray-green tint, which is more noticeable on light-colored hair, especially blondes. Chlorine can also fade color-treated hair, so it’s important to protect your hair while swimming to maintain its natural, vibrant color.”
Luckily, there are ways to protect your hair from chlorine without sacrificing your time in the pool. “The best protection is to protect your hair from water and sun, but the next easiest way is to use a protective spray and style your hair to protect it,” advises McKnight. He recommends Sundaze Sea Spray (£26) – a spray with a UV filter that gives your hair a saltwater feel while protecting it.
For textured hair, Durham has a clever trick. “Before you take a dip in the pool this summer, wet your hair to stop it soaking up all the chlorine like a sponge.” What a great tip. She then recommends applying a leave-in conditioner, which will act as a barrier. “Applying conditioner before swimming helps close the cuticle and create a barrier between your hair and the chlorine.” She recommends Amika Hydro Rush Leave-in Conditioner, £26. “It’s an intensely hydrating leave-in conditioner that boosts moisture, smoothes hair and reduces frizz.”
But ultimately, if you can avoid your hair coming into contact with the pool, it’s your best option to avoid unnecessary damage. “I know this might not be popular with fans, but a swim cap is a great way to protect your hair while swimming. It’s one of the best barriers to keep chlorine from getting into your hair,” Durham said.
Don’t worry, it won’t make much of a difference. Be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly after each swim, and then condition it thoroughly. “Invest in an intensive treatment that repairs, deeply nourishes, and strengthens your hair. Choose one that’s easy to incorporate into your routine and only takes five minutes,” advises McKnight. Quick results are key, since you’re unlikely to spend hours on your hair while having fun in the pool!
Kix Reid is the Beauty Director of Cosmopolitan UK. She loves all things beautiful and is a true hair fanatic. She began her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as an editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines, becoming acting editor of Blackhair magazine at the age of 23. She has spent most of her career working in hairdressing media such as Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. As such, she is a regular contributor to Cosmopolitan’s Curl Up series. Today, in addition to her work at Cosmopolitan, she publishes and creates content on social media and collaborates with a wide range of beauty companies, from magazines and websites to cosmetics brands and salons.
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Post time: Apr-24-2025