6 Best Hair Care Products For Swimmers, Cosmetologist-Reviewed (2024)
Keep the unwanted chlorine out of your hair with these best hair products.
Lindsay Loo is a cosmetologist who has spent 10 years behind the chair in a storied salon in Chelsea. She is a certified Wella Master Color Expert and also has experience backstage at New York Fashion Week. She has a private studio and love... read full bio
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of ... read full bio
Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in ... read full bio
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... read full bio
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Swimming is an intense activity that helps you to stay fit physically and mentally. But the salty water from the beach and the chlorine water from the pool often make your hair lifeless and dull. The best hair care products for swimmers will eliminate the chlorine out of your hair and keep dryness at bay. The hard water contains tons of harsh minerals, while the chlorine’s harsh elements can often suck out the natural oils from your hair follicles. However, this should not stop you from taking a little dip in the pool or enjoying your summer break thoroughly. Take a look at our list of the hair care products that will keep your strands healthy and let you have unadulterated fun during the swimming sessions.
In This Article
6 Best Hair Care Products For Swimmers To Try In 2024
1. Best For Removing Chlorine:UltraSwim Dynamic Duo Repair Shampoo and Conditioner
The UltraSwim Dynamic Duo Repair Shampoo and Conditioner are highly moisturizing formulas. The shampoo gently removes the chlorine buildup along with the chlorine odor to leave your hair smelling fresh and clean every time. It thoroughly removes the copper deposits and other oxidized metal that may fade the hair color. The formula is enriched with moisturizers, humectants, vitamin E, and aloe vera that prevent hair dryness. It also contains polyquaternium-10 as an active agent that helps in nourishing and conditioning your hair and making it manageable and soft. This duo is suitable for natural, colored, relaxed, chemically-treated, permed, or light-colored hair. They are gentle on the scalp and are suitable for use after every swim. Numerous reviewers recommend this product for its smoothing effects and pleasant smell.You can check this YouTube video for more information about the tester’s experience of using the product.
Key Ingredients: Polyquaternium-10, Vitamin E, and Aloe vera
Pros
- Rich lather
- Deep conditioning effects
- Suitable for all hair type
- Pleasant scent
- A little bit goes a long way
Cons
- Water-like consistency
- Not suitable for sensitive skin or scalp
2. Best For Colored Hair:AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense
The AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense acts as a shield to protect your hair from damage that can be caused due to chlorine, salty water, or other damaging chemicals. This pre-swim hair serum seals your hair cuticles to prevent damage and has color retention properties. It smoothes the tresses, prevents loss of natural oils, and eliminates mineral deposits.
The formula is enriched with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, almond oil, argan oil, and shea butter, which condition your hair and give it a silky texture. It protects your natural hair color and even prevents green hair caused due to chlorine water. It maintains your hair’s health by eradicating elements that may cause dryness and brittle hair. If you are still unsure about purchasing, you can check out a review of a tester’s experience of using this product on YouTube.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera juice, Almond oil, Argan oil, and Shea butter
Pros
- Leave-in serum
- Easy to use
- Quick-absorbing
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Reef-safe
- Pleasant and mild fragrance
Cons
- Not suitable for dry and damaged hair
- May cause tangles
Pro Tip3. Best RestorativeFormula:Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Hair Remedy
The Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Hair Remedy comes in a pack of 3 sachets. This formula eradicates lifeless, dull, or crunchy hair by boosting them with restorative crystals and antioxidant properties. It eradicates the mineral deposit buildup from your hair and scalp to help improve scalp health and leaves it feeling full of life and shining. This restorative treatment removes copper buildup to help prevent the green hair cast. The sulfate-free shampoo contains a crystallized antioxidant vitamin complex, ascorbic acid, and betaine, which nourish, enhance, repair, and rejuvenate your hair.
The crystallized antioxidant vitamin complex transforms the brittle, dry, discolored hair into soft, manageable hair. The ascorbic acid is naturally rich in vitamin C that removes harsh and damaging components and purifies the strands and the scalp. Betaine has the ability to improve your hair texture by softening it and restoring moisture to it. The lightweight formula improves improves the overall texture of your hair and soothes the dryness and itchiness caused on your scalp due to the harsh elements of chlorine and ocean water and imparts a softening effect. Many reviewers praise this product for easily removing the green tint from their hair after spending time in the swimming pool. You can check out this YouTuber’s review of the product, detailing the reviewer’s experience, if you require more convincing.
Key Ingredients: Crystallized antioxidant vitamin complex, Ascorbic acid, and Betaine
Pros
- 100% vegan
- Food-grade ingredients
- Suitable for all age groups
- Sulfate-free
- Preservative-free
- Paraben-free
- Propylene-free
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
- Propylene glycol-free
- Sodium chloride-free
- DEA-free
Cons
- Not suitable for unpigmented hair
Pro Tip| UltraSwim Dynamic Duo Repair Shampoo and Conditioner Best For Removing Chlorine | AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense Best For Color Hair | Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Hair Remedy Best RestorativeFormula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Items | 1 | - | - |
| Hair Type | Dry | All | - |
| Dimensions | 3 x 3 x 9 inches | - | 0.5 x 2.5 x 3.75 inches |
| Weight | 1 Pounds | - | 0.64 Ounces |
| Weight | - | - | 0.04 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | - | - | - |
| Price | $15.56 | $34.99 | $12 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Chemical-Free Formula:TrihardPre & Post Swim Conditioner
The Trihard Pre & Post Swim Conditioner keeps your hair free from chlorine, saltwater, harsh chemical deposits, and buildups. When used as a pre-swim conditioner, the formula creates a protective layer on your skin that neutralizes the absorption of pool chemicals and reduces their damaging effects. It is formulated with the PLECOTECH, a gentle cleansing technology, that is enriched with natural red algae, along with botanical extracts. The formula also contains glycerin, magnesium chloride, dead sea salt, almond, jojoba oil, argan oil, shea butter, and vitamin E to make it an anti-frizz solution. The potent blend restores the healthy texture of your hair post swim and also helps in hydrating and soothing the dry and itchy scalp and has anti-breakage properties. It neutralizes the unpleasant chlorine scent and smooths brittle and dry hair by helping the hydration balance. Additionally, the product is favored by ethically conscious consumers because it has not been tested on animals.
Key Ingredients: PLECOTECH technology, Glycerin, Magnesium chloride, Dead sea salt, Almond, Jojoba oil, Argan oil, Shea butter, and Vitamin E
Pros
- Vegan
- Non-GMO
- SLS-free
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
5. Best For Dandruff And Itchy Scalp:TriswimChlorine Removal Swimmers Shampoo
The Triswim Chlorine Removal Swimmers Shampoo helps in removing chlorine, bromine, saltwater, hard water, and other harsh chemicals and hard water mineral deposits from your scalp and hair. It soothes a dry and itchy scalp and leaves it feeling refreshed.
The formula is enriched with chamomile, aloe vera, watercress, vitamin A, pro-vitamin B5, lime, and tropical mango. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties which calm your dry scalp. Watercress boosts the growth of healthy hair. Aloe vera has proteolytic enzymes, which help in reducing dandruff. It also has moisturizing and soothing properties. The vitamin A and pro-vitamin B5 work together to hydrate and increase the volume of your hair while enhancing its texture. The enticing lime and tropical mango fragrance help in neutralizing the chlorine fragrance. The gentle scent lingers all day long, demonstrating a salon-quality performance. The product has not been tested on animals, which makes it ideal for those looking for cruelty-free options.
Key Ingredients: Chamomile, Aloe vera, Watercress, Vitamin A, Pro Vitamin B5, Lime, and Tropical Mango
Pros
- Lathers richly
- Helps in volume enhancement
- Safe for everyday use
- Gentle on the scalp
- Pleasant citrus fragrance
- Paraben-free
- Long-lasting freshness
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- All-day protection
Cons
- Does not help with green hair cast
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 2,901 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
6. Best All-Natural Formula:Mystique Abundance Swimmer’s Hair Care Oil
The Mystique Abundance Swimmer’s Hair Care Oil is a pre-swim hair product for swimmers. It is known for its ability to prevent hair damage due to chlorine and other harsh chemicals from saltwater and hard water. This nourishing pre-swim hair oil coats and nourishes each hair strand and improves hair strength and resilience.
The formula is enriched with nourishing ingredients like castor oil, lavender, oil, almond oil, coconut oil, peppermint oil, sandalwood oil, chamomile oil, avocado oil, and other herbal extracts. This rich natural blend soothes the scalp and prevents damages caused due to the aggressors present in pool and ocean water. It also prevents hair discoloration, reduces hair damage caused due to sun exposure, and prevents dryness and irritation by infusing nourishment to your hair and scalp and helps in shine enhancement. Ethically conscious hair care enthusiasts are obsessed with the formula as it is not tested on innocent animals.
Key Ingredients: Castor oil, Lavender oil, Almond oil, Coconut oil, Peppermint oil, Sandalwood oil, Chamomile oil, and Avocado oil
Pros
- Gentle on the hair and scalp
- Easy to use
- Vegan
- Non-greasy texture
- Chemical-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Strong herbal fragrance
When you are a swimmer, your hair is exposed to harsh chemicals constantly. This can dry out your tresses and make them look dull and lifeless, especially if you have curly hair. In order to get rid of lifeless hair and to keep it healthy and shiny, you need to use special hair care products that are designed for swimmers. Lindsay Loo, a cosmetologist, also agrees, “Using proper swimmer shampoos and conditioners is key to maintaining healthy hair. One item that should be added to your routine is a deep conditioner or leave-in.” Here is a buying guide for the best hair care products for swimmers that will help you choose the right product for your needs.
Points To Consider While Purchasing Hair Care Products For Swimmers
- Moisturizing Ingredients: Most moisturizing hair care products for swimmers contain jojoba, argan, and coconut oils. These natural ingredients help in keeping your hair hydrated and healthy. Jojoba oil is a natural emollient that helps to condition and protect the hair. Argan oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which help nourish and repair your tresses. Coconut oil is a natural moisture sealant that helps prevent the hair from becoming dry and brittle.
When choosing a moisturizing hair care product for swimmers, look for one that contains all three of these natural ingredients. This will ensure that your hair stays healthy and hydrated all summer long!
- Silicone-filled conditioner: Silicone-filled conditioners work by creating a barrier between your hair and the pool water. This barrier helps lock in moisture and prevent your hair from absorbing too much chlorine. Silicone-filled conditioners have detangling properties to effectively detangle wet hair, making it easier to style after a swim.
When shopping for silicone-filled conditioners, look for look for tangle-free formulas and also the ones free of sulfates and parabens. You would also want to choose a conditioner that is suitable for your hair type.
If you have color-treated hair, look for a gentle conditioner that is specifically designed for color-treated hair.
- Vitamin C-based Products: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize some of the chlorine in pool water, helping you protect your hair from damage. There are a few different ways that you can find vitamin C in hair care products.
One option is to look for a leave-in treatment that contains vitamin C. These treatments can be applied to wet or dry hair, and they will help to deeply condition your strands while also protecting them from future damage. Another option is to look for a shampoo or conditioner that contains vitamin C. These products can help gently remove chlorine and other impurities from your hair, leaving it feeling soft and healthy. No matter which type of product you choose, make sure to read the labels carefully to ensure that it contains vitamin C.
Infographic: How To Protect Your Hair While Swimming
While swimming is fun, it can damage your hair. Some pools contain extremely chlorinated water that can weaken the strands, cause split ends, and strip away moisture from the tresses. Hence, you must make sure to protect your strands from chlorine and other harmful chemicals. Take a look at the infographic below to know more. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
From protecting your hair from mineral and chlorine deposits to preventing green hair cast on blonde hair, the above-mentioned list includes hair products for swimmers that are definitely worth having. The reviewed options mentioned in the curated list offer restorative care and are gentle on your hair and scalp. They have a non-greasy texture and are free from added preservatives. While the AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense is quick-absorbing, the Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Hair Remedy is lightweight. If you want to protect your hair from chlorinated water before swimming, you should try these products. Lindsay Loo, a cosmetologist, says, “Using proper swimmer shampoos and conditioners is key to maintaining healthy hair. One item that should be added to your routine is a deep conditioner or leave-in.” With the best hair products for swimmers, you can enjoy your summer break without worrying about damaging your gorgeous tresses. Opt for products that have garnered positive reviews online and remember to conduct a patch test before application to check for skin sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hair products good for swimmers?
Yes, there are specially-made hair products that will keep the chlorine out of swimmers’ hair and keep it soft and shiny. These products are designed to effectively remove chlorine from the hair, prevent damage caused by prolonged exposure to chlorine, and restore moisture for healthy and shiny hair.
Should I shampoo my hair after swimming?
Yes, shampoo your hair after swimming so that leftover chemicals from the water don’t damage your hair.
How can I protect my hair from chlorine without a swim cap?
You can tie your hair up in a ponytail, bun, or braid to reduce its contact with the chlorine water. However, a swim cap is the best way to protect your hair from the harsh chemicals in the water.
Should you oil your hair before swimming?
Yes, apply a thin layer of oil on your hair before swimming to minimize the chlorine absorption in your hair.
What can I spray on my hair after swimming?
You can spray a chlorine protectant on your hair after shampooing your hair to prevent hair damage.
How do swimmers keep their hair healthy?
If you are a swimmer, wash your hair with clean water after swimming. Add a protective layer of oil or leave-on conditioner to your hair to minimize chlorine absorption. However, the best way to protect your hair is by minimizing water contact by wearing a swim cap.
What shampoo is the best for getting chlorine out of hair?
Shampoos like the Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Hair Remedy that contain ingredients like ascorbic acid will neutralize the effect of chlorine in your hair and are best for getting chlorine out of your hair.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Krati Darak, is a hair care enthusiast who advocates the importance of using the right hair care products for swimmers. She has gone through various online reviews and carefully curated the list to help her readers make the right choice. The products listed in the article are chemical-free and keep your hair protected from the chlorine water.
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