6 Best Hairstylist-Approved Leave-In Conditioners For Swimmers (2024)
Eliminate brassy tones and keep hair fall at bay with dependable hair care products.
Yvey ValcinHairstylist 
Yvey Valcin is a celebrated master stylist based in Seattle, WA, and was one of the highest rated stylists at the flagship Gene Juarez salon in Seattle. He is known for his superior cutting technique and has styled for top editorial and fas... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli 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,... more
aditi naskarMA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is ... more
ramona sinhaMA (English Literature) Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Beng... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Swimming is fun but makes your hair brittle, crunchy, and dry. All thanks to the chlorine present in pool water. The chlorine reacts to the keratin in the hair exposing the cuticles and stripping off the natural oil and moisture from the hair. The trace minerals in pool water can also settle on the tresses, causing buildup and potential hair loss. And when swimming outdoors, the UV rays coupled with chlorine can lighten your hair color, leaving your tresses brassy. Also, chlorine can make your scalp sensitive and itchy.
To protect your hair from the unpleasant Swimmers Hair, you need an aftercare strategy and a dependable leave-in conditioner. These no-rinse stylers gently detangle your hair, seal the open cuticles, and add a layer of protection against potential environmental aggressors. We have scoured the internet to find the 6 best leave-in conditioners for swimmers that ensure chlorine protection to keep the hair soft and nourished. So, scroll down, and pick up the one that suits your hair the best.
In This Article
6 Best Leave-In Conditioners For Swimmers You Must Try In 2024
1. Best UV Protection: Kenra Professional Daily Provision Leave-In Conditioner
This rich, lightweight leave-in spray from Kenra Professional hydrates and detangles your hair while adding a healthy shine to the tresses. Plus, you can use this multipurpose leave-in as a heat-protecting spray before blow-drying. Its hair-loving formula is infused with nourishing ingredients that protect the tresses from chlorine, heat, humidity, or sun damage.
Antioxidant-rich ingredients like rosemary and matricaria protect the hair from environmental aggressors, while antibacterial cetrimonium chloride shields your scalp from infection. In addition, the blend of hydrolyzed silk, nettle, lemon balm leaf, and coltsfoot flower extracts add moisture to the hair. Plus, benzophenone-4 protects your hair from UV rays. Also ensure to do a patch test before topical application.
How To Use: Spray the leave-in through the damp hair and brush lightly through the hair with a wide-toothed comb. Use it as a style refresher throughout the day when required.
Key Ingredients: Cetrimonium Chloride, Hydrolyzed Silk, Benzophenone-4, Rosemary leaf extract, Sage leaf extract, Matricaria flower extract, Nettle extract, Lemon balm leaf extract, Coltsfoot flower extract, Field horsetail extract, and Horse chestnut seed extract
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Protects from environmental aggressors
- Shields from UV damage
- Improves manageability of the hair
- Prevents color loss
Cons
- Overpowering scent
- Expensive
2. Best For Exfoliation: Carol’s Daughter Almond Milk (Daily Damage Repair) Leave In Conditioner
Chlorine exposes your hair cuticles, leaving them dry and brittle, and prone to breakage. The protein-infused Almond Milk Leave-In Conditioner from Carol’s Daughter gently seals the open cuticles, tames frizz, and slowly reverses the quality of damaged hair. Plus, this lightweight restorative leave-in conditioner creates a protective layer over the tresses to prevent potential damage.
It is infused with nourishing ingredients like sweet almond oil, coconut oil, aloe vera, and shea butter that hydrate the hair, while hydrolyzed vegetable protein and wheat protein strengthen the hair strands. In addition, lactic acid is a potent exfoliant that washes off the mineral deposits in the hair. Plus, retinyl palmitate – a mild form of vitamin A – improves cell turnover rate and promotes new hair growth. And lastly, calendula extract, vitamin E, and grape seed oil provide vital antioxidants to the tresses and prevent free radical damage. You can also check this YouTube video detailing a tester’s experience of using the deep conditioner for a complete idea about the product.
How To Use: First, hold the leave-in 6 to 8 inches away from damp hair and spray lightly. Leave it for two minutes before detangling the tresses.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Shea butter, Calendula extract, Coconut oil, Sunflower seed extract, Hydrolyzed vegetable protein, Hydrolyzed wheat protein, Retinyl Palmitate, Lactic acid, Panthenol, Hydrogenated castor oil, Meadowfoam oil, Apricot kernel, Sweet almond oil, and Grapeseed oil
Pros
- Lightweight conditioner
- Exfoliates mineral deposits
- Promotes hair strength
- Provides hair rejuvenation
- Promotes hair growth
- Adds bounce
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Artificial color-free
- Petroleum-free
Cons
- Sticky texture
- Can trigger nut allergies
- Overpowering scent
Pro TipAlthough regular deep conditioning can seem beneficial, it can cause buildup on your hair and scalp. So, use leave-in conditioner only a couple of times per week.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 491 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
3. Best pH-Balanced Formula: Malibu C Leave-In Conditioner Mist
Sun and chlorine are two major contributors to swimmer’s hair. Together they damage your color-treated hair, lighting the hair dyes and leaving you with an unsightly green tinge. The Malibu C Leave-In Conditioner Mist shields your tresses against sun and chlorine damage and hair discoloration and adds shine to the tresses. In addition, you can use this shine-enhancing fine-mist leave-in as a thermal protector before heat styling.
The humectants like dimethicone, glycerin, allantoin, and butylene glycol hydrate your hair and prevent moisture loss. The citric acid in this hair conditioner for swimmers gently exfoliates the hair to leave it buildup-free. Also, protein from hydrolyzed rice strengthens the tresses and prevents premature breakage. In addition, benzophenone-4 shields the tresses from UV damage. And the refreshing orange sorbet blended with malibu fusion fragrance would remind you of tropical holidays. So what’s keeping you from testing out this excellent product? Check it out now!
How To Use: Spritz the conditioner into damp or towel-dried hair and leave it for two to three minutes. Then, brush through your hair to detangle the knots.
Key Ingredients: Butylene Glycol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Benzophenone-4, Pro-Vitamin B5, Hydrolyzed rice protein, Allantoin, Flaxseed, and Citric acid
Pros
- Gently washes off mineral deposit
- Protects from heat damage
- Improves hair texture
- pH-balanced formula
- Prevents hair breakage
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Color-safe
- Gluten-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Refreshing fragrance
Cons
- Weights hair down
- Greasy texture
Kenra Professional Daily Provision Leave-In Conditioner Best UV Protection | Carol’s Daughter Almond Milk (Daily Damage Repair) Leave In Conditioner Best For Exfoliation | Malibu C Leave-In Conditioner Mist Best pH-Balanced Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | - | Curly, Damaged, Coily | - |
| Dimensions | - | 1.97 x 1.97 x 7.49 inches | - |
| Weight | - | 9.88 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | - | 491 | - |
| Price | $12.4 | $12.54 | $19 |
4. Best Frizz Protection:Keracolor Purify Plus Locks In Color + Shine Leave In Conditioner
Give your colored hair some TLC post-swimming with this nourishing leave-in from Keracolor. The keratin-infused formula strengthens the hair, while the innovative Keracolor’s Krystal Color Complex™ neutralizes chlorine and protects the hair color from fading. Plus, antioxidant-rich pro-vitamin B5 and vitamin E protect the hair from free radical damage. And cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol, and caprylyl glycol smoothen the tresses, making them soft and shiny. This smoothing conditioner for swimmers is perfect for a quick refresh on the 2nd-day post-wash. Before blow-drying, you can also use it as a heat-protecting spray to prevent frizz or static.
How To Use: Spray two to three pumps of the conditioner on the hair and gently comb through the tresses
Key Ingredients: Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Pro-vitamin B5, Metabisulfite, Silk amino acids, Citric acid, Vitamin E, and Hydrolyzed keratin
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Anti-frizz formula
- Seals cuticles
- Strengthens hair shafts
- Adds shine
- Protects the hair from chlorine
- Tames frizz
- Extends the life of hair color
- Cruelty-free
- Can be used as a pre-treatment before swimming
Cons
- Makes hair limp
5. Best Non-Greasy Formula:Stream2Sea Pure Antioxidant Protection Leave-In Hair Conditioner
The lightweight, non-greasy Stream2Sea Pure Antioxidant Protection Leave-In Hair Conditioner leaves your hair shiny, smooth, and soft after every swim. Its green tea-infused formula adds shine to the tresses and protects them from chlorine, sun, and salt water. Also, the nourishing keratin protein strengthens the hair shafts to prevent breakage. And, the combination of humectants like olive leaf, aloe leaf juice, gluconolactone, and glycerin moisturize your hair and prevent moisture loss. Plus, the tempting fig and grapefruit fragrance keeps you refreshed throughout the day. Multiple reviews on Amazon state the product’s effectiveness in making the hair soft and manageable, giving you confidence in this popular leave-in conditioner!
How To Use: Spritz it on the hair and gently comb through the hair to detangle. To tame flyways, spritz it on dry hair.
Key Ingredients: Green tea leaf, Tulsi leaf, Wakame seaweed, Olive leaf, Aloe leaf juice, Cetearyl alcohol, Glycerin, Dimethiconol panthenol, Hydrogenated vegetable oil, Hydrolyzed keratin, and Gluconolactone
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Improves moisture content of strands
- Softens hair
- Prevents split-ends
- Prevents free radical damage
- Protects from UV damage
- Reef-safe
- Paraben-free
- Refreshing fragrance
Cons
- Can trigger allergies
Quick TipFor fragrant, nourished hair, add 1% of essential oils like argon, peppermint, and rosemary to unscented leave-in conditioners.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 881 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
6. Best For Color-Treated Hair:The Good Stuff Intensive Nourishment Cream No Rinse Conditioner
The Good Stuff’s creamy, lightweight Intensive Nourishment Conditioner is a must-have post swimming. This gentle no-rinse conditioner infused with lactic acid and coconut oil takes your haircare to the next level while moisturizing glycerin works as a humectant. And this formula is safe for color-treated hair.
How To Use: Take a pea-size amount of the leave-in conditioner in the hands and work through wet hair segments, avoiding roots.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Lactic acid, and Coconut oil
Pros
- Adds volume
- Prevents moisture loss
- Gently exfoliates the hair strands
- Color-safe
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Refreshing fragrance
Cons
- Difficult to work through hair
Infographic: Leave-In Conditioners For Swimmers
Hair and chlorine do not go well together. But swimmers cannot help it! To maintain your hair health while soaking in the pool for hours, use shower caps or wash your hair with regular water before entering the pool.
Applying a good amount of leave-in conditioner ensures that your hair shaft does not absorb any more chlorine water, protecting the structural integrity of your hair. The infographic below lists the ingredients to look for to get the best out of your products. Check it out! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Swimming is a much-loved activity that some use to merge exercise and relaxation. But, a chlorine-filled pool makes your hair dry, brittle, and crunchy causing extensive hair damage over time. A good leave-in conditioner adds an extra dose of protection against the chlorine water. They also detangle, seal the open cuticles, keep your hair soft, and add a healthy shine to the tresses. The listed conditioners also act as heat protection spray that you can use during blow-drying. The Kenra Professional Daily Provision Leave-In Conditioner is a lightweight formula that resists humidity and prevents frizzy hair while the Carol’s Daughter Almond Milk (Daily Damage Repair) Leave In Conditioner is ideal for strengthening and coating weak hair strands. Finally, the Malibu C Leave-In Conditioner Mist is great for adding thermal protection to your hair. These are lightweight, vegan, and paraben-free. Although some might have an overpowering scent. But, swimmer or not, avoid conditioners that have sticky and greasy textures. And, always remember to do a patch test before applying or opt for expert-recommended leave-in conditioners if you are often prone to allergic reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim with a leave-in conditioner on?
Yes, you can spritz leave-in conditioner on your hair before the entering the pool. Leave-in conditioner shields the cuticles from chlorine deposits and keeps the hair soft and nourished.
Why is my hair crunchy after swimming?
Chlorine breaks the hair’s protein bonds and strips them off moisture and oils. As a result, it makes the hair brittle and dry, giving it a crunchy texture.
How often should I wash my hair if I swim every day?
Wash your hair with a nourishing shampoo and conditioner 2-3 times a week. Use a leave-in conditioner once a week to keep your hair healthy. Overwashing can dry your hair and make the strands brittle. Similarly, underwashing can cause buildup on your hair and scalp.
How do professional swimmers protect their hair?
Professional swimmers wear swim caps that protect their hair from chemicals.
Should I oil my hair before swimming?
You can apply some olive oil on your hair before going inside a pool. This will provide some protection against chlorine and other elements. However, a swimming cap provides the best protection.
How do I apply leave-in conditioner?
Shampoo your hair and wring out excess water. Apply a leave-in conditioner to wet strands. Comb it through to spread the product evenly. Use the cool setting on your blow dryer to dry your hair.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skincare coach who has in-depth knowledge of the science and formulation of various skincare and healthcare products that help prevent you from the adverse effects of environmental stressors. When it comes to choosing the best leave-in conditioners for swimmers she has gone through several health forums and reviewed several customer testimonials before shortlisting this list of the best for you. These leave-in-conditioners are especially formulated to keep your hair soft and tangle-free while protecting them from the chlorine bleached pool waters.
