Beurena Johnson, a certified trichologist and the founder of The Trichology School of Business, suggests, “Any exposure to chlorine will do a number on your tresses. It’s different for different hair types, depending on the hair health state. Chlorine is a bleach, and it treats hair and skin equally. It strips natural oils and melanin regardless of any hair type. If you’re swimming several times per week and wearing a swim cap is not an option, shampoo and rinse your hair directly after chlorine exposure to help flush the chemicals out and moisturize the hair.” Try out a shampoo from our list of the 15 best chlorine removal shampoos below!
What Is The Impact Of Chlorine On Your Hair?
When you swim in a pool treated with chlorine, your hair turns brittle, knotted, and dry. In certain scenarios, your hair may become thin and fall out. When you take a dip in a chlorine-treated pool, your hair absorbs this chemical and strips away the natural oil – sebum – that acts as a conditioner. It oxidizes the internal disulfide bonds of your hair causing it to lose strength and elasticity, which leads to breakage. Frequent exposure to chlorinated water results in split ends, cracks in the hair cuticles, and unhealthy hair. This is how chlorine will damage your hair. But, do chlorine removal shampoos really work? Scroll down to know in detail.
Do Chlorine Removal Shampoos Really Work?
Yes. Chlorine removal shampoos work by targeting hard water minerals like chlorine and effectively removing them from your hair. Their nourishing and hydrating formulas give relief from itchy and dry. They also help strengthen hair cuticles, improve hair texture, and impart natural shine to your hair. Below is a list of the best 15 chlorine removal shampoos for swimmers.
15 Best Chlorine Removal Shampoos For Swimmers
1. Best For Relieving Itchy Scalp: TRISWIM Shampoo
If you are looking for the best shampoo with a hydrating formula to get rid of that green tint on your hair, try this TRISWIM Shampoo. The salon-quality formula of this shampoo removes harsh chemicals such as chlorine, bromine, hard water minerals, and chemical odors from your hair along with chlorine. It contains natural herbs like chamomile and watercress that help relieve symptoms of dandruff and itchy, dry scalps. This chlorine removal swimmers shampoo also helps to build strong hair and nourish brittle, lifeless, and dry hair. Plus, a rich blend of pro-vitamin B5 and aloe vera helps hydrates the hair. Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Pro vitamin B5, Chamomile, Watercress Pros
Mango fragrance Paraben-free Gluten-free Cruelty-free Suitable for all hair types
Cons
The cap may leak.
2. Best Preservatives-Free: Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Shampoo
This cult-classic shampoo cleans out everything clinging to your hair from the swimming pool, like chlorine and the buildup of grunge refuses to wash off. It helps retain your hair’s moisture as well as keep the greening effect of chlorinated water at bay. Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Shampoo helps hydrates the hair and imparts shine. This ultra-mild, plant-based shampoo is infused with allantoin that prevents scalp irritation and inflammation,while rice protein smoothes the hair cuticles and improves the shine and texture of hair. Pro vitamin B5 helps fight the adverse effects of the pool’s impurities on your hair. Flax protein acts as a conditioner to nurture your hair and keep it hydrated. Also, it uses mild surfactant technology that offers foam-boosting properties. Key Ingredients: Allantoin, Provitamin B5, Rice protein, Flax protein Pros
Preservatives-free Sulfate-free Paraben-free Gluten-free Cruelty-free Vegan
Cons
Defects in the pump may be an issue.
3. Best For Color-Treated Hair: UltraSwim Chlorine-Removal Shampoo
If you are looking for the best affordable option in chlorine removal shampoos, go for Ultra Swim Chlorine-Removal Shampoo without a second thought. It eliminates chlorine as well as copper deposits from your hair effectively. This shampoo is infused with vitamin E that helps support a healthy scalp by reducing free radical damage. It also has aloe vera that help keep your hair moisturized, healthy, and soft. It also gets rid of the pungent chlorine smell from your hair, even if you have been in the pool multiple times. You can use this shampoo on permed, relaxed, chemically treated, or colored hair. For best results, use the Ultra Swim Conditioner right after this shampoo and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing your hair. It treats dry, damaged hair and prevents split ends. Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Aloe vera Pros
Effective after just one wash Ideal for daily use Safe for color-treated hair Suitable for all hair types
Cons
Strong fragrance
4. Best For Daily Use: ExerShield After Swim 2-In-1 Shampoo And Body Wash
This chlorine-removing shampoo cancels out the damaging effects of chlorinated water on your hair and body. The sulfate-free formula cleanses the hair without drying it. It is enriched with 100% natural ingredients and non-synthetic oils that help remove chlorine odor and restores natural moisture. The nourishing benefits of organic aloe vera, vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5, and jojoba help soothe and moisturize the hair and skin. You can also use this body wash-cum-shampoo daily. Key Ingredients: Organic Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Pro vitamin B5, and Jojoba Pros
Sulfate-free Safe for colored hair Scented Paraben-free Phthalate-free Vegan Cruelty-free
Cons
Watery consistency
5. Best For Curly Hair: Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo
If you are looking for the best clarifying shampoo for your curly hair, Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo can be a great choice. It works gently on your hair and retains natural moisture. The rich blend of citrus extracts such as lemon, grapefruit, and orange fruit extracts help break down and remove chlorine residue from your hair without drying it. Key Ingredients: Extracts of Lemon, Grapefruit, Orange Pros
Safe for color-treated hair Ideal for curly hair
Cons
Citrus scent
6. Best Vegan: Ion Swimmer’s Shampoo
Ion Swimmer’s Shampoo is a plant-based, organic shampoo for green hair caused by chlorine water. It works wonders on your hair to restore its gloss, softness, and manageability in just a few washes. It helps remove all mineral buildup like chlorine in your hair after a long session of swimming in the pool. The moisturizers in it give your hair back its lost health and volume. Key Ingredients: Linseed extracts Pros
100% Vegan Sulfate-free Surfactants-free Safe for all hair types Ideal for daily use
Cons
May make your hair rough
7. Best For Sensitive Skin: Solpri Swim And Sport Shampoo & Body Wash
The key ingredient in this chlorine-removing shampoo, vitamin C, can neutralize chlorine in just one use. Solpri Swim And Sport Shampoo & Body Wash can break down the chlorine on your hair and eliminate odor and itching. It also contains the goodness of aloe vera, MSM, and vitamin E to keep your hair moisturized. The conditioning effect of the 12 amino acids in this shampoo has a soothing effect on your hair and scalp. Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Aloe vera, MSM, Vitamin E Pros
Sulfate-free Paraben-free Dye-free No synthetic fragrance Safe for sensitive skin Safe for color-treated hair
Cons None
8. Best pH-Balanced: Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream
Get instant results with this clarifying shampoo from Redken. Its creamy formula is effective in removing product buildups, hard water minerals like chlorine, and excess oil with just one wash. Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream is formulated with Redken’s cleansing complex, which is a blend of apple fruit, sugar cane, camellia leaf, and lemon fruit extracts that helps in removing buildup and pollution from the hair. It purifies and refreshes the hair instantly. Key Ingredients: Redken’s cleansing complex Pros
Effective results in just one use pH-balanced formula Safe to use on color-treated hair Suitable for all hair types
Cons
May make hair greasy
9. Best Deep Cleansing Formula: Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
This is a highly concentrated clarifying shampoo from Moroccan oil. Its deep cleansing formula helps to remove buildups, hard water mineral deposits, and impurities from your hair. Moroccan oil Clarifying Shampoo is infused with keratin that improves hair elasticity and strength while restoring its moisture. Argan and avocado oils moisturize and prevent dryness. Argan oil, rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fats, nourish and restore damage in hair. Plus, lavender, chamomile, and jojoba extracts also help in strengthening and nourishing hair. Key Ingredients: Keratin, Argan and Avocado oils, Lavender, Chamomile, Jojoba extracts Pros
Color-safe Scented Sulfate-free Phosphate-free Paraben-free
Cons None
10. Best For Brittle Hair: Zealios Swim & Sport Shampoo
Zealios Swim & Sport Shampoo is a shampoo for swimmers’ hair. It is the best shampoo for pool swimmers as well as those who love to take a dip in the sea. This chlorine removal shampoo is formulated with vitamin B that strengthens and revitalizes dry and brittle hair and also helps prevent split ends. Aloe vera in the formula soothes and hydrates the scalp. Key Ingredients: Vitamin B Pros
Sulfate-free Safe for color-treated hair Gentle for daily use Scented Vegan Gluten-free Cruelty-free
Cons
May dry out your hair
11. Best Sun Protection: Kerastase Bain Apres Soleil Shampoo
Kerastase Bain Apres Soleil Shampoo is enriched with coconut water that helps hydrate the hair and soothes the scalp. It also has vitamin E that supports a healthy scalp. This after-sun shampoo can effectively remove chlorine, salt, and other residues from the hair and restore the smoothness of hair. Key Ingredients: Coconut water and Vitamin E Pros
Ideal for color-treated, damaged hair Scented Ideal for sun protection
Cons None
12. Best For Preventing Buildup: Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three
This clarifying shampoo from Paul Mitchell can keep your hair from turning chlorine green. The deep cleansing formula works effectively and removes chlorine, iron, bromine, and other pool minerals from your hair. It is ideal for swimmers and helps prevent future buildup. Use a deep conditioner after using this shampoo to prevent dryness. Pros
Vegan Paraben-free Ideal for all skin types Ideal for daily use to cleanse residues from styling products
Cons
Unpleasant scent
13. Best Cruelty-Free: Aubrey Swimmers Shampoo
Aubrey Swimmers Shampoo removes chlorine from your hair right after you get out of the pool. It removes not only chlorine but also other mineral buildups without damaging your hair. It is ideal for swimmers and athletes and works well on even gray and blond hair. It restores moisture with the goodness of essential nutrients like organic jojoba oil, and quinoa protein. It strengthens dull and damaged hair, adds softness, and acts against hair breakage. Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, Quinoa protein Pros
Sulfates-free Paraben-free Gluten-free Phthalate-free Vegan Cruelty-free Suitable for all hair types
Cons
Does not lather Requires conditioner for better results
14. Best pH Balancing Formula: Truss Miracle Summer Shampoo
Truss Miracle Summer Shampoo is a moisturizing sun protection shampoo. It contains UV filters to protect your hair from sun damage and prevent your hair color from fading. This summer shampoo also protects your hair from chlorine and salt damage. It is enriched with keratin, which is composed of 18 amino acids and helps in strengthening hair.Creatine that helps moisturize and protect the hair, and collagen restores hair elasticity. This chlorine removal shampoo is also infused with pro-vitamin B5 that helps in moisture retention and prevents split ends. The pH-balanced formula of this shampoo works on hair cuticles, restores moisture, and keeps your hair healthy, shiny, and manageable. Key Ingredients: Keratin, Pro-Vitamin B5, Collagen, Creatine, Menthol Pros
pH balancing formula Color-safe Suitable for all hair types, hair colors Salt-free Gentle for daily use
Cons
None
15. Best For Blonde Hair: Peter Coppola Legacy Keratin Concept Clarifying Shampoo
Use this clarifying shampoo right after your swimming session to keep your hair protected from the chlorine odor. Peter Coppola Legacy Keratin Concept Clarifying Shampoo is perfect for you if you swim regularly in a chlorinated pool. This high-performance clarifying shampoo has a pH value of 8 to cancel out the toughest environmental buildup in your hair. It is infused with keratin that improves hair elasticity and strength and vitamin B5 that helps in moisture retention of hair. Swimmers prefer this shampoo because it also eliminates excess oil from their hair and scalp. Key Ingredients: Keratin, Vitamin B5 Pros
Versatile Color-safe Gentle for daily use Ideal for gray or blonde hair
Cons None Wondering how to use chlorine removal shampoos to get their maximum benefits? Here’s how.
How To Use Chlorine Removal Shampoo
Chlorine removal shampoos are specially formulated to remove chlorine, its associated odor, and that green tint from your hair.
For this, you should wash your hair thoroughly with a chlorine removal shampoo immediately after you get out of the swimming pool. Massage shampoo into your hair and scalp and let it sit for a minute before rinsing it out from your hair. Use a deep conditioner that is suitable for your hair type to prevent dryness and hair tangling. If you have color-treated hair, look for shampoos with color-safe options.
Pro Tip: Before you enter the pool, wet your hair with fresh water so that it absorbs less chlorine. Not every shampoo works well on swimmers’ hair to remove chlorine, mineral buildup, and pungent odor. Check out the next section to pick the best chlorine removal shampoo to get the best results.
How To Choose The Best Chlorine Removal Shampoo – Buying Guide
Ingredients
Never forget to check the ingredients of a swimmers’ shampoo. They usually contain proteins, minerals, vitamins, and aloe vera. Vitamins A, B, C, and E are included in certain shampoos to fix hair cracks and make it stronger. Proteins in your shampoo work on your hair follicles and cuticles to avert serious metal buildup. Aloe vera soothes your hair and scalp. Choose the best swimmers’ shampoo that does not contain sulfates, gluten, parabens, or formaldehyde that leads to dry, itchy scalp.
Moisturizers
Once the chlorine and heavy metals are removed from your hair, you need something that will soothe and moisturize your hair to undo the damage. The essential ingredients in a good shampoo are minerals, vitamins, aloe vera, and natural oils. Vitamin E and aloe vera are known to fight dryness and brittleness to keep your hair hydrated.
Hair Growth
Some pool chemicals can slow down or even stop your hair from growing. It is a serious concern if you are a swimmer with long hair. Your hair will not only be dry, thin, and brittle, but it will stop growing to replace the lost hair. Therefore, you need to look for a shampoo that is rich in nutrients to repair hair damage and protect it from the heavy metals and chlorine in the pool water. Make sure your shampoo contains proteins, antioxidants, and vitamins to fix damaged hair and boost protection.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal is passionate about hair care. In this article, she has reviewed and curated a list of the best shampoos for swimmers. She has picked products specifically formulated to hydrate dry, brittle hair and contain cleansing ingredients to prevent scalp buildup. In addition, she has carefully checked online feedback and the brand websites to pick products that can prevent the green tint and chemical odor you often get after spending time in swimming pools. Should swimmers shampoo every day? If you are a regular swimmer, then switch to regular shampoos over clarifying shampoos about once a week. Daily usage of clarifying shampoos is not recommended as they can dry out your hair. Does swimming in chlorine water make your hair turn green? Chlorine alone does not make your hair green when you swim in chlorinated water. The copper and chlorine together build a thin film that sticks to your hair, making it green. Exposure to chlorine and metals makes your hair lose its natural oils and color. Does wearing a swim cap help keep chlorine out of your hair? Yes, it does. Swimming caps keep your hair from getting wet and soaked in the chlorine-treated pool water. They will add one layer of protection to your hair. If you are a swimmer, wet your hair first under a shower and then wear a swim cap. You can even apply a little conditioner before wearing the cap to keep your hair protected in the water. I heard putting shampoo or oil in my hair before I swim will help—true? Yes, applying oil keeps your hair a little protected before you get into the swimming pool. Take a shower before swimming to rinse off the deodorant and sweat from your skin or hair so that it takes less chlorine and pool water when your hair is already soaked. Do chlorine shampoos affect colored hair? A few anti-chlorine shampoos do not work well on colored hair. Check the label to find out if the shampoo is safe for color-treated hair. What happens if you don’t wash the chlorine out of your hair? The chemicals in the pool can remove natural oils from the hair and make it dry. It will lead to split ends and damage.
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