What are the effects of chlorine on your hair?

Does chlorine damage hair? Yes: pool chlorine dries hair out. It strips away its natural oils and leaves it dry, brittle and dull. It can also irritate the scalp. The good news is that a few simple habits before and after swimming are enough to protect your hair from chlorine.

Why is chlorine added to swimming pools?

Chlorine is commonly used to disinfect pool water and keep swimming hygienic. So it is essential, but its oxidising properties are not without effect on hair and skin.

How does chlorine damage hair?

• Dry hair. Chlorine strips the natural oils that protect the fibre, which leads to significant dehydration.
• Breakage and split ends. Dehydrated hair becomes more fragile and breaks more easily.
• Loss of shine. The hair cuticles lift and catch less light.
• An irritated scalp. Chlorine can cause itching and a feeling of dryness.

Coloured, bleached or already dry hair is often the most sensitive. On very light hair, greenish tints can appear: these are mainly linked to metals, such as copper, present in the water. Our tips for coloured hair are detailed in our article how to care for coloured hair.

How to protect your hair from chlorine

1. Wet your hair before swimming

Before diving in, rinse your hair with clean water under the pool shower. Hair already full of fresh water absorbs less chlorinated water.

2. Apply a protective product

Before swimming, apply a protective product to your lengths: a leave-in treatment, a hair oil or a nourishing mask. These products form a barrier between your hair and the chlorine.

3. Wear a swim cap

For maximum protection, wear a latex or silicone swim cap. It is not very glamorous, but it limits direct contact between chlorine and your hair.

What to do after the pool

4. Rinse and wash straight away

As soon as you get out of the pool, rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water to remove the chlorine. Then wash it with a gentle shampoo, such as our nourishing solid shampoo, to remove the last residues without drying out your scalp.

5. Hydrate the lengths

After shampooing, apply our solid conditioner to the lengths and ends to hydrate them. Detangle gently while your hair is wet, starting at the ends.

6. Let it dry gently

Avoid rubbing your hair with a towel and limit very hot blow-drying after swimming: the fibre is already weakened.

If your hair is still very dry at the end of the summer, read our article on dry hair after summer.

Frequently asked questions

Should you wash your hair after every swim in a pool?

A rinse with clean water is essential after every swim. If you swim every day, a gentle shampoo suitable for frequent use removes chlorine without irritating the scalp.

Can chlorine irritate the scalp?

Yes, it can cause itching and dryness. If the irritation persists after several days away from the pool, see a dermatologist.

By following these tips, you will protect your hair from chlorine and keep it shiny. Enjoy your summer swims to the full.