Chlorine is an essential part of pool maintenance and water treatment—it keeps pool water free of bacteria and makes it safe for us to drink. However, chlorine can have harmful effects on your hair: It can strip natural oils, make your hair dry, brittle, and discolored, and even give it a greenish tint—especially in light or color-treated hair. To keep your hair healthy, it's important to understand these effects and take protective measures.
How chlorine affects hair – the science
Chlorine is a common water treatment solution found in swimming pools, tap water, and some natural water sources. While it makes the water safe to drink and swim in, it can degrade the natural oils that protect your hair and skin.
What does chlorine do to hair?
- Strips away natural oils: Chlorine in water removes the layer of oil that keeps your hair soft.
- Dries out hair: Hair exposed to chlorine becomes dry, rough and brittle.
- Increases hair porosity: Gaps form in the hair surface, which leads to more hair breakage and slight color loss in colored hair.
- Discolors hair: Excessive chlorine exposure can cause a greenish color, especially on light or colored hair.
- Chlorine residue: When chlorine remains in the hair, it dries out both the hair and scalp, which can lead to irritation or dandruff.
- Indirect effects: Chlorine in tap water or drinking water can lead to increasing dryness and skin irritation over time.
Does tap water contain chlorine?
Yes, most public water systems add chlorine to kill bacteria—a practice known as drinking water chlorination. Although the amount of chlorine is typically much lower than that used in swimming pools, repeated exposure can dry out hair and skin, especially with frequent washing.
Infographic: Structure of a strand of hair before and after contact with chlorine
| Hair characteristics | Before chlorine exposure | After chlorine exposure |
| Surface structure | Firm, smooth | Rough, roughened, porous surface |
| Moisture/fat content | Balanced, healthy | Exhausted, dry |
| Color (for colored hair) | Lively, even | Faded, sometimes greenish |
| Strength | Flexible, less hair breakage | Weak, prone to split ends |
How to protect your hair from chlorine: step-by-step instructions
Wondering how to protect your hair while swimming or even showering in chlorinated tap water every day? Here's a simple, effective guide with tips on how to protect your hair before, during, and after contact with chlorinated water—ideal for keeping your hair healthy after swimming.
Before swimming: Important protective measures
How can I protect my hair from contact with chlorinated pool water?
Follow these pre-swimming precautions every time you enter a pool or come into contact with chlorine.
Rinse your hair with clean, chlorine-free water.
Wet your hair before swimming allows it to absorb less chlorinated pool water. Just as a wet sponge can't absorb much more water, your hair absorbs less chlorine when saturated with fresh water.
Apply a protective layer: natural oils or leave-in conditioner.
Oils and conditioners form a thin protective film on each strand of hair, making it harder for chlorine in the water to penetrate your hair. Should you oil your hair before swimming? This is one of the best ways to lock in moisture and create a protective layer.
Natural oils vs.Silicone-based conditioner: Which is better?
| Product type | Protection level | Advantages | Disadvantages | Best suited for |
| Coconut oil | High | Deep penetration, natural, affordable | May be too heavy for fine hair. | Thick, curly, dry hair |
| olive oil | Medium-High | Easily available, moisturizes | May look greasy and heavy. | Thick/curly hair |
| Jojoba oil | Medium | Light, less greasy | Offers slightly less protection than coconut oil. | Fine/straight hair |
| Silicone leave-in | High | Smooth finish, easy to style | Can lead to deposits over time. | All hair types |
| Cream conditioner | Medium | Moisturizes, detangles | Can be quickly washed out with water. | All hair types |
Wear a swimming cap
A tight-fitting silicone swim cap is one of the best ways to protect your hair from chlorine.
- For long or thick hair: Tie your hair into a loose bun or braid before putting on the cap to avoid tangling.
- For curly or textured hair: First, use some oil or leave-in conditioner, then choose a large silicone cap that won't ruffle or flatten your curls.
Tip for swimmers: It works best if you perform several steps one after the other: Wet your hair, apply oil or conditioner and put on a swim cap.
Swimming Preparation Routine: Sample Printable Checklist
Immediate care after swimming
Quick aftercare is just as important as preparation. The goal: to remove chlorine before it dries and damages your hair. Since chlorine quickly destroys your hair's protective oil layer (see section 1), it's important to remove residue immediately after swimming.
Rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water (as quickly as possible).
Wet your hair with fresh water before each swim to reduce chlorine absorption.
Imagine your hair like a sponge—if it's already wet, it can't absorb much more. Likewise, completely wet hair absorbs less chlorinated pool water. Dermatologists and swim coaches recommend this simple step as one of the most effective ways to protect against chemical damage.
Use a clarifying or chelating shampoo.
- Designed to remove chlorine, not just surface dirt, these shampoos are especially suitable for regular swimmers. They help prevent green-colored hair, product buildup, and excessive dryness caused by pool chemicals.
- However, since they are more intensive than regular shampoos, they should be used sparingly to avoid drying out your hair and scalp.
- Use clarifying shampoo up to 1-2 times per week, depending on how often you swim.
- Chelating shampoos—the strongest ones—should not be used more than once a week unless recommended by a professional, as excessive use can remove essential oils and lead to brittleness.
- For color-treated or sensitive hair, use a mild, sulfate-free clarifying shampoo to reduce irritation and maintain color vibrancy.
| Shampoo type | Removes chlorine? | Advantages | Disadvantages | Instructions for use |
| Regular shampoo | × | Gentle, suitable for daily use | Does not completely remove chlorine. | After the occasional swim |
| Clarifying Shampoo | √ | Removes chlorine/deposits | Can have a drying effect. | 1–2 times per week for swimmers |
| Chelating shampoo | √√ | Removes minerals, metals | Strongest effect (can be aggressive). | Occasional deep cleaning |
Apply a moisturizing conditioner or a deep conditioning mask.
This final step restores moisture after contact with chlorine.
- DIY: Make a mask with natural yogurt and honey to add protein and moisture. While these DIY masks are great for weekly maintenance, they should complement a swimmer's core routine (e.g., leave-in repair sprays or deep conditioning conditioners) for optimal protection and recovery.
- Available in stores: Choose a deep conditioner rich in natural oils and proteins.
- Let your hair air dry or use a microfiber towel.
| Mask/Product | DIY ingredients | Commercially available properties | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Yogurt/honey mask | Natural yogurt, honey | — | Protein, softens | Mild fragrance, messy |
| Avocado/olive oil | Crushed avocado, olive oil | — | Super moisturizing | Greasy for fine hair |
| Commercially available mask | — | Shea butter, keratin, silk proteins | Quick to use, longer lasting | Higher costs |
Post-swimming recovery for frequent swimmers
What should I do with my hair if I swim every day?
Daily or frequent swimming requires weekly repair and careful maintenance to reverse or prevent chlorine damage.
One user wrote: “After switching to a weekly deep conditioning treatment, my hair ends finally stop breaking!”
A peer-reviewed study found that long-term exposure to chlorinated water can contribute to oxidative stress and damage to hair fibers. Read the full study on NIH
Signs of chronic chlorine exposure:
- The hair looks straw-like and feels brittle.
- Faded color, green shimmer (especially in light hair)
- More split ends and hair breakage than normal
- Itchy, flaky scalp
Weekly routine for regular swimmers:
- Apply a deep-acting care mask or repair serum once a week
- Use leave-in sprays that help repair hair and protect it from chlorine.
- Trim your hair ends every 6-8 weeks to avoid breakage.
Tailor-made advice according to hair type
| Hair type | What you should use | Avoid |
| Colored | Color-safe, extra moisturizing products | Aggressive clarifying agents, frequent use |
| Curly/Textured | Sulfate-free, thick oils | Highly clarifying shampoos |
| Fine/Thinning | Light oils, protein treatments | Heavy oils/conditioners |
Tip: Curly and textured hair needs extra moisture to keep the curls healthy after swimming.
How to minimize chlorine exposure outside the pool
Chlorine is not only found in swimming pools – tap water and natural bodies of water can also contain chlorine due to water treatment.
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), tap water in the United States may contain chlorine and other disinfection byproducts that can affect sensitive users.
- Use filtered water for the final rinse: If your water system contains a lot of chlorine, rinse your hair with filtered or distilled water.
- Install a shower filter: These filters can remove chlorine and other chemicals from tap water, improving hair and skin health.
- Pull a Reverse osmosis filter Consider: An RO filter reduces the overall chlorine load for drinking and washing water in your entire household.
Can drinking tap water affect your hair?
Regular chlorination of drinking water is essential for public health and is maintained at a low, safe level—typically between 0.2 and 1.0 mg/L. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "chlorine, when used appropriately, is effective in ensuring the microbiological safety of drinking water."
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adds: “Most public water systems add chlorine to kill germs that may be present in the water.” See CDC on water disinfection
For most people, this chlorine content has no noticeable effects on their hair or scalp. However, those with chemically treated, severely damaged, or very sensitive hair may experience increasing dryness or irritation over time—especially with daily exposure (e.g., frequent washing, long showers).
Expert advice && Case Studies
Insights from dermatologists and professional swimmers
“Rinsing your hair immediately with clean water after swimming is the simplest way to prevent chlorine-induced hair dryness.”
– Dermatologist, specialist in skin and hair health
"Using a swim cap and a leave-in conditioner—especially with color-treated hair—has helped me avoid most of the damage. Chlorine builds up quickly if you don't take protective measures."
– competitive swimmer
Practical example
A triathlete reported in a swimming forum: "Because I didn't rinse before swimming and didn't wear a swim cap, after just one week of daily training, my hair was dry and had a green tinge. Using coconut oil and a swim cap kept my hair healthy and the color vibrant. It changed everything!"
Infographic: Myths vs. Facts about Hair and Chlorine
| myth | fact |
| Everyone gets green hair from chlorine. | Only light or damaged hair, often due to copper in the water |
| Swimming caps alone prevent any contact with chlorine. | Even the best swim caps let some water in – especially around the edges. |
| The chlorine in tap water is too weak to play a role. | However, with daily use, hair can dry out over time. |
| Oils damage the hair or scalp. | Natural oils protect the hair unless it is very fine. |
| Only the water in the swimming pool affects the hair. | Chlorine in tap or well water can also dry out hair. |
Conclusion
Chlorine makes the water safe, but it doesn't necessarily damage your hair. A combination of rinsing before swimming, applying protective oils or conditioners, wearing a swim cap, and careful aftercare can help protect your hair from chlorine—regardless of your hair type or how often you swim. Regular care will help keep your hair strong, shiny, and healthy, even if it frequently comes into contact with pool water or chlorinated tap water.
Share your experience: Do you have a tip that worked for you? Comment below.
Frequently Asked Questions: How do you protect your hair from chlorine?
How can I protect my hair from chlorine damage?
Yes. Pre-wetting your hair reduces the amount of chlorinated water your hair can absorb.
Should I oil my hair before swimming?
Absolutely! This is especially important if you swim regularly, as natural oils like coconut or jojoba oil can form a protective layer.
Will swimming once a week damage my hair?
Occasional swimming is generally safe. Just follow the recommended precautions, and your hair should stay healthy.
What does damage caused by chlorine look like?
Hair may appear dry and rough, break easily, or even discolor when exposed to light or undergoes bleaching treatments.
Does chlorine in water affect your hair?
Yes.Both chlorinated water from swimming pools and tap water can make hair dry and brittle if exposed repeatedly.
Can drinking tap water harm your hair?
Only slightly—the main problems arise when washing and rinsing your hair. Using a filter can help if your scalp/hair is sensitive.
Can I swim without a cap and still protect my hair?
You can apply oil or conditioner as a protective layer, but without a swim cap, your hair will still absorb some chlorine. For best results, combine all three.