Aussie summer and pool days go hand in hand. Cannonballs. BBQs. Ice cream. Bliss!
If you’ve ever climbed out of the pool and wondered why your hair suddenly feels like hay… you’re not imagining it. Chlorine can leave your mop tangled, frizzy, brittle or even brassy – especially if you’re already dealing with dry or colour-treated strands.
The good news? You don’t have to avoid splashing about in the water. With a little know-how and the right routine, you can protect your hair before you swim and help it recover afterwards.
How Chlorine Affects Hair
Chlorine keeps pools clean and swim-safe by eliminating bacteria (which we’re very grateful for). But it’s not just interacting with microbes. Your hair gets involved too.
Here’s how:
Chlorine strips away the natural oils that coat and protect the hair shaft. Those oils help keep the cuticle smooth, flexible and hydrated. When they’re removed, the cuticle can lift slightly, making hair feel rougher and more porous.
Over time, this can lead to:
- Increased dryness
- Brittleness
- Split ends
- Dullness
- Greater susceptibility to breakage
And it’s important to understand: all hair types are affected. While chemically processed or bleached hair may show the effects more dramatically, virgin hair isn’t immune. Chlorine can impact any hair texture, colour or density.
Does Chlorine Affect Curly and Textured Hair Differently?
Yep – and often more noticeably.
Curly and coily hair types naturally tend to be drier because the structure of the curl makes it harder for scalp oils to travel down the hair shaft. When chlorine strips those limited oils away, the dryness can feel amplified.
Textured hair exposed to frequent swimming may experience:
- Increased frizz
- Reduced definition
- More tangling
- Heightened brittleness
That’s why prevention and post-swim hydration are especially important for curls and coils.
Why Blonde Hair Sometimes Turns Green
Chlorine itself doesn’t directly turn blonde hair green. The real culprit is trace metals (especially copper) present in pool water. Chlorine binds with these metals, and when that mixture interacts with porous hair (like bleached or lightened strands), it can deposit a faint green or ashy tone.
If you’re blonde or colour-treated, you’re more likely to notice:
- Brassiness
- Faded colour
- Slight tonal shifts
Which makes protective prep even more worthwhile.
How to Protect Your Hair Before Swimming
A few simple steps can significantly reduce chlorine’s impact.
1. Saturate With Fresh Water First
Hair behaves a bit like a sponge – when it’s dry, it soaks up whatever it meets. If you fully wet your hair with clean, fresh water before entering the pool, it absorbs less chlorinated water.
2. Create a Light Barrier
Applying a small amount of conditioner or leave-in product to mid-lengths and ends before swimming can help form a temporary barrier. This can reduce moisture loss and minimise direct exposure. The goal isn’t to coat heavily, just to create a thin layer that helps smooth and seal the cuticle slightly.
3. Wear Protective Styles
Braids, buns and tied-back styles reduce tangling and minimise how much hair is exposed to constant movement in the water. Less friction means less post-swim detangling drama.
4. Consider a Swim Cap
It may not be glamorous, but a swim cap is one of the most effective physical barriers against chlorine. While it won’t keep hair perfectly dry, it significantly reduces exposure, especially for regular swimmers.
How to Help Hair Recover After the Pool
Prevention helps, but what you do after swimming matters just as much.
1. Rinse Immediately
Don’t let chlorine sit in your hair. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water as soon as possible after leaving the pool. This helps rinse away leftover chlorine and trace metals before they bind more deeply. Even if it’s just a quick shower at the pool before you jump in the car – it makes a difference.
2. Cleanse Gently, But Properly
After pool exposure, hair needs cleansing but not aggressive stripping. A sulphate-free shampoo like Respect My Roots Natural Shampoo is a great option for swim season. It gently cleanses and hydrates the scalp and hair with nourishing ingredients without compounding the dryness chlorine may have already caused. Because it avoids harsh detergents, it removes build-up without leaving hair feeling squeaky or brittle. It’s also Curly Girl approved and perfect for all hair types – even blondes!
3. Replenish Moisture
Follow with a nourishing conditioner, such as Respect My Roots Natural Conditioner, focusing on mid-lengths and ends.
Conditioning helps:
- Smooth the cuticle
- Improve manageability
- Reduce frizz
- Restore softness
Allowing the conditioner to sit for a few minutes before rinsing improves its effectiveness.
4. Reduce Heat Styling
Hair that has been exposed to chlorine is temporarily more vulnerable. High heat styling immediately afterwards can increase stress on the strands. If possible, let hair air dry or use lower heat settings with protection.
5. Use Occasional Intensive Treatments
If you swim frequently, consider incorporating a weekly deep conditioning or strengthening treatment into your routine. Fast-acting formulas that work in five to ten minutes are recommended. Consistency matters more than marathon masking sessions.
Enjoy the Pool Without Sacrificing Your Hair
Pool days shouldn’t come at the expense of your hair. Protect before you swim. Rinse and cleanse after. Hydrate consistently. Be especially mindful if you’re blonde or have textured locks.
With a little legwork, you can enjoy every swim without sacrificing softness, shine or strength and maintain healthy-looking hair through summer and beyond.
Dive in. Just don’t forget to rinse!
