How to Take Care of Your Hair After Swimming, According to Experts

There’s nothing like cooling off in the water during a hot summer day. Now, I’m all for recreating Ariel’s iconic hair flip in the pool, but exposing your hair to loads of chlorine (or saltwater) can eventually lead to dryness , breakage and cause overall damage to your strands over time. So, whether you’re a casual swimmer or a seasoned athlete, here’s how to take care of your hair after swimming—plus, four ways to prevent damage even before dipping your toes in the water.

Meet the Experts

What Happens to Your Hair After Swimming?

If you’re constantly swimming in saltwater or chlorine, it can leave lasting effects on your hair. As Capara explains, “The pH levels of pool water (7.2 to 7.8) and ocean water (around 8.2) greatly differ from the healthy hair pH range (4.5 to 5.5), which can cause hair to become more damaged, frizzy, dull and prone to breakage.”

These factors are even more apparent in fine , thin, color-treated and/or already damaged locks.

Pre-Swimming Tips

1. Cover Your Hair in a Swim Cap

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Do you remember wearing a swim cap as a kid? Well, the same benefits apply now. A swim cap can protect your hair and prevent damage caused by chlorine. Just like Katie Ledecky, pop on a swim cap before jumping into the pool. Just make sure to secure all of your hair in it, so no water seeps through. (And yes, if you have curly, thick and/or long hair, there are larger swim caps that will fit all of it. I’ve tried ‘em myself.)

2. Put a Sun Hat On

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When you’re not doing butterfly strokes in the water, a simple sun hat (or waterproof cap) will do the trick. It will protect your hair from any splashes and it will keep the sun rays from beaming down directly on your scalp.

3. Wrap Your Hair in a Ponytail

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No swim cap or hat available? No problem. Just wrap your hair up in a high ponytail or top bun to keep most of it out of the water.

4. Prep Your Hair with Leave-In Conditioner

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Whether you prefer a spray or cream, let the product soak into your hair for a few minutes before jumping in the water. The leave-in conditioner creates a protective shield against the chlorine/saltwater. “It’s always best to wet your hair and apply some type of barrier (like a leave-in conditioner or hair mask) before entering a pool or saltwater,” says Keasling. “Your hair is just like a sponge. If it's dry, it's going to suck in all of the pool or sea water. But if it's already full of water and conditioner, [it’ll absorb less of it because they] act like a natural barrier against the elements. It can also help detangle and protect your hair from further damage.”

Post-Swimming Tips

5. Rinse Your Hair Thoroughly with Fresh Water

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If you don’t have time to hop in the shower and do a full hair care routine after swimming, Keasling suggests washing your locks with fresh water before heading out. “Just rinsing your hair with fresh water as soon as you finish swimming helps to remove chlorine and salt residue,” she says. While it won’t remove all the chlorine/saltwater, it’s still better than leaving [it on your hair] for a long period of time. This is also a helpful tip to try pre-swim, as it can minimize the amount of chlorine or saltwater that penetrates your locks.

6. Use a Clarifying Shampoo

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Once you get home, Caspara recommends heading straight to the showers to shampoo your hair. “In order to prevent further oxidation, damage and discoloration, hair should absolutely be shampooed immediately after swimming,” she says. Better yet, this is a good time to use a clarifying shampoo to help remove chlorine, as well as other chemicals found in pools or the ocean. Find formulas that have ingredients like apple cider vinegar , kaolin clay or tea tree oil ; they work to cleanse the scalp, moisturize your hair and strengthen strands. Trust me, your hair will thank you later.

7. Do a Deep Conditioning Treatment

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A regular conditioner is fine , but a deep conditioner is essential after a day of swimming. Dr. Williams suggests applying a hair mask , which offers intense moisture and replenishes hair post swimming. “A conditioner restores lost moisture and smooths hair cuticles. It can rehydrate and nourish hair to make it softer, shinier and more manageable,” she explains. Apply it at least once a week and leave it on for 15 minutes or longer before rinsing it out.

8. Skip the Blow Dryer

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Your hair has already been through the ringer, so put down the hair tools for now and consider air drying instead. This method helps reduce heat damage, which will prevent drying out the hair more. Keasling also suggests towel drying your hair first. She notes, “Avoid vigorous towel drying. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and wrap your hair in a microfiber towel.”

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