Courtesy of TRIHARD, a SwimSwam partner.
Your hair turns green from the pool because chlorine reacts with copper in the water — but have you also noticed your hair feeling dry, brittle, or tinged with a green hue after a swim? If so, you’re not alone. Chlorine takes its toll on your hair (and skin) faster than most swimmers realize. In fact, up to 30% of hydration can be lost after just one swim.
That’s why many swimmers turn to solutions specifically designed to combat these effects. Products like TRIHARD’s chlorine-removal shampoo and pre-swim conditioner offer targeted protection against chlorine’s harmful impact and are trusted by elite swimmers around the world.
So here’s exactly why it happens and how you can effectively fix swimmer’s hair damage.
Why Does Chlorine Make Hair Green?
It’s no secret that pool chlorine is essential for keeping the water clean and safe from harmful bacteria. However, this powerful disinfectant also comes with a downside for our hair fibers.
Chlorine acts as an oxidizing agent, meaning it strips away natural oils and also reacts with hair pigments. This is especially noticeable in lighter hair colors, where the oxidation of copper particles (often present in pool water from pipes or algaecides) can lead to that tell-tale green tint. This isn’t dye; it’s a chemical reaction! In fact, one survey found that up to 61% of frequent swimmers experience hair discoloration compared to 0% of non-swimmers.
Why Does My Hair Get Brittle and Dry from Swimming?
It doesn’t stop at coloring your hair, it breaks down your hair’s keratin, a protein, weakening the hair strands. This erosion makes your hair more porous, leading to brittleness, split ends, and a dry, coarse texture, the “swimmer’s hair.”
How Does Chlorine Affect My Skin and Overall Health?
You might think a quick shower washes away all the pool chemicals, but think again. 100% of swimmers report experiencing dry skin after swimming (PMC, 2018).
When you swim, chemicals don’t just sit on your skin; they actually get absorbed into it. For instance, studies found chlorine by-products in swimmers’ pee just 30 minutes after they got in the water. One of these, trichloroacetic acid (TCAA), which is a common chlorine disinfection by-product (DBP), showed a huge jump in urine samples after a 40-minute swim (PMC)… yikes.
This demonstrates that pool chemicals don’t simply rinse off; chlorine’s irritants stick around in hair, on skin, and even inside the body well after a swim. Oh, and do not think this only happens to frequent swimmers. Chlorine strips the skin’s natural moisture fast. One study found chlorine exposure can reduce skin hydration by 20-30% after just one swim session, which is crazy! For constant swimming without proper care, another study showed kids who swam regularly for five years had a 70% higher risk of eczema (PMC).
But back to why we are here: hair.
How Do You Get Chlorine Out of Your Hair? (Step-by-Step Guide)
The good news is, you don’t have to choose between your passion for swimming and healthy hair and skin. While traditional shampoos and conditioners might offer some relief, they often fall short when it comes to neutralizing chlorine and its harmful by-products. Some swimmers have even tried home remedies like baking soda, only to find them ineffective (Reddit). Dermatologists recommend using specialized chlorine-removal shampoos with ingredients like EDTA or thiosulfate to effectively eliminate chlorine from your hair (Men’s Health).
This is where TRIHARD comes in. Swim care products designed by swimmers, for swimmers like you and me to protect hair and skin from pool chemicals while being environmentally conscious. Their pre and post-swim formulas were tested for over a year to effectively remove chlorine, hydrate, restore moisture and texture, and prevent discoloration. These vegan, dermatologically tested products are designed with premium ingredients like red algae, Dead Sea minerals, and botanical extracts, and are free of SLS, parabens, and alcohol, making them safe for all hair and skin types, including sensitive skin and colored hair. TRIHARD is trusted by thousands, including world champions, Olympians, and professional athletes.
Best Products to Protect Hair from Chlorine
Step 1: Before the swim
Use TRIHARD’s Pre & Post-Swim Conditioner before your swim to create a protective layer that reduces chemical absorption and helps prevent color fading. It’s a true must-have to keep your hair healthy and to its regular color.
Pro tip: Apply conditioner only to the ends of your hair and dry off any excess before putting on your swim cap to avoid slips.
Step 2: During the swim
You likely already use a silicone swim cap, but here’s your reminder to wear one to further minimize chlorine contact.
Step 3: After the swim
Shower immediately after your swim with TRIHARD’s chlorine-removal shampoo and conditioner to eliminate chemicals, neutralize odor, restore texture, and help protect your hair color. Trust us, your hair will never feel healthier.
Ready to say goodbye to green, brittle swimmer’s hair? Discover TRIHARD’s Chlorine-Removal solutions today!
Conclusion
Chlorine keeps pools safe but harms your hair and skin, causing dryness, brittleness, and even that dreaded green tint. But you can easily protect your hair by using a targeted chlorine removal routine.
- Before swimming, apply TRIHARD’s conditioner to shield your hair and minimize chlorine absorption.
- During swimming, wear a silicone cap for extra protection.
- Immediately after swimming, use TRIHARD’s chlorine-removal shampoo and conditioner to restore hydration, neutralize chlorine, and protect your hair color.
Thousands of swimmers—including Olympians—trust TRIHARD. Say goodbye to swimmer’s hair damage and hello to healthy, vibrant hair all swim season long
SWIM CARE STARTS HERE
Most Frequently Asked Questions About Chlorine Damage to Hair
Q: How long does it take for chlorine to damage your hair?
A: Chlorine can strip 20-30% of your hair’s moisture in just one swim, causing immediate dryness and brittleness.
Q: Does chlorine affect hair color for everyone?
A: Chlorine reacts noticeably with lighter hair colors, causing a green tint. However, all hair types experience dryness and brittleness.
Q: Are regular shampoos enough to remove chlorine from hair?
A: Regular shampoos aren’t enough. Specially formulated chlorine-removal products like TRIHARD effectively neutralize chlorine and restore moisture.
*during sales, the TRIHARD’s code will provide an extra 5% on top of the already discounted price
ABOUT TRIHARD
Our products are developed and tested by a community of scientists and athletes to support your active lifestyle without compromising the quality of your skin and hair. Our formulas are powered by PLECOTECH™, our proprietary cleansing technology, which utilizes the optimal ratio of natural Red Algae, Minerals, and Botanical Extracts. This unique formulation, which is vegan and dermatologically tested, effectively prevents, protects, and treats your body from the adverse effects of sweat, pool and ocean chemicals, chafing, and muscle and mind fatigue.
We at TRIHARD utilize marine macro red algae throughout our product line, sourced with a commitment to sustainability. Red algae is a preferred source for biotechnology due to its unique chemical structure. Benefits of using red algae in skin and hair care include antioxidant properties that combat free radicals, scientifically backed anti-aging properties, and its unique ability to fight skin impurities. Our algae are produced and farmed using sustainable, land-based aquaculture methods.
