If you’re a swimmer, you’re likely familiar with dry, straw-like, and brittle chlorine-damaged hair. Perhaps, embarrassingly, others may have commented on the chlorine smell of your curls before. Similarly, if you’re a blonde, you’ve probably also experienced the woes of green hair before.
Don’t worry, though, no matter your hair type or situation, you’re not alone. I, along with many other swimmers, have been there. And the good news? It doesn’t have to be that way.
A simple solution to keep your hair healthy and chlorine free is by using swim shampoo and conditioner– and in this article, I’ll review some of the best options available.
So whether you’re a competitive swimmer that spends countless hours in the pool each day, a regular lap swimmer, a triathlete, or just a casual swimmer looking to get rid of that smelly chlorine, I’ll cover everything you need to know. From the best swim shampoos and conditioners to common questions and concerns you might have– I even walk you through the process of choosing the perfect option for you.
In a hurry? Here are my top recommendations.
- For a great overall option, choose the UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo and their Repair Conditioner.
- For a premium experience, choose the Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Shampoo and their Wellness Conditioner.
- For color-treated, permed, or green hair, choose the TRISWIM Shampoo and their Conditioner.
- For a dual-purpose shampoo and body wash, choose the Reflect H2O Shampoo and their Conditioner.
- For a mid-range option, choose the Touch Out Sports Moisturizing Shampoo and their Conditioner.
The Effects of Chlorine and Pool Chemicals on Your Hair
While chlorine, salt, and pool chemicals are necessary to ensure a healthy and hygienic swimming environment, it, unfortunately, comes with some drawbacks (some of which I’ve already discussed).
Here are the main effects on your hair to be aware of:
- Cracks, splits, and dries your hair.
- Removes the natural moisture from your hair and offsets the pH balance.
- Changes the color of natural or dyed hair.
- Weakens your hair, leading to split ends (particularly applicable to women).
- If you have sensitive skin, it can leave your scalp itchy and irritated.
- It can leave your hair with a chlorine smell after swimming.
Why Do You Need Swim Shampoo and How Does It Help You?
Swim shampoo (also commonly called chlorine removal shampoo or swimmer’s shampoo) is a special type of shampoo that removes chlorine, salt, heavy metals, and other pool chemicals that can damage your hair.
This shampoo is specifically formulated to address the unique needs of swimmers and those who spend a lot of time in the water by minimizing the damaging effects of chlorine, keeping your hair clean and healthy, and ensuring vibrant color.
Here are some of the main benefits of swim shampoo for those who swim regularly:
- Removes chlorine, salt, heavy metals, and pool chemicals from your hair to minimize damage and keep your hair healthy.
- Protects your hair against the drying effects of salt- or chlorine water, ensuring it maintains its natural moisture and stays protected.
- Restores the natural pH balance of your hair and scalp to promote hair health.
- Removes product buildup from your hair and scalp, leaving your hair clean and fresh.
- It almost allows swimmers to blend in with the rest of society by removing the chlorine smell from your hair. (Damn you goggle marks!).
Pro Tip: Use a swim cap! If you are concerned with the health of your hair, this is a great preventative first step. Swim shampoos and conditioners are great but are only useful for getting rid of excess pool chemicals, buildup, and elements. Swim caps, on the other hand, serve as a barrier that can cut out the worst of the damage from the get-go. For some good options, read my article on the best swim caps for long hair.
The Best Swim Shampoo and Conditioners for Chlorine Removal and Healthy Hair
Now that we’ve covered the effects of chlorine on your hair and the benefits that swim shampoos and conditioners hold for you, let’s look at some of the best options available.
Keep in mind all of these are separate products (meaning a shampoo AND a conditioner).
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Swimmers looking for a good overall option
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Swimmers looking for a premium option
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Swimmers with color treated or permed hair
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Swimmers who want a dual purpose shampoo and body wash
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UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo and Repair Conditioner- Best Overall
The UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo and Repair Conditioner are very popular, high-quality hair products that have been the go-to option for countless swimmers over the years. A bonus? It’s affordable too!
The shampoo and conditioner work well for all types of hair, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you have color-treated hair. Instead, go with the Malibu C, TRISWIM, or Zeolios ranges covered below.
Additionally, both products come in neat little bottles that easily fit in your swim bag.
The shampoo is not only great for removing pool chemicals like chlorine, copper deposits, and other pool metals that can damage your hair and cause it hair to lose color or turn green but also includes nourishing ingredients like moisturizers, vitamin E, and aloe vera to ensure your hair stays healthy and vibrant.
The special formula of this shampoo allows it to break the chlorine’s bond with your hair up to 3 times more effectively than traditional shampoos. It’s also useful for removing chlorine buildup and odor if you’ve gone a few days without washing your hair, and will leave your hair smelling pleasant.
While this product is a favorite of many swimmers and works well, I have one complaint. Namely, the shampoo seems a bit runny, which means you have to use more to clean your hair. That said, it is one of the least expensive options available.
The repair conditioner is great for providing extra care after washing up. This specially formulated swimmer’s conditioner restores moisture that pool chemicals can remove, detangles hair, and repairs split ends that are created from frequent exposure to pool water.
Together with the swim shampoo, this keeps your hair in tip-top, fizz-free shape.
Summary of Key Features:
- Very popular and affordable swim shampoo and conditioner that provide great results and save you money.
- Removes damaging pool chemicals to keep your hair healthy.
- Removes heavy metals that can cause your hair to change color.
- Includes added ingredients to protect, repair, and ensure hair health so your hair can look vibrant and stylish.
- Bottles are compact, so you can easily carry them in your swim bag for use after practice, ensuring healthy and fresh hair.
Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Shampoo and Conditioner- Best Premium
Suppose you’re looking for a premium and natural swimmer’s shampoo and conditioner. In that case, the Malibu C hair products are a great option. While slightly more expensive than other products, these don’t contain any sulfates, parabens, gluten, or salt commonly found in other shampoos and conditioners.
The shampoo and conditioner are available in compact bottles that you can easily keep in your swim bag, or if you wish to save some money, larger options are available. (Making the price per fluid ounce similar to other options on my list).
As a bonus- both products have a lovely citrus smell and are ideal for all hair types!
The Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Shampoo is specially formulated to remove pool elements like chlorine and metals, and promote exceptional hair health.
The shampoo contains various natural ingredients, antioxidants, and vitamins– and, as mentioned, cuts out sulfates, parabens, gluten, and salts. This allows it to gently clean your hair, leaving the natural oils of your hair intact, resulting in moisturized, shiny, and vibrant hair.
Like the shampoo, the Wellness conditioner is also free of unnatural ingredients. By using the conditioner, you are giving your hair an extra boost, removing tangles, adding essential moisture, preserving your natural hair color, and adding much-needed proteins to strengthen your hair and keep it healthy.
Summary of Key Features:
- Premium products formulated from natural ingredients cut out unwanted compounds in other shampoos.
- Option to pick from compact bottles that easily fit in your swim bag or go for a larger bottle to save money. (Lower cost per fluid ounce).
- Removes pool chemicals and metals to promote hair health and maintain natural color.
- Gently clean your hair, ensuring natural oils remain, resulting in healthy and vibrant hair.
- Adds essential moisture and proteins to strengthen and protect your hair.
TRISWIM Shampoo and Conditioner- Best for Color Treated or Permed Hair
Similar to the UltraSwim hair products, the TRISWIM shampoo and conditioner are also extremely popular options, being rated as part of the number 1 hair products for swimmers, not only by United States Masters Swimming but also by the Aqua Exercise Association and Masters Swimming Canada.
Convenient and compact bottles are available for carry in your swim bag, as well as large bulk-buy jugs to save some money. That being said, this product is still quite expensive, with prices similar to the premium Malibu C Wellness range.
The TRISWIM shampoo is perfect for getting rid of chlorine, bromine, metals, and minerals, as well as pool odors. This shampoo leaves your hair moisturized, strong, and healthy, featuring quality, natural ingredients such as aloe vera, pro-vitamin B5, chamomile, and watercress.
What I like about the shampoo is that it’s also great for your scalp, removing that dry itch that chlorine can occasionally create. Another benefit is that it’s ideal for all hair types, including color-treated or permed hair.
Lastly, this shampoo has a very nice, fruity smell. The smell isn’t as strong as some of the other shampoos, which is nice.
Like the Malibu C shampoo, this hair product is free of paraben and gluten.
The TRISWIM range also includes a conditioner, which has my stamp of approval. Use this product for added hydration, moisturization, strengthening, smoothing, softening, and shine of your hair.
Likewise, the conditioner is free of unwanted ingredients, helps with an itchy scalp, and can be used on color-treated and permed hair.
Summary of Key Features:
- Excellent hair products, rated as the number 1 option by USMS, Aqua Exercise Association, and Masters Swimming Canada, guaranteeing you receive quality.
- Compact bottles for convenient carry in your swim bag and bulk options to save you money.
- Contains natural ingredients that will remove pool elements, leaving your hair and scalp healthy and clean.
- The product is safe to use on color-treated and permed hair.
- Pleasant fruity smell from both the shampoo and conditioner will leave your hair feeling fresh and clean.
- Free of paraben and gluten.
Reflect H2O Swim Shampoo and Conditioner- Best Dual Purpose
If you’re looking for an excellent dual-purpose shampoo and body wash, then the Reflect H2O shampoo would be my go-to option. Like all of the other products on my list, Reflect H2O also has a pleasant conditioner that works alongside the shampoo.
The products are available in compact, easy-to-carry bottles. While the price isn’t the cheapest on the list, it’s still reasonable.
The Reflect H2O shampoo is sulfate-free, similar to the premium Malibu C Wellness swim shampoo. It is perfect for gently removing chlorine, salt, and other pool elements that can damage your hair. The shampoo is ideal for all hair types, including dyed or color-treated hair, since it won’t strip the coloring.
Like other shampoos, the Reflect H2O is enriched with natural ingredients, which include flower extract, hops, rice protein, rosemary, pro-vitamin B5, and wheat amino acids, ensuring healthy, smooth, and protected hair.
As mentioned, my favorite part of this shampoo is that you can also use it as a body wash to remove chlorine and other chemicals on your skin after swimming. As a bonus, it has a great, gentle smell too!
What I like about the Reflect H2O conditioner is that, unlike other conditioners, the ingredients are more varied than the shampoo, ensuring you are attacking your hair health from all angles. This provides optimal repair and protection, leaving your hair soft, shiny, and smooth.
Some ingredients in the conditioner are hazel seed oil, chamomilla flower extract, rosemary, keratin- and silk amino acids, hops, UV absorber, and vitamin E– all top-notch ingredients! The conditioner is also free of sulfates, like the shampoo.
Summary of Key Features:
- The shampoo is dual-purpose, ensuring not only clean and protected hair but also skin.
- Compact bottles so you can conveniently carry your shampoo and conditioner to the pool and keep your hair clean and healthy.
- Sulfate-free, quality-ingredient formula removes chlorine and other pool elements to keep your hair clean and fresh while preserving your natural hair color.
- The conditioner has various extra ingredients that help repair, protect, soften, and clean so that you have vibrant hair wherever you go.
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Zealios Revival Swim and Sport Shampoo and Conditioner
The Zealios Revival Swim and Sport Shampoo and Conditioner are top-notch hair products for swimmers and all water sports lovers. Both products feature a delightful, not too strong, light citrus scent.
You can choose between small carry-on bottles and larger bottles. Personally, I’d opt for the larger bottle– not only is it less expensive, but the bottle is also more robust, which ensures you won’t lose any shampoo or conditioner due to the bottle breaking. (Larger bottles are available on SwimOutlet, and smaller bottles on Amazon).
As you’d expect, the shampoo is great for removing pool elements like chlorine, salt, and heavy metals, which keeps your hair clean, protected, and healthy. The formula is sulfate-free, similar to the Malibu C Wellness- and Reflect H2O shampoos.
As a bonus, the added vitamin B strengthens the roots of your hair.
The shampoo is perfect for all hair types, including colored and treated hair.
Once your hair is washed, the Zelios Rival Swim and Sport Conditioner provides extra repair and protection from elements like chlorine, sun, wind, and salt.
Similar to the shampoo, the conditioner is sulfate-free, works for color-treated hair, and will ensure moisturized, soft, strong, and shiny hair. The conditioner also doesn’t weigh your hair down.
Summary of Key Features:
- Top-notch, sulfate-free shampoo for removing pool elements and keeping your hair healthy and protected.
- Vitamin B strengthens hair roots, ensuring you have healthy, vibrant hair.
- Products are ideal for color-treated hair.
- A very pleasant, light citrus smell leaves your hair feeling and smelling fresh and clean.
- Various bottle sizes allow for convenient carry or saving money, so your hair is always fresh.
TYR Purifying Shampoo and Conditioner- Best for Swim Fanatics
Are you a hardcore competitive swimmer? If so, you’ll be happy to know that one of the biggest swim brands for competitive and open-water swimmers– TYR, also has their own shampoo and conditioner. The TYR hair products aren’t flashy but get the job done and come in convenient-to-carry bottles.
The TYR shampoo is great for removing chemicals and other pool elements, preventing damage, and leaving your hair clean and moisturized with a fresh smell.
For the best results, you should follow up a wash with some of their Purifying Conditioner. Not only will the conditioner hydrate, protect, and freshen your hair, but it will also serve as an extra round of removing pool chemicals, leaving your hair healthy and soft.
As a bonus, it’s enriched with antioxidants from green tea extract, ensuring extra healthy hair.
Summary of Key Features:
- Great for swim fanatics that are obsessive about their swim brands.
- Quality shampoo and conditioner that removes pool elements for clean and moisturized hair.
- Antioxidant-enriched conditioner is ideal for additional hair hydration, protection, and freshness, ensuring you look vibrant.
- Small, convenient bottles that you can take to the pool to ensure your hair is always clean.
TouchOut Sports Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner- Best Midrange
If you still haven’t found something you like, the TouchOut Sports hair products are great mid-range options that work well and get the job done without breaking the bank. Additionally, the shampoo and conditioner smell great and come in convenient-to-carry bottles!
Both products are made from high-quality ingredients, are hypoallergenic, tear-free (meaning no ingredients that can irritate your eyes or scalp), gluten-free, and biodegradable.
As with other products, the TouchOut Sports shampoo removes chlorine, repairs damage, and provides protection to ensure naturally shiny and vibrant hair.
Additionally, I like that the product makes your hair more manageable by preventing clumping.
As for ingredients, both the shampoo and conditioner include aloe vera gel, avocado-, carrot-, and cucumber extract, as well as a range of vitamins such as Vitamin A, B-5, and E, along with other natural ingredients.
The conditioner is very similar to the shampoo. Still, it provides that extra pop to keep your hair healthy by ensuring it’s soft and moisturized.
I will mention that the conditioner is quite thick, which means you only need to use a little bit each time you wash. This ensures it lasts longer, saving you money in the long run.
Summary of Key Features:
- A great mid-range hair product that provides natural quality, removes chlorine and keeps your hair healthy and vibrant.
- Nice smell ensures that your hair is always fresh.
- Compact bottles that you can carry in your swim bag, ensuring you can always keep your hair in top-notch condition.
- It makes hair more manageable by preventing clumping, so you can brush and style it as needed.
- The thick formula ensures that the hair product will last longer, saving you money in the long run.
How to Choose the Best Swim Shampoo and Conditioner for Your Hair
Now that we’ve covered the best swim shampoos and conditioners let me help you pick the option that will suit you best.
Chlorine and Salt Removal and Protection
The main purpose of a swim shampoo and conditioner is to remove chlorine and other pool chemicals and protect your hair. Luckily for you, all of the options on our list are formulated to do this by using special chelating agents, such as EDTA, citric acid (the natural variation), or both. Pick to your liking!
Moisturizing Properties
Moisturization is primarily the function of the conditioner. That said, some swim shampoos may also offer basic moisturization. These include the UltraSwim, Malibu C, TRISWIM, and TYR Purifying shampoo.
In terms of conditioners, they are all sufficient for moisturizing, and you can pick whichever option you prefer. I like to use products from the same brand for both the shampoo and conditioner.
Sulfate-Free
Sulfates are great for foaming and cleaning your hair but have various drawbacks. Some include removing natural oils, irritating your scalp and hair, fading color, and drying hair.
Since pool chemicals already do all of this to your hair, try to avoid it if you can. Some sulfate-free swim shampoos and conditioners on my list include the Malibu C Wellness-, Reflect H2O-, and Zealios ranges.
Price
While you want to pick a high-quality hair product, it’s also important to consider the price. I understand that everyone’s budget is different, and therefore, it’s only fair that you consider the price.
Luckily, all of the products on my list are good options, so whether you go with a more or less expensive option, you’ll still see great results.
| Hair Product(s) | Average Price Per Fluid Ounce |
| UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo and Repair Conditioner | $0.92 per fluid ounce |
| Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Shampoo and Conditioner | Small bottles: $1.88 per fluid ounce Large bottles: $1.12 per fluid ounce |
| TRISWIM Shampoo and Conditioner | Small bottles: $2.00 per fluid ounce Large bottles: $1.66 per fluid ounce |
| Reflect H2O Swim Shampoo and Conditioner | $1.87 per fluid ounce |
| Zealios Revival Swim and Sport Shampoo and Conditioner | Small bottles: $1.75 per fluid ounce Large bottles: $1.09 per fluid ounce |
| TYR Purifying Shampoo and Conditioner | $1.76 per fluid ounce |
| Touch Out Sports Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner | $1.42 per fluid ounce |
Your Hair Type
Everyone’s hair is different, so not every swim shampoo and conditioner may work for your particular hair type.
If you have thick-, curly, color-treated-, or permed hair, I recommend using a more premium swim shampoo and conditioner. The Malibu C, TRISWIM, and Zeolios ranges are good options.
For other hair types, like thin or regular hair, any of the other shampoos are also good, and you’ll see satisfactory results with some of the less expensive options, such as the UltraSwim range.
pH-Balancing Formula
Keeping your hair and scalp’s pH in check is important since pool chemicals can disrupt this, leading to hair damage and scalp irritation.
All the shampoos and conditioners on my list will help maintain the optimal pH in your hair. This means you can pick to your liking.
Remember that some of the more premium hair products may be better in this regard.
Pro Tip: For extra hair protection, rinse and wet your hair before swimming to minimize the absorption of chlorine and other chemicals or metals. Also, make sure to rinse it out immediately after practice if you don’t have time to wash your hair then and there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Swim Shampoo and Conditioner
Let’s clear up any final concerns and questions you might have, shall we?
How Can I Save Money on Swim Shampoo and Conditioner?
Buy larger-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner. While this doesn’t come with the convenience of being able to easily carry it in your swim bag, it does save you quite a bit of money.
Some of the hair products on my list that are available in bulk options include the Malibu C Wellness-, TRISWIM, and Zealios range.
You can always purchase a smaller bottle and pour your shampoo or conditioner from the larger bottle into it. This may even be better since some of the smaller bottles tend to break and leak your hair product.
Should I Put Oil or Other Hair Products in My Hair Before Swimming?
Many hair experts and even some of the hair products on my list recommend applying oil or conditioner to your hair before hopping in the pool. The reason is that this can help reduce the amount of chlorine absorbed by your hair.
However, keep in mind that you are sharing the pool with other swimmers. Nobody likes to swim in oily or greasy water, which is what will happen if you apply oil or conditioner to your hair before getting in the pool. So, please be respectful to your teammates and other swimmers.
By wetting your hair with tap water before getting in, wearing a swim cap during practice, and using your swim shampoo and conditioner after, you will provide adequate protection and treatment to keep your hair healthy and protected.
Keep in mind, if you apply hair products before getting in the water, you may also find your cap constantly slipping off, which can be quite frustrating.
Besides, this also saves you money since you have to use less of your conditioner or hair product.
Why Does Chlorine Turn My Hair Green?
Chlorine itself doesn’t turn your hair green. Some pools may contain minute amounts of copper due to being treated with copper-based algaecides. When the copper and chlorine (or other pool chemicals) come into contact, it forms copper oxide.
This copper oxide can then be absorbed by hair cuticles (particularly common in lighter or porous hair), binding to the protein structure of the hair and creating a green tint in your hair as the copper oxide builds up.
Is Swim Shampoo Necessary?
In all honesty, it depends. You may find that you can keep your hair healthy and clean with regular shampoo and conditioner.
That said, using a swim shampoo and conditioner won’t hurt, and I highly recommend it if you are a frequent swimmer. These shampoos and conditioners are specially formulated to effectively remove chlorine and other pool chemicals, salts, and metals.
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to experiment and make your own decision.
How Often Should You Use Swim Shampoo and Conditioner?
According to WebMD, there is no right or wrong answer for how much you should wash your hair. Personally, I wash and condition my hair every 2-3 days. That said, if you need more frequent washing, that’s perfectly fine, and there is no harm in doing so.
It’s important to note that swim shampoos and conditioners may take a few uses to remove all the product buildup from the pool water. Be patient, and don’t get discouraged if your hair isn’t feeling like you’d expected after the first wash.
Eventually, the product buildup will be cleared out, and you’ll have clean, healthy, soft, shiny, and protected hair.
What’s The Difference Between Swim Shampoo and Swim Conditioner?
Swim shampoo’s primary function is to clean, purify, and protect your hair from any potential damage caused by swimming in chlorine and other pool chemicals. It’s also useful for restoring the natural pH balance of your hair and scalp and may provide some minor moisturizing effects.
Swim conditioner, on the other hand, focuses primarily on hydrating and moisturizing your hair to promote its recovery and optimize hair health. Conditioner is also great for keeping your hair soft and shiny and can help to untangle knots which makes brushing your hair easier.
Even though each product is different, it’s important to use both for the best hair health and protection.
Keep Your Hair Healthy and Vibrant With Swim Shampoo and Conditioner
If you spend a lot of time in the pool, taking good care of your hair is crucial.
Frequent exposure to pool chemicals, heavy metals, and other pool substances won’t only leave your hair smelling like chlorine (which can be embarrassing) but can also do substantial damage to your hair, taking away from its vibrant appearance.
If you’re a blondie like me, you may also experience the woes of green hair.
By using a swim shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated to address your needs as a swimmer, you can ensure this isn’t the case.
Make sure to also follow the other fundamental tips, like wearing a swim cap and wetting your hair with tap water before getting in the pool to assist in keeping your hair protected and healthy.
Train Hard!
