While pools bring summer fun, they can also be harsh on hair. Chlorine—the primary pool disinfectant—works as a powerful bleach, stripping away the lipid layer that keeps hair soft, hydrated, and resilient. Without this layer, hair becomes dry, brittle, and rough. If left unchecked, chlorine can penetrate the hair shaft, leading to more significant damage over time.
If you’ve ever noticed a green tint in your hair after a swim, that’s a common side effect of chlorine reacting with copper in pool plumbing. This process creates oxidized copper compounds that cling to hair, sometimes giving it that unwanted green cast.
The good news? With the right prep and after-care, you can enjoy the water without sacrificing hair health. Let’s break down the best ways to protect your hair before, during, and after a swim.
Prepping Your Hair for Pool Time
1. Brush Your Hair First: Before you even dip a toe in the water, take a moment to gently brush your hair. This helps remove any existing tangles, making it less prone to matting or breakage once you’re in the pool.
2. Pre-Swim Soak: Hair acts like a sponge. By thoroughly saturating it with clean water before diving in, you limit how much chlorinated water it can absorb. Think of it as a “hair primer” that helps preserve your natural moisture.
3. Braid It (But Loosely):To keep your hair from tangling, braid it loosely before entering the pool. A tight braid might cause breakage, especially once wet, so keep it soft and gentle. This added step keeps your hair manageable and reduces post-swim knots.
In-the-Pool Hair Care:
4. Use a Protective Mist: Chlorine and salt water are notorious for dehydrating hair. Spritzing on a hydrating mist like Eufora’s Aloetherapy Moisture Mist for hair and body creates a layer of moisture and protection that lasts while you swim. Made with aloe stem cells, oat, and water lily, it’s gentle, soothing, and deeply hydrating—an ideal way to shield hair from chlorine’s drying effects.
Post-Swim Hair Care Routine:
5. Clarifying Shampoo: After your swim, rinse hair thoroughly and reach for a gentle clarifying shampoo like Eufora’s Urgent Repair Shampoo. This step prevents chlorine and copper buildup, which can strip away vital lipids (including MEA-18, which helps keep hair soft and elastic) and affect your hair’s structure over time. (Learn more about the importance of clarifying treatments here).
6. Deep Conditioning Treatment: Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment. Eufora’s Urgent Repair Treatment or Moisture Masque can restore lost moisture, balancing your hair’s pH and helping repair its lipid layer. This is especially beneficial if you swim frequently, as it reinforces the hair’s inner structure and resilience. (Find more on deep conditioning tips here).
7. Rehydrate with Leave-In Conditioner: After clarifying, apply a leave-in conditioner like Eufora’s Nourish Leave-In Hydration. This lightweight hydrator replenishes essential moisture and MEA-18, helping to restore softness and manageability.
Additional Tips for Colored Hair
8. Fade-Friendly Options: Chlorinated water can cause hair color to fade faster, which can be a drawback or a bonus, depending on your goals. If you’re ready for a new shade, pool time can actually help gently fade your current color. (For more on keeping your color vibrant, see this article).
9. Clarify Before You Color: Copper residues from pool water can create unwanted reactions with hair dye, especially peroxide-based colors, leading to unexpected (and sometimes severe) damage. To prevent this, always clarify your hair with Eufora’s Urgent Repair Shampoo before any color treatment, ensuring a fresh canvas for vibrant, lasting color.
10. Choose Hair Products Wisely
Many shampoos have high pH levels that can throw off your hair’s natural balance, which can be especially harmful after chlorine exposure. Eufora’s products are formulated to maintain the natural pH of your hair and skin, ensuring gentle yet effective care. For those dealing with hard water, which compounds chlorine’s effects, consider using a filtered showerhead to reduce mineral buildup. (See more on hard water solutions here).
The Bottom Line
Not all shampoos are created equal, especially when it comes to pH levels. Many can further disrupt your hair’s natural balance. Eufora’s product line is designed to match the natural pH of your hair and skin, providing gentle and effective cleansing and conditioning
