How to Protect Your Hair from Chlorine Before Swimming

Intro

Ever noticed your hair feeling dry, brittle, or frizzy after a swim? That crunchy, straw-like texture isn’t just annoying—it’s a sign of chlorine damage. While chlorine keeps pools clean and safe, it can strip your hair of natural oils, weaken the hair shaft, and even fade your color. The good news? Protecting your hair before you hit the pool is easier than you think. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy your swim without sacrificing healthy, shiny hair.

Why Chlorine Damages Hair (and Sometimes Turns It Green)

Chlorine keeps pools clean and safe, but it can be tough on your hair. Here’s what happens when your hair meets chlorinated water:

1. Strips Natural Oils
   Your hair’s natural oils keep it smooth, shiny, and protected. Chlorine is very drying—it removes these oils, leaving hair dry, brittle, and frizzy. Over time, this can lead to breakage, split ends, and a rough, straw-like texture.

2. Roughens the Hair Cuticle
   Hair is covered by a protective layer called the cuticle. Chlorine opens up these cuticles, making hair porous. Porous hair absorbs more chemicals, which makes it weaker, frizzier, and more prone to tangling.

3. Fades Hair Color
   Chlorine can strip away pigments in dyed or naturally colored hair. For blonde, light brown, or color-treated hair, this can result in dull or uneven color over time.

4. Green Tint in Blonde Hair (Swimmer’s Hair)
   That greenish tint often seen in blonde or light hair isn’t from chlorine alone—it’s caused by copper and metals in pool water. Copper can come from pool pipes, algaecides, or even tap water. When chlorine and the pool’s pH open the hair cuticle, these metals bind to the hair and leave strands with a greenish hue.

Simple Steps to Protect Hair Before Swimming

1. Apply a Protective Hair Spray or Barrier (Active COCO!)

A pre-swim barrier spray coats the hair, creating a shield against chlorine. Natural formulas, like Active COCO, are lightweight, safe for kids, and help maintain hair’s moisture and strength. Just spritz on before your swim and let it do the work.

In the off chance you forget to throw your Active COCO in your swim or beach bag, make sure to get your hair wet with fresh water from a shower on the pool deck. You want your hair to soak up the fresh water as opposed to the chlorinated water. With Active COCO, your hair will soak up the healthy natural oils - giving your hair hydration along with a stronger defense barrier against the chlorine or salt water than just using water.

2. Braid or Bun Your Hair

Simple hairstyles like braids or buns help your hair not get as tangled when your swimming - therefore reducing breakage when you are combing out those beautiful locks after a dip in the pool.

4. Use a Swim Cap 

While not always stylish, swim caps are essential to keeping the hair under control when swimming. While not much of a necessity when doing some backyard splashing, swim caps are crucial for those year-round, competitive swimmers. Using a swim cap greatly reduces the "washing machine" effect that swimming can have on the hair. Combine with a barrier spray for maximum defense and your hair will be looking good all year round.

Bonus Tip: After-Swim Care Still Matters

Even with pre-swim protection, post-swim care is important. Rinse your hair immediately, and gently detangle. If you are done swimming for the day, then follow up your swim session with a shower using your favorite shampoo/conditioner. Protecting your hair from chlorine doesn’t have to be complicated. Rinse, shield, braid, and care for your hair to keep it healthy and shiny, swim after swim.

Pro Tip: The easiest way to start is with a natural pre-swim barrier spray like Pre-Splash Spritz by Active COCO. Designed for swimmers, surfers, and parents, it helps prevent chlorine damage before it starts. Shop Now