Pool Season Survival: Here’s How to Protect Hair from Chlorine Damage
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Between sorting tickets, packing your suitcase, and tying things up at work before signing off, protecting your hair from chlorine may be the last thing on your mind when you venture off on holiday.
But the truth is, hair and chlorine don’t mix too well. The effect of chlorine water on hair ranges from dehydration to discolouration. (Not quite the sun-kissed, beach-blonde look you were hoping for post summer hols, right?)
If you want to protect your hair from pool water it’s important to take steps to prep your locks pre-swim, and apply products like Dream Filter post-swim.
Read on to find out more about how to protect hair from chlorinated pool water, with tips and tricks from Color Wow Chief Chemist, Dr. Joe Cincotta.
How does chlorine affect hair?
Chlorine is commonly found in swimming pools - it’s added to kill bacteria that builds up, but when it reacts with copper found in the water, it forms a green mineral compound that sticks to your hair and is stubborn to remove.
This oxidation of metals is what leads to green hair!
Chlorine can affect hair in a number of ways:
- It strips away your hair’s natural moisture, leaving it brittle and dry.
- It causes split ends by weakening your hair strands.
- It causes hair colour to fade or change.
- For blonde or lighter coloured hair this can mean picking up a green hue.
- It can irritate your scalp, leading to dryness and itchiness.
Coloured hair and chlorine: why it's a bad combo
If your hair is colour-treated, it's even more vulnerable. Chlorine oxidises the artificial dye molecules and causes the cuticle to open, allowing colour to escape faster.
Dr. Joe says:
“Chlorine is a powerful oxidant used in laundry products to bleach your white clothes. When it comes in contact with hair while in a pool, it will easily enter the hair and begin breaking down your melanin and any artificial colour, and cause colour fadage.”
“Besides the colour fadage, chlorine will also attack the keratin proteins in your hair, especially the disulfide bonds that give the hair strength and elasticity. This will cause your hair to lose strength, become brittle and break easily.
Chlorine will also destroy the lipids within the hair shaft that hold vital moisture so prolonged chlorine exposure will dry out the hair.”
How to protect your hair from chlorine
So, how can you arm your locks with all they need ahead of hitting the pool? Check out our 6 tips below on how to protect hair from pool water before and after going in.
Before swimming:
1. Hit the poolside showers and rinse your hair with fresh water before getting in.
This will mean your hair absorbs the chlorinated water less quickly.
2. Consider applying conditioner to your hair before going in, as the product will act as an additional barrier against chlorine.
3. Wear a swim cap. Although these don’t keep your hair bone-dry during your swim, they’ll act as a protective barrier and help avoid the dreaded ‘green hair from pool’ look.
After swimming:
Hair care after swimming is just as important as your pre-swim prep! Follow these steps to try and get chlorine out of hair as efficiently as possible.
1. Avoid sun exposure with chlorine-soaked hair.
Dr. Joe’s golden rule: “Never sit in the sun with chlorine in your hair. UV rays will accelerate damage, bleaching, and degradation.”
2. Head to the showers immediately after your swim to remove as much of the chlorine as possible. Opt for Color Wow Color Security Shampoo - an advanced, sulfate-free formula that has been clinically proven to be as gentle as water.
3. Apply a leave-in conditioning treatment like Money Mist to damp hair, to help restore some of the moisture that may have been drawn out by the chlorine. Money Mist is our ultra-fine, leave-in conditioning spray that instantly restores hydration without buildup.
Hair turned green from pool already? Here are some tips to help
There are a few ways to fix chlorine damaged hair. Here are two Color Wow heroes every swimmer should keep in their routine:
1. Dream Filter
This is your first line of defense against chlorine-induced green. Dream Filter works like a magnet to lift and remove mineral deposits from your hair in just 1–3 minutes. It’s gentle enough for even colour-treated hair and safe for regular use.
Why it’s great for swimmers:
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Detoxes chlorine and copper, which cause discolouration
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Prevents green buildup before it starts
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Revives hair's brightness and smooth texture
- Super gentle — no damage or stripping
2. Purple Toning + Styling Foam
After detoxing with Dream Filter, use Purple Toning + Styling Foam to tone down any residual green, yellow, or brassy hues. Unlike messy purple shampoos, this lightweight tinted foam is designed to stay in your hair — so it keeps working as you style.
Why it’s a swimmer’s secret weapon:
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Targets and helps neutralise green, yellow, and brassy tones
- No need to rinse — it styles and tones in one
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Safe for daily use on damp or dry hair
- Perfect for blonde, gray, highlighted or pastel-coloured hair
Together, Dream Filter and Purple Foam are the ultimate swimmer's duo — one removes the problem, the other perfects your colour. Green hair? Not on your holiday watch.
Unfortunately, chlorine isn’t going anywhere. Whether you’re by the pool on holiday or heading to your local sports centre to do some laps back home, there’s no getting rid of it!
But as we’ve seen above, there are a number of ways to protect hair from chlorine and combat that dreaded green tinge.
If you’re a regular swimmer, investing in hair care products with moisturising and strengthening properties will be key to tackling any damage and colour fade caused by chlorine.
Chlorine and hair: frequently asked questions
Can I swim in chlorine with dyed hair?
Yes, but precautions are a must. Chlorine in pools can strip colour, dry out your strands, and even cause lighter shades to take on a greenish tint. To keep your colour vibrant and your hair looking healthy, it’s important to protect it before and after swimming.
How soon can I swim after colouring my hair?
It’s best to wait at least a week before swimming. Freshly dyed hair has open cuticles, making it more prone to damage and colour fading. Waiting allows the cuticles to close and helps lock in your colour.
Is green hair from chlorine permanent?
No, green hair from chlorine isn’t permanent. The green tint typically comes from oxidised copper and other minerals in pool water, not from the chlorine itself. These minerals bond to your hair and cause discolouration, especially in light or colour-treated hair.
The good news? It’s fully fixable. Using a pre-shampoo treatment like Dream Filter can effectively remove these mineral deposits, and Purple Toning Foam can help neutralise any lingering green or brassy tones. With the right care, your hair can bounce back quickly.
What happens if you leave chlorine in your hair overnight?
Leaving chlorine in your hair overnight can dry it out, cause breakage, fade colour, and lead to green discolouration. Always rinse and cleanse your hair after swimming to prevent damage.
Read more about keeping your hair in good condition throughout the summer months on the Color Wow Blog:
- What does sun damaged hair look like?
- How to repair damaged blonde hair after summer
- How to avoid frizz when air drying your hair
Not sure where to start on your Color Wow hair journey? Take our 60-second hair quiz to discover the perfect personalized routine for your hair type.
