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It happens faster than you’d think. A few days swimming laps, or just chasing your kids around the pool, and boom—your hair is suddenly rough, faded, and practically begs for help. The smell of chlorine lingers no matter how many times you rinse.
If you’ve ever run your hands through crunchy strands and thought, “Wasn’t my hair softer last week?” Trust me, you’re definitely not alone.
Before You Dive In: Simple Moves That Make a Difference
Here’s a trick I wish someone had told me sooner: jumping into the pool with dry hair is almost like asking it to soak up every bit of chlorine out there. Instead, hop in the shower first and completely soak your hair with clean water.
You’ll fill up the follicle “sponges” so there’s less room for pool chemicals to sneak in. If you’re short on time (or if the scrappy shower line takes forever), even pouring a bottle of water over your head helps.
Plenty of swimmers also smooth on a bit of regular hair conditioner—or a leave-in—before putting on their swim cap. It makes a little barrier. If you’re not a cap person, just slicking hair back helps, and you might even dodge some tangles.
Washing Right After: Don’t Save It for Later
Once you’re out of the water, don’t end up distracted and forget about your hair until hours later. Those chemicals hang around and cause trouble. Rinse hair right away, even if it’s just a quick job. Use a swimmer-friendly or clarifying shampoo sometimes (not every day, or you’ll dry things out). On most days, a gentle shampoo and your favorite conditioner will do the job.
Honestly, I keep a travel bottle of clarifying shampoo in my swim bag. It’s a lifesaver for when I’m out and about or using a public pool. Anything you can do to get that chlorine (or salt, for you ocean folks) out faster is a win.
Conditioner Isn’t Optional, It’s Essential
Your hair will get dry, period, if you swim a lot. A rich, hydrating conditioner or a weekly mask is the real game-changer. Focus on your ends and any spots that seem extra fried. If you’re really struggling, look into leave-ins or hair serums. And once a week, let yourself sit with a deep conditioner and take a break from everything else—that’s self-care, not vanity.
The Kenna Kennor Approach: A Pro’s Take on Swimmer Hair
Celebrity hairstylist Kenna Kennor has seen it all—from the world of fashion shoots to days on real beaches. Kenna’s biggest piece of advice for swimmers? Don’t let your hair feel abandoned just because you’re in the water a lot.
He recommends using a microfiber towel to gently blot (not scrub) your hair dry post-swim, which keeps breakage away. He’s also a fan of lightweight oils or creams to rehydrate and boost shine—nothing heavy, or you’ll just weigh things down.
Kenna admits that sometimes, a little imperfection is okay—wavy, air-dried pool hair can actually look amazing if you don’t fight it too much.
Other Little Tips That Add Up
Toss a wide-tooth comb in your swim bag—it’s easier on hair than a brush. If the pool is outside, a cheap hat or scarf between swims saves hair color from sun damage (and keeps your scalp from burning, which is always a surprise when it happens).
And if you notice your hair turning even a hint of green (it’s real—copper in the water is the culprit, not just chlorine), a mix of baking soda and water can help knock it out. I learned that one from another swimmer who’d been through every weird pool hair stage possible.
The big thing? Stick with the little routines, don’t stress over a few flyaways, and enjoy your time in the water. Hair grows back, but good pool memories stick with you forever.
