Mac Robertson, Swimming World College Intern.
Swimmers know just how quickly their hair can dry out after finishing practice – it can feel like it’s turning into pieces of straw. This dry, brittle hair stems from hours of chlorine exposure in the water. When the hair shafts absorb chlorine, the hair is stripped of its natural protective oil. Repeated exposure to chlorine in practice can cause your hair to crack and eventually split at the ends.
While chlorine is unavoidable as a swimmer, a few good options exist to preserve the health of your hair!
Photo Courtesy: Hal Goodwin
Hair Break-Down
Although your hair can begin to split, chlorine has not been found to cause hair loss among swimmers. Waiting too long to wash your hair, however, can result in hair discoloration – notably a silvery tint.
Discoloration stems from oxidized metal (mostly copper) finding its way into the cracks of the hair cuticles. Once the hair cuticles become severely damaged, more space is available for the metals to settle in your hair.
Because chlorine can damage your hair so quickly, it is necessary to wash out your hair soon after exiting the pool. It is essential to protect your hair after each practice and meet. Here are five shampoos that are perfect to use to avoid “swimmer’s hair.”
1. TRISWIM
Photo Courtesy: Twitter, @IrongirlNadia
TRISWIM is one of the top chlorine-defense shampoos on the market. Its formula includes ingredients such as Organic Aloe Vera, Vitamin A and E, and ProVitamin B5 to truly hydrate your hair. It removes chlorine, salt water, and any green tint your hair may be building up. Not only will it leave your hair clean, healthy and soft, but it will also leave your skin moisturized.
2. dpHUE
Photo Courtesy: Twitter, @Folica
This clarifying shampoo works best for swimmers with color-treated hair. Some shampoos contain sulfate which can lead to premature fading, but dpHUE swaps sulfate for Vitamins A and E for optimal hair cleansing. It will leave your hair soft and won’t fade away your awesome color.
3. Ultra Swim
Photo Courtesy: Facebook, @ultraswimshampoo
This shampoo uses the same classic hair cleansing ingredients to leave your hair more voluminous and shinier than before. It eliminates all chlorine, copper, and oxidized metal build up to leave your hair clean and damage-free. Another perk is that this can be used in any type of hair: colored, permed, chemically treated or relaxed.
4. Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three
Photo Courtesy: Twitter, @PaulMitchellUS
This shampoo is the “stylist” option. It is very good smelling shampoo to leave your hair smelling fresh. To ensure that this product works best, it is recommended to leave the shampoo sitting in the hair for a couple minutes as it works its magic. This product is paraben free and vegan!
5. Solpri Swim and Sport
Photo Courtesy: Facebook, @solpriclean
This shampoo has a main ingredient of Vitamin C, which does a good job at breaking down chlorine from the hair and skin. This bottle comes as a shampoo and body wash combination which makes it easier to carry around one bottle at all times. This product is safe for kids and sensitive skin!
Be a Healthy-Haired Swimmer
While you may love picking at your split ends, know that there is a better way to spend your down-time.
Make sure you take good care of your hair after each time you are in the water! Protecting your hair will keep it looking healthy and fresh throughout this summer season.
Commentary: All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.
Amy Ackerman Pecoraro this mentions product I was speaking of ?
Fay Salam
Erica Ross Nagy
Ohhhhh thanks!
Hailey Johnson
Abby Kosic
Dawn Stanchek
Thanks! That’s awesome!
Orzac Paula
Air guitar, nice.
Have used ultra swim shampoo ok conditioner terrible think I will try tri swim next