If you hit links we provide, we may receive compensation.

So, how exactly can you protect your hair from chlorine?

And what exactly does chlorine do to your hair?

woman with long black hair in swimming pool

Stocksy

Meet the Experts

What Is Chlorine?

Yes, you read that correctly: Chlorine is used in drinking water to kill harmful bacteria.

Does Chlorine Change Your Hair Color?

So what exactly does that entail?

If your hairstylist has ever told you that chlorine will turn your hair green, they weren’t kidding.

Chlorine Also Causes Dryness and Flatness

The experts agree that chlorine can leave hair dry and dehydrated.

If you’re looking for shiny supermodel hair, chlorine is not your friend.

“Hair loses theshinesince chlorine strips the hair of its natural oils,” says Yates.

“Hair will appear matte and very unhealthy looking.”

How Can I Protect My Hair From Chlorine Damage?

“The best way to prevent this from happening is to confirm your hair doesnt absorb the chlorine.”

Yates adds: “I always suggest pre-wetting the hair before jumping in.”

If you aren’t looking to purchase products, this tip takes the crown.

“As an added protective layer, apply aleave-in conditioning sprayall over the hair,” Yates says.

Yates personally recommends the Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner to boost moisture.

Wear a Swim Cap

The best way to guarantee protection from chlorine is to avoid it altogether.

How does one do that?

By not letting the hair come in contact with the chlorine to begin with.

(Particularly if you’re looking to take a full dive under.)

Enter: Swim caps.

This multifaceted element serves purposes across the boardbut mixing with hair is not one of them.

Experts agree that overall, avoiding chlorine exposure to hair is the safest way to protect your strands.

Green, be gone.

Notice that swimmers always wear a swim cap?

It’s partly to keep their hair out of their face and partly to protect their hair from chlorine.

Aclarifying shampooor apple cider vinegar rinse may help to neutralize chlorine in hair.

Just remember to use a conditioning mask after because your hair will feel dry.

National Center for Environmental Health.Facts About Chlorine.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention.