14 Best Shampoos for Chlorine Removal (Tested & Reviewed)
Discover expert-recommended shampoos to effectively remove chlorine and restore hair health after every swim.
Swimming offers fantastic exercise and relaxation—but the chlorine present in most pools can leave hair dry, brittle, and damaged. If you’re seeking effective ways to get rid of chlorine and restore your hair to its natural softness and shine, selecting the right chlorine removal shampoo is crucial.
Why Chlorine Damages Hair
Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant widely used in pools to prevent bacteria and algae growth, but its chemical action can strip natural oils and disrupt protein bonds, leading to dryness, split ends, and even color fading in dyed hair. Regular swimmers, lifeguards, and anyone enjoying frequent dips need to pay extra attention to post-swim hair care.
What Shampoo Ingredients Remove Chlorine?
When choosing a shampoo for chlorine removal, focus on products containing key chelating and cleansing ingredients:
- EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid): Binds to chlorine and minerals, allowing them to be rinsed away.
- Sodium Citrate: Another effective chelating agent for breaking down mineral and chlorine deposits.
- High-dose Citric Acid: Lifts residue from chlorine and hard water.
- Sulfates (e.g., Sodium Lauryl Sulfate): Clear away buildup, but can be drying with regular use.
For those seeking gentler approaches, natural clarifiers such as apple cider vinegar, activated charcoal, and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) help neurologize chlorine without over-drying—though they may be less effective for frequent swimmers.
How to Repair Chlorine-Damaged Hair
Removing chlorine is only the first step; repairing your strands requires a combination of moisture and protein.
- Bond-Building Treatments: Help restore protein structures that chlorine breaks down.
- Protein-Based Deep Conditioners: Use weekly to strengthen fragile hair.
- Moisture-Rich Masks: Balance protein with hydration—without enough moisture, excess protein can worsen brittleness.
Apply a protein-free deep conditioner during every shower to counteract the drying effects of chlorine and clarifying shampoos. This regular moisturizing step is essential for long-term hair health.
How to Choose the Best Chlorine Removal Shampoo
- Look for Moisturizing Ingredients:
- Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter: Replenish lost oils.
- Jojoba, Argan, Coconut Oils: Offer protective and strengthening benefits.
- Consider Swim Frequency:
- Frequent Swimmers: Alternate strong EDTA-based shampoo once or twice a week with sulfate-free cleansers containing apple cider vinegar or vitamin C to maintain balance.
- Occasional Swimmers: Rinse with a chelating shampoo after each swim to normalize hair, then use regular shampoo and conditioner until your next dip.
If your shampoo feels too harsh, try conditioning your hair before shampooing—massage and rinse conditioner through your hair from roots to tips, then proceed with shampoo. This buffer reduces stripping and locks in moisture.
14 Top Shampoos for Chlorine Removal
What others are reading
Below are expert-recommended chlorine removal shampoos for various hair types and swim routines, highlighting their key benefits and suitability. Always consider your own hair’s needs and sensitivities when choosing a product.
| Shampoo | Main Ingredients | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo | EDTA, citrus extracts | Curly, thick, and color-treated hair | Cleans deeply; use every other week |
| Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo | EDTA, vitamin C | All hair types | Removes hard water and chlorine; gentle enough for frequent use |
| TRISWIM Chlorine Removal Shampoo | Organic aloe vera, vitamins A & E, pro-vitamin B5 | Frequent swimmers | Hydrating; targets green tint |
| Color Wow Color Security Shampoo | Sulfate-free cleansers | Color-treated hair | Gentle; minimizes further stripping |
| Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt | Sea salt, natural detoxifiers | Sensitive scalps | Hydrates while removing chemicals |
| UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo | Sodium laureth sulfate, aloe | Daily swimmers | Classic swimmer’s choice |
| Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three | Sodium laureth sulfate, clarifiers | Build-up and residue removal | Strong; avoid daily use |
| Davines SOLU Shampoo | Apple extract, natural surfactants | Natural, lightly damaged hair | Sulfate-free; gentle clarifying |
| Ion Swimmer’s Shampoo | Sodium sulfate, coconut oil | Budget-friendly routine | Drugstore staple |
| Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo | Bond-building active | Damaged, dyed, and bleached hair | Not specfic for chlorine, but excellent for repair |
| Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo | Clarifying formula | Infrequent swimmers | Use sparingly—can dry hair with frequent use |
| DHS Clear Shampoo | Sodium citrate | Sensitive or allergy-prone scalps | No fragrance or dyes |
| Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo | EDTA, citrus extract | Deep cleaning | Weekly detox |
| Aquaguard Pre-Swim Hair Defense | Argan oil, proprietary blend | Preventive treatment | Use before swimming to reduce absorption |
Expert Tips for Maximizing Chlorine Removal
- Always wet your hair with fresh water before entering the pool—this limits the amount of chlorine your strands absorb.
- Use a protective leave-in conditioner or oil to further buffer hair.
- Rinse hair immediately after swimming, even before shampooing.
- Alternate between chelating and moisturizing shampoos to prevent overdrying.
- Deep condition no less than once a week to maintain health and luster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I use chlorine removal shampoo?
If you swim daily, use a chelating shampoo once or twice a week. Alternate with gentle, sulfate-free cleansers on other days. For occasional swimming, shampoo after each swim session.
Are clarifying shampoos the same as chelating shampoos?
No. Chelating shampoos target and bind chemicals and minerals (like chlorine and copper), while clarifying shampoos mainly cleanse product and oil buildup. Chelating formulas are preferred for swimmers.
Can chlorine removal shampoos be used on color-treated hair?
Many options are safe for dyed hair, especially sulfate-free formulas designed for color protection, like Malibu C Hard Water Wellness and Color Wow Security Shampoo.
What home remedies help with chlorine removal?
Rinsing hair with diluted apple cider vinegar or applying a vitamin C mask can help reduce chlorine build-up, but they are less potent than dedicated shampoos.
Is it necessary to deep condition after using chlorine removal shampoo?
Yes—clarifying and chelating shampoos can strip moisture, so always follow with a deep conditioning treatment to rebalance hydration.
Editor’s Note
Beth Gillette, Cosmopolitan‘s beauty editor, and Ruby, former Cosmopolitan beauty editor, curated this list based on extensive research and personal experience. Their combined expertise ensures that each shampoo recommended is both effective and safe for swimmers of all hair types.
Final Tips for Swimmers
- Protect hair before swimming with a swim cap and leave-in conditioner.
- Replenish hair after swimming with moisturizing masks and protein treatments.
- Consult a professional stylist if chlorine damage persists or for tailored advice based on your hair type.
Product Comparison Table
| Product | Type | Special Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu C Hard Water Wellness | Chelating, sulfate-free | Gentle, vitamin C/EDTA | $$ |
| TRISWIM Shampoo | Chelating, hydrating | Targets green tint, vitamins | $ |
| Ouidad Water Works | Clarifying, chelating | Citrus, EDTA | $$ |
| UltraSwim | Classic clarifying | Aloe, strong cleanser | $ |
| Bumble and Bumble Sunday | Clarifying, chelating | Citrus extract | $$ |
Conclusion: Restore and Protect Your Hair From Chlorine
Regular exposure to pool water demands a dedicated hair care routine featuring powerful chelating ingredients, more frequent conditioning, and strategic shampoo selection. With the expert-backed product recommendations above, you can confidently rinse away chlorine and enjoy healthy, strong hair—whatever your swimming schedule may be.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g35726451/best-shampoo-for-chlorine-removal/
- https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/g26871319/best-shampoo-to-get-chlorine-out-hair/
- https://www.sbrsportsinc.com/pages/media
- https://cosmobkk.com/en/chlorine/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/hair/g34/detoxifying-shampoos-71255/
- https://maxinesalon.com/cosmopolitan_december_20_2022/
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