We’re big fans of those beachy waves that come from taking a dip in the ocean. But the effect pools have on our hair is another story. Pools can cause hair to feel dry and brittle and sometimes even turn it green. That’s why clarifying shampoos are so important.
Clarifying shampoos are a year-round necessity if you’re a product junkie. But summer brings special concerns from all the time we spend in the water. If you’ve got blond locks, your biggest seasonal hurdle is trying to prevent that dreaded green tinge after swimming in chlorinated water. News flash: Chlorine is not the real culprit. It’s actually copper in the water that’s oxidized by chlorine that gives the less-than-desirable tint.
How often you treat your hair to clarifying shampoo depends on the nature of your strands. It’s best to stick to using one once or twice a week, but be careful if your locks are colored. Clarifying shampoos are great for prepping your hair before getting it colored, but they can wreak havoc on that new shade since they’ve been known to strip color.
If you’re planning to spend the rest of the summer underwater, you’ll need some good waterproof makeup and one of these clarifying shampoos that are real lifesavers for your strands.
Shampoos for After Swimming
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Shampoos for After Swimming #1
Olaplex Nº.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo, $30 at Olaplex
Olaplex just got into the clarifying game with this new shampoo. The formula removes damaging impurities without leaving your strands feeling like straw. It restores shine, deeply cleans and keeps color vibrant.
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Shampoos for After Swimming #2
Aveda Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser, $26.73 at Amazon
We love double duty products. Aveda’s shampoo doubles as a body wash for head-to-toe cleansing. The formula gently removes chlorine from your strands thanks to corn-derived chelator, while tamanu oil and certified-organic coconut oil make sure your moisture balance stays in check. There’s also a weekly after-sun mask for extra nourishment.
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Shampoos for After Swimming #3
Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Shampoo, $17 at Malibu C
When you want to know how well a product works, ask the experts. Malibu C is the shampoo of choice for competitive swimmers, including members of USA Water Polo. The ultra mild, sulfate-free and vegan formula relies on flax protein, rice protein and antioxidant provitamin B5 to combat the damaging effects pools have on our tresses. It’ll also help prevent the copper buildup from pools, the real cause of post-swim green hair. You can even use it as a body wash.
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Shampoos for After Swimming #4
Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo, $18 at Ulta Beauty
Removing chlorine from your hair doesn’t have to be a chore. Ouidad’s shampoo contains deep cleansing fruit acids that gently rid chlorine, saltwater residue and hard water minerals. There’s also a special blend of lemon, grapefruit and orange flower extracts to kick buildup to the curb without stripping.
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Shampoos for After Swimming #5
Klorane Nourishing Shampoo With Ylang-Ylang Wax, $10 at Klorane
When it comes to swimming, it’s not just chlorine and salt water you have to worry about. Your hair is also exposed to the sun’s damaging rays. This shampoo tackles all three summer problems with ylang-ylang wax gently washing away all your hair worries. It even helps protect your newly soft and shiny strands from future damage.
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Shampoos for After Swimming #6
Macadamia Professional Endless Summer Sun & Surf Shampoo, $17.35 at Walmart
If you love the smell of coconut this time of year, meet your new obsession. The coconut scent isn’t the only thing this shampoo has going for it. It strengthens and defends hair against harsh summer environments and fights frizz and humidity. Chlorine and salt are no match for this formula featuring a powerful combo of oils, including macadamia (natch), argan, grapeseed, avocado, olive and coconut.
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Shampoos for After Swimming #7
Babo Botanicals Swim & Sport Citrus Mint Shampoo & Wash, $16.99 at Babo Botanicals
This shampoo and body wash combo is packed with plant extracts. The dermatologist-tested formula leaves hair smooth and shiny by removing the chlorine, salt and product buildup from your hair. With soothing aloe vera and green tea, it's rich in both vitamins and antioxidants, making it a real treat for your strands.
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Shampoos for After Swimming #8
Kenra Professional Clarifying Shampoo, $16.99 at Ulta Beauty
Get rid of pesky chlorine buildup with this clarifying shampoo. Grapefruit and witch hazel extracts plus amino acid chelators eliminate dulling deposits. It’ll even brighten highlighted or bleached hair.
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Shampoos for After Swimming #9
Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three, $14.50 at Amazon
Planning on swimming all summer? Then you need this deep cleansing shampoo. It not only washes away impurities, product buildup and chlorine, it actually strengthens your locks to minimize future buildup.
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Shampoos for After Swimming #10
TRISWIM Shampoo, $15.48 at SwimOutlet.com
Aloe vera gets props for its soothing abilities so the fact that this shampoo has it is definitely a plus. It removes that straw feeling from strands and any green tint but also tackles dandruff and itchy scalps with the help of chamomile and watercress. The light lime scent is an added bonus.
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Shampoos for After Swimming #11
UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo, $10.93 at Walmart
This cost-effective option gets the job done. It removes chlorine and copper deposits to refresh your hair after a week of dips. There’s also vitamin E and aloe to nourish and condition your hair so it feels squeaky clean.
