Swimming can be a great pass time and a good way to exercise. For many years, this has been my passion. I’ve come to learn the effects various shampoos have on different types of hair. As someone who has dyed her hair a number of times, I have some insight to share on the best shampoo for swimmers with color-treated hair.
Shampoos can have adverse effects on color-treated hair and that’s why I’ve learned to be careful when choosing one.
For one, shampooing the hair a day after you dye it is a no-no. When you do this, it leaves your hair dry and prone to frizz.
Remember dyeing strips the hair of its moisture and natural oils which is the same way pool water affects the hair.
This takes time to replenish and shampooing your hair the day after dyeing it only increases these effects.
The best shampoo for dyed hair is the one that moisturizes it by locking in the moisture and replenishing the natural oils.
Such shampoos are free from sulfates, silicone, parabens, and phosphates that strip moisture and oils from the hair.
Here are my top three picks for the best shampoo for swimmers with color-treated hair:
Best Shampoo For Swimmers With Color-Treated Hair – Comparison Table
| Brand | Image | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Malibu C Shampoo |   | . Color-safe . Hydrates the hair . Prevents scalp inflammation |
| Ion Swimmer's Shampoo |   | . Suitable for all hair types . Doesn’t leave residue . Has volumizing properties |
| Tri Swim Shampoo |   | . Great for any age . Safe to use daily . Removes green tinge caused by copper |
| Intelligent Nutrients Shampoo |   | . Repairs dry and damaged hair . Color-safe . Can be used as a detangler |
| Zealios Shampoo |   | . Ideal for color-treated hair . Safe for daily use . Moisturizes the scalp |
| AquaGuard Pre-Swim |   | . Stops chlorine damage before it begins . Helps to repair previously-damaged hair . Color-safe |
| Solpri Swimmers Shampoo |   | . Safe for children . Can be used on sensitive skin . Gets rid of scalp dryness and irritation |
| UltraSwim Shampoo |   | . Moisturizes the hair . Safe for children . Reverses the effects of dryness |
| Reflect H2O Shampoo |   | . Moisturizes hair . Invigorates the scalp . Repairs and protects the hair cuticle |
Best Shampoo For Swimmers With Color-Treated Hair
Swimmers need to take time to choose a good shampoo for their color-treated hair because some of the products in the market can fade their color with constant use.
I highly recommend the ten brands I’ve listed below.
Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Shampoo
This shampoo has a mild formulation that contains no harsh chemicals that can damage your color-treated hair.
It cleanses the hair of all dirt and grease while moisturizing it to prevent excessive dryness.
Using this shampoo restores the hair’s strength while softening it.
It also restores your hair’s natural shine, giving your hair a radiate healthy look.
This shampoo also prevents your hair from becoming too brittle – which can lead to unnecessary breakage.
Apart from nourishing your hair, this Malibu shampoo also prevents it from turning green due to the chlorine in pool water.
It’s also great for use after swimming in a saltwater pool or in the ocean’s salty water.
This shampoo’s formulation lacks sodium thiosulfate – known to be an ingredient in many swimmers’ shampoos.
It’s also free from parabens and gluten, and hasn’t been tested on animals.
For the best results, wet your hair and apply a generous amount of the shampoo.
Gently massage it into your hair and scalp, ensuring you cover all the hair from tip to root.
Pros
- It’s color-safe
- Softens and adds shine to your hair
- Hydrates the hair
- It helps prevent scalp inflammation and irritation
- Contains antioxidants that help protect the hair against environmental damage
- It’s 100% vegan
- Protects the hair from turning green due to chlorine
Cons
- The scent isn’t appealing to some people
Ion Swimmer’s Shampoo
The chlorine found in swimming pools can do a number on your hair.
This is why it’s crucial to get the right shampoo to help not only repair damaged hair but protect it.
The Ion Swimmer’s Shampoo is great for use on hair that is dry and damaged as a result of frequent swimming.
It helps to restore all the lost moisture into your hair, thus nourishing it as it gets repaired.
This is a very mild shampoo that doesn’t damage your color-treated hair even when used every day.
For best results, wet your hair then massage the shampoo into your locks and scalp. Leave it on for five minutes then rinse.
If you have thin hair this is the shampoo for you because of its volumizing properties.
This product is 100% vegan and is free from sulfate surfactants.
Pros
- Works well on color-treated hair
- Safe for daily use
- Has volumizing properties
- Removes chlorine and mineral build-up
- Prevents green tinge on hair
- Leaves hair soft and manageable
- Suitable for all hair types
- Doesn’t leave any residue on the hair
Cons
- It’s very runny
Tri Swim Chlorine Removal Swimmers Shampoo
This is a product formulated to neutralize all harsh chemicals found in water such as chlorine and bromine.
This shampoo helps you can remove all salts and minerals that contribute to your hair getting damaged as a result of frequent swimming.
It contains rich herbal extracts such as chamomile and watercress that help to relieve symptoms of dandruff and an itching scalp.
The shampoo helps to hydrate swimmers’ hair, thanks to the aloe vera, vitamin A and pro-vitamin B5 contained in it.
The added moisturization helps in preventing dryness that can lead to brittle hair.
If you are desperate to get rid of the smell of chlorine and other chemical odors from your hair, then this is the shampoo for you.
This shampoo hasn’t been tested on animals and is free from gluten and parabens.
Pros
- Safe to use on color-treated hair
- Soothes the scalp and prevents flaking
- Great for any age
- Safe to use daily
- Leaves your hair soft and shiny
- Removes green tinge caused by copper
- Gets rid of harsh drying elements
Cons
- Can dry out some hair types
Intelligent Nutrients PureLuxe Replenishing Shampoo
Frequent swimmers know how valuable a good shampoo can be to eliminate harmful chemicals from their hair.
This product helps to repair the damage caused by chlorine, saltwater, bromine, and hard water minerals.
If you’ve been looking for the best shampoo for swimmers with color-treated hair, this is it.
These elements can result in dry and brittle hair that is susceptible to breakage.
This shampoo specializes in dealing with dry and damaged hair.
Not only does it help to repair and rebuild your hair, it also helps to protect it from future damage.
Continuous use of this shampoo results in strengthened hair that doesn’t break easily.
Some of the unique ingredients contained in this shampoo are rich emollients that soften the cuticle of your hair from inside out.
The formulation has a low pH level that benefits you by reducing frizz while leaving no residue.
For best results, massage the shampoo into wet hair and rinse thoroughly after.
This product is free from gluten, sulfates, and parabens. It also hasn’t been tested on animals.
Pros
- It’s color-safe
- Repairs dry and damaged hair
- Suitable for daily use
- Can be used as a detangler
- Leaves hair soft, smooth and shiny
- Rich in emollients
- Nourishes and moisturizes the hair
- Reduces frizz
Cons
- The herbal smell is too strong for some users
Zealios Swim & Sport Shampoo
This shampoo is great at revitalizing your hair after it’s been damaged by chemicals in the pool water.
Its gentle formulation makes it safe to use on color-treated hair.
It nourishes and rehydrates your hair. This hydration prevents your hair from brittleness, which can easily lead to hair breakage.
Moreover, it protects your hair from further damage and strengthens it in the process.
This shampoo has a mild citrus scent.
The best way to use it is on wet hair. Wet your hair and massage a generous amount of the shampoo into it.
Make sure you cover all the hair strands and then rinse it off with clean water.
This Zealios shampoo is free from sulfates, parabens, salt, and gluten.
It’s also cruelty-free.
Pros
- Ideal for washing color-treated hair
- It’s chemical-free, making it good for daily use
- Doesn’t leave any residue after use
- Helps to hydrate the hair
- Leaves your hair soft and shiny
- Acts as a good detangler
- Moisturizes the scalp
Cons
- Can dry out some hair types
AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense
AquaGuard is rather unique because you actually use it before you go out for swimming.
Frequent swimmers looking for a product to prevent their hair from turning green need to consider this one.
It has properties in it that prevent chlorine damage to the hair before it even starts.
It’s formulated to protect your hair color, luster and softness before exposure to chlorine.
AquaGuard works by sealing up your hair cuticles and stops chemicals, minerals, and salt from causing damage to your locks.
It includes moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, and almond oil.
Its hydrating formula helps to repair hair that has been previously damaged and dried out after regular swimming in a saltwater pool, the ocean or in a chlorinated pool.
For best results, wet the hair first and apply a generous amount of the product.
Coat all the hair strands with the solution while focusing on the ends.
Let it sit for five minutes. This is enough time for the product to absorb into the hair before you take a dip in the pool.
Pros
- It’s color-safe
- Stops chlorine damage before it begins
- Helps to repair previously-damaged hair
- Protects hair from dryness and brittleness
- Leaves hair feeling soft, silky and smooth
- Prevents the appearance of green tinge on hair
- It doesn’t leave any residue
Cons
- Some people find the scent to be too strong
Solpri Swimmers Chlorine Swim Shampoo and Body Wash with Vitamin C
This shampoo neutralizes the chlorine in the hair while removing the accompanying smell as well.
This is done by the vitamin C contained in it that works to neutralize all traces of these harmful chemicals and minerals that stick to your hair after swimming.
It helps to relieve scalp itchiness and irritation which is caused by dryness (the chemicals in the pool water dry out your scalp).
This product restores vital moisture to your hair, therefore leaving it nourished and revitalized.
You end up with soft and smooth hair that is more manageable.
This shampoo is also great for use if you have sensitive skin.
For best results, pour a generous amount of the shampoo on your palm and massage into wet hair.
Leave it on for five minutes then rinse. You can then use a conditioner for greater moisture infusion.
This product is free from parabens, sulfates, dyes, and synthetic fragrance.
Pros
- Color-safe
- Safe for children
- Eliminates chlorine, thanks to the Vitamin C
- Doubles as a shampoo and body wash
- Can be used on sensitive skin
- Gets rid of scalp dryness and irritation
- Leaves your hair soft and manageable
Cons
- Contains no UV protection
UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo
This shampoo cleans your hair and removes all traces of chlorine.
It contains gentle ingredients that nourish the hair and work well with dyed hair.
This shampoo contains vitamin E, aloe Vera, and other ingredients that protect the hair while making it soft and shiny.
It moisturizes your hair while strengthening it as well.
This prevents dryness that can cause the hair to be brittle and break off easily.
The vitamin E oil adds natural oil back to the hair.
Your hair’s natural oils are easily stripped away by chlorine in the pool water.
Due to the shampoo’s gentle formulation, you can use this shampoo on a daily basis.
This product is also suitable for use on all types of hair.
For best results, squeeze a generous amount of the shampoo and massage into your wet hair. Rinse off after you’re done with the massage.
Pros
- Works well on color-treated hair
- Can be used on children due to its gentle formulation
- Removes all traces of chlorine and oxidized metals
- Add moisture back into your hair
- Leaves the hair soft and shiny
- Prevents further damage by reversing the effects of dryness
Cons
- Very runny
Reflect Sports H2O Swimmer Shampoo
This color-safe shampoo is known to gently remove chlorine and mineral build-up from your hair, leaving it squeaky clean.
It helps to hydrate your hair, and as a result, it strengthens your hair and promotes the growth of damaged hair.
Your hair is left soft and smooth without the brittleness that can easily result in breakage.
This shampoo leaves the hair smelling nice and fruity due to the cantaloupe citrus scent in it.
It contains a host of great ingredients like rosemary, rice protein, wheat amino acids, vitamins, flower extracts among others.
To achieve the best results, it’s recommended to use this shampoo immediately after leaving the pool.
Massage the shampoo into the wet hair and create a lather. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
It neutralizes all the chlorine on the hair while removing deposits of copper preventing your hair from turning green.
Pros
- Doesn’t strip hair color
- Repairs and protects the hair cuticle
- Prevents green hair
- Removes chlorine and mineral build-up
- Leaves hair smooth, soft and shiny
- Moisturizes and strengthens the hair
- Invigorates the scalp
Cons
- Can dry out some hair types
Conclusion
Once you decide to color your hair and continue swimming, it’s best to change your shampoo.
Get one that’s gentle to your hair and doesn’t strip the color from it.
I’m hoping that after reading this detailed review, your search for the best shampoo for swimmers with color-treated hair has come to an end.
The shampoos discussed here are all safe to use on dyed hair.
They benefit chlorine-damaged hair by restoring moisture into it and protecting the hair cuticle.
But most importantly, they’re all color-safe.