Swimming can be a great pass time and an excellent way to exercise. For many years, this has been my passion. Over the years, I’ve gained knowledge about the impact of different shampoos on diverse hair types.
My personal experience of dyeing my hair multiple times puts me in a position to share some insight 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 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.
Table of Contents
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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Solpri Swimmers Shampoo |   | . Safe for children . Can be used on sensitive skin . Gets rid of scalp dryness and irritation |
| Intelligent Nutrients Shampoo |   | . Repairs dry and damaged hair . Color-safe . Can be used as a detangler |
Effects Of Salt Water And Chlorine On Color-Treated Hair
When it comes to swimming in the ocean or other bodies of saltwater, it’s important to know how it can affect dyed hair.
First, salt water can make the color of dyed hair fade over time.
It also takes away the moisture from the hair, making it more frizzy and harder to manage.
The salt can even make a coating on the hair, making it look dull and not shiny.
Saltwater can also make the hair feel rough and tangled, which makes it hard to comb or style.
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The chlorine found in swimming pools can also be a problem if you have dyed your hair.
When chlorine touches dyed hair, it can change the color by making it fade and it ends up not looking as pretty as before.
Chlorine can also make your hair dry.
It takes away the natural oils and moisture that keep your hair soft and shiny.
So, after swimming in a pool with chlorine, your hair might feel rough, look dull, and be harder to manage.
Using the right shampoo and taking good care of your hair will help you keep your vibrant hair color and make sure your hair stays strong and healthy.
Role Of Shampoo In Protecting Color-Treated Hair
Using the right shampoo is really important for swimmers who’ve dyed their hair.
One important thing to look for in a shampoo for swimmers is a pH-balanced formulation.
That means it has the right amount of acid and alkali to keep the hair and scalp healthy.
Chlorine in pool water can mess up the hair’s pH balance and make it dry and damaged.
It can also lead to fading of hair color.
It’s also important to select a shampoo with chlorine-removal properties.
Shampoos formulated specifically for swimmers have ingredients that get rid of the chlorine and stop it from causing more damage to the hair color and texture.
To keep the hair from getting dry from the chlorine, it’s good to use a shampoo that has moisturizing and nourishing ingredients.
So, using a shampoo with things like natural oils, plant extracts, and proteins can replenish moisture and nourish the hair.
Related Post: Can I Go Swimming After Dyeing My Hair Red?
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.
The cleanser 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 is 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 shampoo.
Gently massage it into your hair and scalp, ensuring you cover all the hair from tip to root.
Pros
- It’s color-safe
- Hydrates and softens 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
Ion Swimmer’s Shampoo
As mentioned above, the chlorine found in swimming pools can do a number on your hair.
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 in 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 daily.
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 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
- Some users find it a little 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 removes 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 chlorine smell 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
Zealios Swim & Sport Shampoo
This shampoo is great at revitalizing hair that has 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.
The hydration prevents your hair from getting brittle, which can easily lead to hair breakage.
Moreover, it protects your hair from further damage and strengthens it in the process.
This Zealios 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 shampoo into it.
Make sure you cover all the hair strands and then rinse it off with clean water.
The 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
This AquaGuard shampoo is rather unique because you actually use it before you go out 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’s 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 or dried out after regular swimming in a saltwater pool, the ocean, or in a chlorinated pool.
Wet the hair first and apply a generous amount of the product for best results.
Coat all the hair strands with the shampoo 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 dip it 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 a green tinge on hair
- It doesn’t leave any residue
Cons
- Some people find the scent to be a little strong
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.
Your hair’s natural oils are easily stripped away by chlorine in the pool water.
The shampoo helps to moisturize your hair while strengthening it as well.
This prevents dryness that can cause the hair to be brittle and break off easily.
Due to the shampoo’s gentle formulation, you can use it on a daily basis.
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.
This product is suitable for use on all types of hair.
Pros
- Works well on color-treated hair
- Can be used on children due to its gentle formulation
- Removes all traces of chlorine
- Add moisture back into your hair
- Leaves the hair soft and shiny
- Prevents further damage by reversing the effects of dryness
Cons
- Some users find it a bit 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, and flower extracts.
To achieve the best results, it’s recommended to use this shampoo immediately after leaving the pool.
Massage the shampoo into the wet hair until it lathers.
Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
The shampoo will neutralize all the chlorine on the hair while removing deposits of copper.
This will prevent your hair from turning green.
Pros
- Doesn’t strip hair color
- Repairs and protects the hair cuticle
- Prevents the appearance of a green tinge on 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
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 thanks to the vitamin C contained in the shampoo that works to neutralize all traces of these harmful chemicals and minerals that stick to your hair after swimming.
The cleanser 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 it 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 fragrances.
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
- It gets rid of scalp dryness and irritation
- Leaves your hair soft and manageable
Cons
- Contains no UV protection
Intelligent Nutrients PureLuxe Replenishing Shampoo
This product helps to repair the damage caused by chlorine, saltwater, bromine, and hard water minerals.
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 the 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
- Some users find the herbal smell too strong
Pre-Swim Hair Care
Before you go swimming, it’s important to take care of your hair.
Here are some things you can do to keep your hair happy and healthy:
Wet Your Hair
First, wet your hair with fresh water.
It’s like giving your hair a little drink before it goes into the pool or the ocean.
Wetting your hair helps protect it from the chlorine or salt water that can make it dry.
Leave-In Conditioner
Leave-in conditioner is like magic lotion for your hair.
It stays in your hair even when you swim.
The leave-in conditioner creates a shield that stops the chlorine or saltwater from making your hair all tangled and dried out.
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Wear A Swim Cap
Wearing a swim cap is really important if you dyed your hair.
It helps keep your hair color from fading, protects it from chemicals that can damage or dry out your hair, stops your hair from getting all tangled, and even shields it from the sun.
By using a good swim cap every time you go swimming, you can have fun in the water while keeping your dyed hair looking awesome.
Recommended Post: Best Swim Cap For Dyed Hair
Post-Swim Hair Care
After you finish swimming, it’s time to take care of your hair.
Here are some things you can do to keep your hair healthy and vibrant:
Rinse Your Hair
First, rinse your hair with fresh water.
It’s like giving your hair a little shower after swimming.
This helps wash away any chlorine or salt water that might be left in your hair.
It’s important to get all the yucky stuff out!
Wash Your Hair
Next, when you’re taking a bath or shower, use shampoo to clean your hair.
The shampoo helps to get rid of any dirt or chemicals that might have gotten in your hair while swimming.
While using shampoo, it’s important to be gentle with your hair.
Don’t scrub too hard or pull on your hair.
Just massage the shampoo gently into your hair with your fingertips.
This helps to clean your hair without hurting it.
After shampooing, rinse your hair with fresh water again.
Related Post: Best Shampoo For Swimmers With Curly Hair
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Deep conditioning treatments are like magic potions that bring back the moisture and strength to your hair.
These treatments have special ingredients that make your hair feel soft and shiny.
They also help to get rid of the dryness that can happen when chlorine touches your hair.
Recommended Post: Best Deep Conditioner For Swimmers
Conclusion
Once you decide to dye your hair and continue swimming, it’s best to change your shampoo.
Get one that’s gentle on 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.
These shampoos have special properties that can remove chlorine from your hair, which can make the color fade or change.
They also have moisturizing ingredients to prevent your hair from getting dry because chlorine can make it feel rough and brittle.
So, look for shampoos that say they remove chlorine and have moisturizing stuff in them.
By using these specialized shampoos, you can protect your hair color and keep it looking great.