Swimming is an amazing activity. Whether recreational or competitive, it is an effective way to burn off some calories. It also strengthens the heart and increases your flexibility. However, your hair suffers after regular exposure to chlorinated pool water. As someone whose hair is naturally curly, I wondered what was the best shampoo for swimmers with curly hair.
The thing is, chlorine is added to keep swimming pools clean and safe.
However, prolonged exposure to chlorine damages our tresses, and for curly hair, it can totally dry it out.
Though chlorine harms all hair types, its impact on curly hair is quite adverse because curls are more porous and drier than other hair types.
Here are our top three picks for the best shampoo for swimmers with curly hair:
Best Shampoo For Swimmers With Curly Hair – Comparison Table
| Brand | Image | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Malibu C Shampoo |   | . Color-safe . Hydrating shampoo . 100% vegan |
| Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three |   | . Protects against chlorine damage . Deeply cleans the hair . Leaves hair looking shiny |
| Bumble & Bumble Shampoo |   | . Removes all build-up . Stimulates the scalp . Nice herbal scent |
| Zealios Shampoo |   | . Color-safe . Moisturizes the scalp . Strengthens hair follicles |
| Babo Botanicals Shampoo |   | . Organic . Suitable for everyone, including babies . Eliminates chlorine |
| AquaGuard Pre-Swim |   | . Prevents mineral build-up . Color-safe . Prevents hair from getting dry and brittle |
| Tri Swim Shampoo |   | . Prevents discoloration . Suitable for all hair types . Moisturizing shampoo |
| Christophe Robin Shampoo |   | . Restores pH level . Fights effects of chlorine . Deeply cleanses the hair |
| UltraSwim Shampoo |   | . Can be used on children . Removes chlorine . Color-safe |
| Intelligent Nutrients Shampoo |   | . Strengthens and moisturizes hair . Suitable for all hair types . Color-safe |
Best Shampoo For Swimmers With Curly Hair
If you are a regular swimmer, you’ll agree with me that sometimes swim caps do not offer full protection against chlorinated water.
In the event that your hair comes into contact with this water, your best bet is to cleanse your hair immediately you leave the pool or water body (it might be an ocean that has salty water).
Fortunately, manufacturers know your plight and have developed shampoos specially designed to tackle this particular problem.
I’ve reviewed ten products that come highly recommended as the best shampoo for swimmers with curly hair.
Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Shampoo
This is a sulfate-free shampoo recommended for daily use.
It protects the hair against dryness and damage resulting from exposure to pool chemicals, the ocean’s salty water, and hard water minerals.
The shampoo is ultra-mild and can be used by both recreational and professional swimmers.
It is formulated with natural UV inhibitors that preserve hair color and shine.
It also contains plant-based proteins that condition the hair and make the hair soft and manageable.
Rice protein, for instance, provides a protective barrier on damaged, oxidized hair.
These proteins also provide luster and smooth the hair cuticle.
Another ingredient, Pro-Vitamin B5, is an antioxidant that helps to protect the hair against the damaging effects of the environment such as water and UV rays.
Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Shampoo is also sulfate-free and 100% vegan.
Pros
- Preserves hair color
- It moisturizes the hair
- Leaves hair soft and manageable
- It has allantoin which helps prevent scalp inflammation and irritation
- Retains the texture of the hair
- It prevents hair damage
- This shampoo is 100% vegan
Cons
- The smell is not appealing to some people
Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three
This was the first swimmers’ shampoo I used back in high school when I used to swim regularly, especially during summer.
This shampoo is great for swimmers who are always exposed to chlorine.
It also removes iron and minerals found in hard water.
It deeply cleans the hair and removes impurities while keeping the hair strands strong.
Regular use of this shampoo will result in soft and bouncy hair.
For best results, apply a small amount of the shampoo and massage it into your hair and scalp.
Rinse after you’re done with the massage.
This shampoo is suitable for daily use except on color-treated hair.
Pros
- Protects swimmers’ hair from chlorine damage
- Deeply cleans any build-up on your hair
- It gets rids of metals that cause hair discoloration
- Brightens the hair
- Leaves hair soft, silky and shiny
Cons
- Fades color-treated hair
Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo
Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo is a weekly-use clarifying shampoo.
It’s specially formulated to effectively remove product build-up and hard water minerals that make your hair look dull and lifeless.
This shampoo contains sage that helps to clean and stimulate the scalp and the hair shaft.
It also has the Ginseng root extract that invigorates both the hair and scalp.
This product hasn’t been tested on animals and is free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, and formaldehyde.
Pros
- Removes all product build-up and pollutants
- Stimulates the scalp
- Has a pleasant herbal scent
- It is an excellent choice for thick hair that is prone to frizz
- Restores your hair’s fullness and sheen
Cons
- Not suitable for color-treated hair
Zealios Swim & Sport Shampoo
Zealios Sulphate-Free Swim and Sport Shampoo is gluten-free and safe for daily use.
It is recommended for both female and male swimmers.
It’s formulated to protect your hair from chlorine, salty water, and hard water minerals.
Its moisturizing formula helps to hydrate the hair and repair damaged locks.
It is rich in vitamin B and aloe vera which help to strengthen hair follicles.
The shampoo also moisturizes your scalp and acts as a good detangler.
It is a good shampoo to use after swimming in a chlorinated pool and a saltwater pool or in the ocean’s salty water.
This product can be used on all hair types including colored-treated hair and permed hair.
Pros
- It’s vegan and gluten-free
- It’s color-safe
- Removes sun and saltwater damage
- It moisturizes the scalp
- Strengthens hair follicles
- It is excellent for daily use since it is chemical-free
- Leaves the hair shiny
Cons
- Can dry out some hair types
Babo Botanicals Swim & Sport Shampoo
If you intend to keep yourself and the environment free from toxic chemicals, then Babo Botanicals Swim and Sport Shampoo is the right product for you.
This shampoo could be used both on hair and body.
It is suitable for everyone including babies.
It is formulated by utilizing only herbs and plants.
This blend ensures similar efficiency as other shampoos, but without any kind of damage.
Each ingredient is specially chosen for the tremendous roles it plays on the skin and hair.
Aloe vera – one of the ingredients – is a natural antiseptic that can kill bacteria and fungi.
Another main ingredient, cucumber, has moisture-binding and softening qualities that are good for both the hair and skin.
This product is excellent in eliminating chlorine.
It also deeply cleanses your hair eradicating dirt, product build-up, metals, and other impurities.
If you have thick hair that is prone to frizz, this product comes highly recommended.
Pros
- Leaves your hair soft and shiny
- Completely organic
- Suitable for everyone, including babies
- Fights chlorine and chlorine odor
- It contains extracts that soothe the scalp and skin
- Rids the hair of metals that cause discoloration
- Great for thick, frizzy hair
Cons
- Doesn’t foam well
AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense
AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense is an excellent product different from any other swimmer shampoo on this list, this is because this product is a preventive measure and is to be applied before you go swimming. It protects your hair and prevents damage even before occurrence while other swimmers’ shampoos attempt to mend the damage that has been done already.
The shampoo is made from a remarkable formulation that dissuades your hair from losing its natural oils, preventing your hair from getting brittle, dry or even faded, it moisturizes and strengthening your hair. It leaves your hair silky, vibrant and hydrated.
This cleanser also protects your hair from salt, hard water, chlorine and other harmful chemicals that are out to harm your hair. Highly recommended for colored hair.
Pros
- It deters your hair from losing its natural oils
- Prevents chemical and mineral buildup in the hair
- It prevents your hair from getting brittle or dry
- Suitable for colored hair
Cons
- It is not advisable to be left in the hair for too long, rinse off immediately after your swimming session
Tri Swim Chlorine Removal Swimmers Shampoo
Another incredible addition to this list is the Tri Swim Chlorine Removal Swimmers Shampoo. Specially formulated for swimmers who are constantly exposed to harsh drying elements. It is made from rich herbal extracts such as chamomile and watercress which are known for their unique property of relieving symptoms of dandruff and an itching scalp, not only does Tri swim detoxify, it also hydrates and nourishes your hair.
Tri Swim Swimmers Shampoo tackles chlorine and fights other dangerous chemicals like bromine, salt, and sun from the beach. Like many other swimmer shampoos on this list, this top-rated shampoo is also made up of Aloe Vera, vitamin A, Vitamin E, as well as vitamin B5 which will leave your hair, clean, soft, healthy and shiny. This shampoo for swimmer’s hair is safe for chemically treated hairs.
Pros
- It restores, moisturizes, protects and restores hair from the damages caused by chlorine
- Prevents discoloration
- Suitable for all hair types
- It protects the hair from chlorine and other harmful chemicals
- Contains beneficial herbs
Cons
- It could leave your hair dry
Christophe Robin Purifying Shampoo With Jujube Bark Extract
With a formula that copies the soothing characteristics of the Jujube Bark and moisturizing characteristics of cherry blossom extract. This ingenious formula is formulated with the best blend of a handful of ingredients which soothe the scalps, eliminates dandruff, reduces sebum secretions, and leaves the hair clean and extremely shiny.
Suitable for daily use, its unique qualities are Ideal for hair with drier ends and greasy roots It is recommended for both natural and color-treated hair.
Pros
- It restores pH level
- Fights the effects of chlorine
- Contains beneficial herbs
- It is excellent for oily scalp
- Leaves your hair looking silky and shiny
- It deeply cleanses your hair
Cons
- It may strip out hair color especially blonde hair
- May dry out your hair
UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo
This shampoo has been around for years.
UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo is specially formulated with ingredients that help restore lost moisture.
The rich combination of vitamin E and aloe vera removes traces of chlorine and oxidized metals such as iron, copper, sodium, and magnesium deposits in your hair, thus eliminating discoloration.
An added bonus is that this shampoo can be used by swimmers with colored hair and children.
It is recommended for daily use.
Pros
- It can be used on children
- Eliminates chlorine from the hair
- It’s color-safe
- Helps to nourish the hair
- It repairs hair damage
- Easy to comb through after washing
Cons
- Dries out some hair types
- Very runny
- Contains parabens
Intelligent Nutrients PureLuxe Replenishing Shampoo
This shampoo works magic. Formulated to help dry and damaged hair, it is a sulfate-free shampoo which detangles, repairs, improves strength and shine, and reduces frizz.
The magic in this shampoo is achieved from the exquisite blend of baobab plant protein, aloe Vera and pentaclethra macroloba, all of which are proven to be key ingredients that boost hair regeneration. With about 94% of this product naturally derived, it is ideal for sensitive scalps and could be used on color-treated hair.
Works extremely well with coarse hair types. Thanks to its refreshing floral blend of ylang-ylang, geranium, and lavender, it sure leaves your hair smelling just as clean as it feels. It also helps reduce frizz and keep color-treated hair looking shiny, healthy, and manageable. It is vegan and gluten-free.
Pros
- It is vegan and gluten-free
- Strengthens and moisturizes the hair
- It helps dry and damaged hair
- Suitable for all hair types
- It cleans without leaving residue
- Does not leave your hair heavy
- It restores pH, thus eliminating frizz
- Can be used on colored treated hair
Cons
- May dry out hair
Conclusion
Everyone enjoys having their hair admired. Swimming is definitely fun but it advisable to safeguard your hair from chlorine and other harmful chemicals. Yes, a swimming cap does protect your hair but it doesn’t offer full protection.
It is better to be safe than sorry, using a swimmer shampoo will offer you the needed coverage and also leave your hair silky and smooth.
Hopefully, this article would make it easier for swimmers with curly hair to make the perfect choice while trying to decide on the product to use for their hair.
If you have dyed your hair, you might want to look for the best shampoo for swimmers with color-treated hair.