Swimming is a fantastic way to stay active. Whether you do it for fun or competition, it burns calories fast.
It also boosts heart health and helps improve flexibility. But if you swim often, your hair may suffer from repeated exposure to chlorinated pool water.
Chlorine is added to pool water to kill bacteria, germs, and other harmful microorganisms. It keeps the water safe and clean for everyone.
However, chlorine can also be harsh on your hair.
Frequent exposure to it strips your strands of natural moisture. This is especially bad for curly hair, which is already prone to dryness.
As someone with naturally curly hair, I started to wonder which shampoo is best for swimmers with curly hair.
Curly hair has a unique structure that makes it hard for scalp oils to travel down the shaft.
Without moisture, curls become dry, frizzy and more prone to breakage.
Environmental stressors like heat and humidity make it even worse.
The twists and bends in curly strands make them fragile. This can lead to split ends, thinning, and even tangling.
That is why swimmers with curly hair need a gentle, moisturizing shampoo.
A good product can help protect your curls, restore hydration and maintain their healthy bounce and shine.
Table of Contents
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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Babo Botanicals Shampoo |   | . Organic . Suitable for everyone, including babies . Eliminates chlorine |
| Christophe Robin Shampoo |   | . Restores pH level . Fights effects of chlorine . Deeply cleanses the hair |
What Swimmers With Curly Hair Need To Know
Swimming is excellent for fitness, but it can be damaging to your hair, especially if it is curly.
Chlorine in pool water protects swimmers by killing harmful germs, but it also strips the hair of natural oils.
While this affects all hair types, curly hair suffers more because it is already prone to dryness and frizz.
How Chlorine Affects Curls
Curly hair has a unique texture that makes it harder for natural oils to move from root to tip.
When chlorine enters the picture, it dries the hair out even more.
This causes curls to lose their shape, look dull and feel brittle.
The moisture loss also leads to increased frizz and makes curls harder to manage.
Why Curly Hair Needs Special Attention
Curls are delicate and more likely to tangle, especially after swimming.
Without proper care, this can lead to breakage and split ends.
Harsh shampoos can make things worse by stripping the hair of its natural moisture.
Swimmers with curly hair need gentle products that support hydration and help prevent damage.
How The Right Shampoo Helps
Using the right shampoo makes a big difference.
A good swimmer-friendly formula will cleanse without over-drying your curls.
It should remove chlorine, add moisture and define your curl pattern.
These shampoos help restore softness, shine and bounce, keeping your curls healthy even if you swim often.
With the right routine, you can enjoy swimming without sacrificing your hair’s beauty.
Best Shampoo For Swimmers With Curly Hair
If you swim often, you already know that swim caps do not always keep water out completely.
Chlorinated pool water, saltwater and even ocean water can still reach your hair during a swim.
When this happens, it is important to rinse and shampoo your hair immediately after swimming.
Curly hair is especially vulnerable to dryness and damage from chlorine and salt.
These elements strip away natural oils, making your hair frizzy and brittle.
The best way to protect your curls is by using a shampoo made for swimmers.
Thankfully, several brands now offer formulas designed to remove chlorine and salt while keeping your hair moisturized.
These shampoos also help restore your curl pattern, reduce frizz, and leave your hair soft and clean.
Below are nine shampoos I recommend for swimmers with curly hair.
Each one is effective, gentle, and great for maintaining healthy, defined curls after swimming.
Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Shampoo
It helps guard against dryness and damage caused by pool chemicals, saltwater and minerals in hard water.
The formula is mild enough for daily use, whether you swim recreationally or professionally.
This shampoo contains natural UV inhibitors that help preserve your hair color and enhance shine.
It also features plant based proteins that soften and condition the hair.
One standout ingredient is rice protein, which helps build a protective barrier around weak or damaged hair.
These proteins also smooth the cuticle and add luster.
Pro Vitamin B5, an antioxidant, offers additional protection against environmental stress like UV rays and water exposure.
The formula is 100 percent vegan and supports scalp health with soothing ingredients like allantoin.
Pros
- Helps retain hair color
- Moisturizes and softens hair
- Makes hair more manageable
- Contains ingredients that calm the scalp
- Prevents dryness and breakage
- 100 percent vegan formula
Cons
- The scent may not appeal to everyone
If you are a swimmer with dry, frizzy or damaged hair, give this shampoo a try.
Check the latest price here.
Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three
Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three was the first swimmers’ shampoo I ever used back in high school.
It worked then, and it still does.
This clarifying shampoo is ideal for swimmers who are frequently exposed to chlorine, whether in pools or during training.
It effectively removes chlorine, iron and minerals often found in hard water.
It also clears away product buildup and impurities without weakening your hair.
Regular use helps restore softness and bounce, leaving your hair feeling refreshed and healthy.
This shampoo is designed for deep cleansing and is suitable for daily use.
However, it is not recommended for color-treated hair, as it may cause fading.
To use, apply a small amount to wet hair, massage gently into the scalp, then rinse thoroughly.
Pros
- Removes chlorine and mineral buildup
- Strengthens and brightens the hair
- Leaves hair feeling soft, silky and shiny
- Helps reduce dullness and dryness
- Works well for frequent swimmers
Cons
- Not suitable for color-treated hair
If you spend a lot of time in the pool and want a clean, refreshed feeling, this shampoo is worth trying.
Check the shampoo price here.
Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo
Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo is a clarifying shampoo designed for weekly use.
It deeply cleans your hair and scalp by removing product buildup, excess oil and hard water minerals that can dull your strands.
Formulated with scalp-loving ingredients, it contains sage to cleanse and stimulate both your scalp and hair shaft.
It also includes ginseng root extract, which helps energize the scalp and revitalize your hair.
These botanical ingredients work together to leave your hair feeling refreshed and full of life.
This shampoo is free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oils and formaldehyde.
It is also cruelty free, so it has not been tested on animals.
Although it is powerful, it is best for people without color-treated hair, as it may cause color fading.
Pros
- Removes buildup and pollutants
- Stimulates and refreshes the scalp
- Has a clean, herbal scent
- Great for thick or frizzy hair
- Restores shine and bounce
Cons
- Not ideal for color-treated hair
If your hair feels heavy or lifeless by the end of the week, give this shampoo a try.
Check the latest price here.
AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense
AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense is an excellent product that’s different from any other shampoo on this list.
This is because it’s applied before you go swimming.
It protects your hair and prevents damage before it occurs, while other swimmers’ shampoos attempt to repair the damage that has already been done.
The shampoo is made from a remarkable formulation that dissuades your hair from losing its natural oils.
This helps protect your hair from getting dry, brittle, and fading.
This is especially great for curly hair whose porosity is generally higher, making it more susceptible to penetration of chlorine, salts, hard water minerals, and other elements.
That’s why it’s important to take extra care of your curly hair when you go swimming in pools and water bodies.
The AquaGuard Pre-Swim cleanser is also great for moisturizing and strengthening your locks.
It’s also highly recommended for color-treated hair.
It also protects your hair from salt, hard water, chlorine, and other harmful chemicals that are out to harm your hair.
Pros
- Deters your hair from losing its natural oils
- Prevents chemical and mineral build-up in the hair
- It prevents your hair from getting brittle or dry
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Hydrates the strands
- Leaves hair looking silky and vibrant
Cons
- It is not advisable to be left in the hair for too long, rinse it 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.
It’s specially formulated for swimmers who are constantly exposed to harsh drying elements.
The shampoo 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 the shampoo detoxify, it also hydrates and nourishes your hair.
This Tri Swim swimmers’ cleanser tackles chlorine and fights other elements such as bromine and salt.
Like many other swimmers’ shampoos on this list, this top-rated shampoo also contains aloe vera, vitamin A, Vitamin E, as well as vitamin B5 which will leave your hair healthy and vibrant.
The cleanser is also safe for chemically-treated locks.
Pros
- Restores hair from damage caused by chlorine
- Helps soothe an itchy scalp
- Suitable for all hair types
- Contains beneficial herbs
- Moisturizes the strands
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, as well as children.
It is suitable for daily use.
Pros
- 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
- Contains parabens
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 your hair and your body.
It is suitable for everyone, including babies, because it’s formulated from herbs and plants only.
This blend ensures similar effectiveness as other shampoos listed here, without any kind of damage.
Each ingredient is specially chosen for the tremendous role 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
- 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
- Leaves your hair soft and shiny
Cons
- Doesn’t foam as well as what most people are used to
Christophe Robin Purifying Shampoo With Jujube Bark Extract
This shampoo is suitable for daily use and is recommended for both natural and chemically-treated hair.
It’s formulated with jujube bark extract which helps in soothing the scalp, eliminating dandruff and regulating excess sebum production.
This cleanser is particularly targeted at people dealing with greasy roots and dry ends.
Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Makes hair light and shiny
- Fights the effects of chlorine
- It is excellent for oily scalps
- It deeply cleanses your hair
Cons
- May dry out some hair types
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.
The product’s 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 cleanser 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 looking shiny
Cons
- Can dry out some hair types
How To Use Swimmers’ Shampoos Effectively
When you go swimming, your hair can get dirty from the water in the pool.
Here are some tips for using shampoo effectively if you’re a swimmer with curly hair:
Wet Your Hair Before Swimming
Before you swim, it’s a good idea to wet your hair with clean, non-chlorinated water.
This helps reduce the absorption of chlorine and other pool chemicals into your hair.
Use Swimmers’ Shampoo
After swimming, use shampoos that are specifically designed for swimmers.
These shampoos effectively remove chlorine, mineral build-up, and impurities from your hair.
Massage the shampoo gently into your scalp and throughout your hair.
Handle With Care
When you use the shampoo, remember to be gentle and massage it into your hair and scalp.
Curly hair is delicate, so avoid rough scrubbing or aggressive washing.
Instead, use gentle massaging motions.
Pay Attention To The Roots
It’s important to focus on the roots, which are the parts close to your head, because that’s where the dirt and pool chemicals like to hide.
Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp to remove any buildup.
Condition Properly
After shampooing, use a moisturizing and nourishing conditioner formulated for curly hair.
Conditioner helps make your hair soft, smooth, and easy to comb.
It’s like a special treat for your hair.
Remember, always rinse your hair really well after using shampoo and conditioner to make sure all the soap and pool water is gone.
Try Deep Conditioning Treatments
If you want, you can also use extra special treatments for your hair.
These treatments give your hair even more love and help repair any damage caused by the pool water or the ocean.
Incorporate regular deep conditioning treatments into your hair care routine to provide extra moisture and repair any damage from chlorine exposure.
Look for treatments designed for swimmers.
Recommended Post: Best Deep Conditioner For Swimmers
Protect Your Hair
Consider using a leave-in conditioner or hair-protectant product before swimming.
These products create a barrier between your hair and pool water, reducing chlorine absorption.
See: Best Leave-In Conditioner For The Beach
Conclusion
Understanding the unique characteristics of curly hair is essential for proper care and maintenance.
It allows individuals to choose appropriate hair care products and adopt suitable techniques to enhance the health, appearance, and manageability of their curly hair.
Swimming is definitely fun but it is advisable to safeguard your curly hair from chlorine and other harmful chemicals.
Yes, a swim cap does protect your hair but it doesn’t offer full protection.
Swimmers with curly hair need to use appropriate hair care products, adopt a suitable hair care routine, and take steps to protect and nourish their curls before and after swimming sessions.
Hopefully, this article will make it easier for swimmers with curly hair to make the perfect choice when trying to decide on the product to use for their hair.
Overall, using the right shampoo for swimmers with curly hair is essential to maintain the hair’s health, hydration, and natural curl pattern, while also protecting it from the damaging effects of chlorine and other pool chemicals.
If you have dyed your hair, you might want to look for the best shampoo for swimmers with color-treated hair.