Best shampoos and conditioners for swimming in 2025

While swimming in the pool, you may not need one of the best triathlon wetsuits, but the impact of chlorinated water calls for the best swim shampoos and conditioners.

Prolonged chlorine exposure can damage your hair, causing frizzing and split-ends and even long-term issues such as dryness and an itchy scalp.

Fortunately, there are a range of products available that are not only designed to remove chlorine from your hair after your swim, but claim to heal the damage it leaves behind.

Whether you want to apply a conditioner before you dive into the pool to prevent the damaging effects of chlorine, or invest in an after-care shampoo that will strengthen your hair, we’ve got you covered with a round-up of some of the best shampoos and conditioners that will keep your hair chlorine free.

These products have been picked based on a mixture of our own experiences, product knowledge and consumer reviews.

Best swim shampoos to prevent chlorine damage in 2025

1. Trihard Premium Swim Shampoo

• $17.98 / £18.59

Trihard Swimmers Shampoo is marketed as a premium, swim-specific formula designed to remove chlorine and odors while deeply hydrating and repairing hair.

The shampoo is enriched with natural Red Algae, Dead Sea minerals, Argan Oil, and Shea Butter. They combine to nourish the scalp and restore pre-swim damaged texture.

Free from SLS, parabens, alcohol, and GMOs, it’s a clean, eco-conscious choice for your post-swim shampoo and packaged in 80% recycled plastic.

Trihard range is popular among triathletes and swimmers. It’s dermatologically tested and backed by elite triathlete Lucy Charles-Barclay and pro swimmer Kira Toussaint.

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2. UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo

• $6.29 / £14.99

Made to be suitable for all hair types, including hair that’s been dyed or chemically treated, this shampoo is said to be gentle but effective.

It is claimed to remove the chlorine (and any pool odour) after one use, restoring and repairing any chlorine exposed hair.

Due to the ingredients, which are rich in humectants, moisturisers, Vitamin E and aloe vera, it’s supposed to leave your hair soft and conditioned. It should be light enough to use after every swim.

3. Triswim Moisturizing Chlorine Removing Shampoo For Swimmers

• $16.48 / £13.89

As well as tackling chlorine, TRISWIM works to neutralise and remove bromine, salt water, hard water minerals and chemical odours from your hair, according to the brand.

With an exotic mango and lychee scent, the shampoo is also said to hydrate and moisturise hair using aloe vera, vitamin A and pro vitamin B5.

Recommended by United States Masters Swimming and Canada Masters Swimming, it’s meant to be a reliable go-to for the avid swimmer.

Being paraben and gluten-free, and not tested on animals, you can use the product completely guilt-free.

4. Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three

• $17.50 / £18

Designed to remove chlorine build-up, Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three (16.9fl oz/500ml) is also said to prevent that dreaded green hair. This can be caused by the chlorine mixing with the copper in the water and then attaching to the protein in your hair.

You can use the shampoo after swimming or combined with condition treatments to reportedly also increase inner hair strength.

5. Joico K-Pak Clarifying Shampoo

• $24 / £21.59

Made for those who not only swim frequently but live in hard water areas, the Joico K-Pak Clarifying Shampoo (10.1fl oz/300ml) aims to remove all traces of impurities from your hair, leaving it looking (and feeling) clean, healthy, and vibrant.

It’s said to not only reconstruct damaged air with its ingredients of amino acids, aloe and vitamin E, but also to protect the hair from further issues.

Particularly helpful for those with heavily-styled hair, it’s also claimed to allow for easy combing and improved manageability.

6. John Freida Detox & Repair Shampoo

• £5.99 (UK only)

Infused with antioxidant-rich green tea and nourishing avocado oil, John Freida Detox & Repair is designed to get to work on dry and damaged hair, helping it be healthy while giving it a silky shine.

For optimal results, the brand suggests twinning this product with the Detox & Repair conditioner. This is said to assist with the immediate revitalisation of your hair.

7. Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo

• $10.79 / £7.99

Said to be suitable for sensitive skin, the Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo (12fl oz/ 354ml) is a gentle cleanser that’s reportedly clinically proven to relieve an itchy scalp.

Made from skin-moisturising properties such as colloidal oats, and botanical ingredients, it hydrates the hair while removing any build-up.

8. Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Shampoo

• $10.99 / £12.99

For a gentle but thorough cleanse that aims to remove chlorine build-up from your hair while also protecting your skin, the Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Shampoo (13fl oz/385ml) has a packed blend to help your hair.

Made with ingredients like Tea Tree Oil, Bamboo Charcoal and African Black Soap, it’s said to soothe the skin while ridding your follicles of dirt and unwanted oils, allowing your strands to grow strong and healthy.

9. OGX Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo

• $4.59 / £8.49

OGX has gone for a combination of classic and contemporary using an ancient remedy that’s been brought up to date with a luxe formulation.

According to the brand, this stops the build-up of unwanted oils to ensure your hair is clean, chlorine-free and cared for.

There’s also the added bonus of a fresh and fruity fragrance, in this 13fl oz/385ml bottle.

10. Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Shampoo

• $13.49 / £14.90 (9fl oz / 268ml)

Malibu C says the Swimmers Wellness Shampoo tackles “crunchy, gummy, dry, brittle” hair by removing harmful chlorine and copper found in pool water.

It will maintain your hair’s natural moisture and shine without the use of aggressive chemicals, according to the brand.

It’s sold in a 9fl oz, 33.8fl oz or 64fl oz bottle.

Malibu C claims the Swimmers Wellness Shampoo is eco-friendly, vegan and plant-based.

Best swim conditioners to stop chlorine damage in 2025

1. Trihard Premium Swim Conditioner

• $20.89 / £19.49

This Trihard Pre & Post-Swim Conditioner (8.45fl oz/250ml) is designed to provide advanced protection against chlorine, saltwater, and hard water by forming a barrier that shields hair strands before you swim.

After your session, it aims to deliver deep hydration, leaving hair soft, smooth, and revitalised.

Infused with the PLECOTECH blend (Red Algae, Dead Sea minerals, and botanical extracts) it provides antioxidant-rich nourishment to strengthen both the hair and scalp.

Trihard is a trusted brand among pro and age-groupers alike. The conditioner is packaged in 80% recycled, soft-touch bottles – this eco-conscious nod gets our seal of approval.

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2. Ultra Swim Dry & Damaged Ultra Repair Conditioner

• $8.49 / £12.99

For a complete chlorine-removal treatment, the Ultra Swim shampoo (7fl oz/207ml) can be combined with this repair conditioner.

It aims to further restore chlorine-exposed hair, fix overall damage, replenish lost moisture, and tackle any tangles and split ends.

If applied before your swim, Ultra Swim says it can also reduce the amount of chlorine your hair absorbs.

3. Philip Kingsley Swimcap Water Resistant Mask

• $58 / £25

An all-rounder, the Swimcap Mask (6.7oz/200ml) is formulated to both deeply condition hair and shield it from any damage once hair becomes vulnerable in chlorine or salt water.

Its formula is designed to help reduce breakage, as well as halt colour-fade and general dryness.

It also works to improve the elasticity and general bounce and shine of your hair, according to Philip Kingsley.

4. Triswim Conditioner

• $19.48 / £13.89

Packed with mega-proteins such as keratin and nutrients, the Triswim conditioner (8.5fl oz/251ml) is the official hair and skin product for United States Masters Swimming.

Triswim says it leaves your hair in its healthy and shiny state even after exposure to harsh elements such as chlorine, bromine, salt and sun, which naturally dry out your hair.

Not tested on animals, this product is both paraben-free and gluten-free. It is said to leave behind a natural peach and orange blossom scent.

5. Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Conditioner

• $13.49 / £9.98 (9fl oz)

Containing plant proteins and antioxidants, Malibu C says its Swimmers Wellness Conditioner leaves your hair more manageable and shinier and healthier.

Moisturisers like provitamin B5 and flax and rice protein are said to restore dry, brittle hair post-swim.

It’s free from sulfates and parabens and is safe to use everyday, according to Malibu C.

Choose from 9lf oz, 33.8fl oz and 64fl oz bottles.

What makes a good swim shampoo?

A good swim shampoo should do more than just clean, it should remove chlorine, salt, and pool chemicals, all the while nourishing and hydrating your hair.

To do this, look for ingredients like red algae, dead sea minerals, and natural oils (like Argan or Jojoba) that restore moisture and repair damage.

Bonus points if it’s sulfate-free and gentle on your scalp.

If you’re in the pool often, a swim-specific shampoo like those listed above is your best defence against dryness, brittleness, and that lingering, chemical pool smell.

How do I take care of my hair if I swim every day?

If you’re swimming daily, your hair care needs a strategy.

Rinse your hair with fresh water before jumping in to reduces chlorine absorption onto the hair strands. It may sound counterintuitive, but trust us, it works.

After swimming, use a swimming shampoo followed by a rich, hydrating conditioner.

Incorporate a weekly deep-conditioning treatment like a hair mask, and try to avoid heat styling.

Wearing a swim cap can also protect your strands from damage.

How often should swimmers shampoo their hair?

If you’re in the water daily, you should shampoo your hair after every swim to remove chlorine and pool chemicals.

Choose a gentle, swim-specific shampoo to avoid over-drying your hair while still keeping it clean and healthy.

Alternatively, if your hair doesn’t get too wet when you’re swimming you can stick to washing around three times a week to get rid of product and chlorine build-up.

The frequency really depends on your hair type and how quickly it tends to get greasy.

Should swimmers use clarifying shampoo?

Yes, but with moderation. Clarifying shampoos are great for deep-cleaning and removing chlorine build-up, but they can strip natural oils.

Use a clarifying shampoo once a week or after heavy swim sessions, and always follow with a deep conditioner to replenish moisture.

Should I wash my hair after swimming in the sea?

Yes, because like chlorinated pool water, the salty sea water’s can remove natural oils, leading to dryness and cracking.

First, rinse your hair immediately after leaving the sea. Fresh water is fine at this stage if you don’t have shampoo to hand.

After shampooing your hair later, consider using a conditioner to replace moisture.

Meanwhile, to protect your eyes from chlorine, choose a pair of the best swimming goggles.