The Swimmer’s Haircare Guide: How to Strip Chlorine From Hair

Swimming is an incredible workout and therapeutic for the soul, but for your hair, the pool can be a battlefield. Chlorine is essential for keeping water clean, but it is a "moisture thief" that strips away natural oils, attacks keratin proteins, and leaves strands brittle, dry, and prone to breakage
If you’ve noticed your hair feels like straw or is picking up the dreaded "chlorine green" tint, you need a professional-grade recovery plan.

1. The Pre-Swim Shield

Prevention is your first line of defense. Before diving in, head to the poolside showers and rinse your hair with fresh water. Your hair acts like a sponge; if it is already saturated with clean water, it will absorb significantly less chlorinated water. For a "protective shield," apply a leave-in conditioner like Paul Mitchell The Conditioner™ or a pre-swim treatment before putting on your swim cap. This forms a lightweight barrier that limits the amount of chlorine that can latch onto your strands

2. The Specialist Detox: Shampoo Three®

Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three® is the professional swimmer’s shampoo of choice:

• Chlorine Removal: It acts as a powerful chlorine stripping shampoo, removing chlorine and internal impurities that lead to discolouration
• Strengthens from Within: While it cleanses, it also helps increase inner strength and prevents the immediate re-deposit of minerals
• Eco-Conscious Excellence: To match your clean lifestyle, the bottle is made from 50% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic

Pro Tip: For the best results, use this post-swim shampoo immediately after leaving the pool to hit the "reset button" on your hair before chemicals can settle in.

3. The Weekly Scalp Reset

Chlorine doesn’t just damage your hair; it can irritate your scalp, leading to dryness and itchiness. Once or twice a week, supplement your routine with the Paul Mitchell Foaming ACV Rinse. Formulated with salicylic acid, it gently exfoliates the scalp and strand, removing stubborn buildup while restoring shine and balance.

4. Restore Strength with Deep Recovery

Because chlorine removal can be an intensive process, you must follow up with deep hydration. Shampoo Three® is excellent before deep conditioning, as it clears the path for treatments to penetrate deeply. For a premium recovery ritual, use the Awapuhi Wild Ginger® Intensive Treatment. This weekly mask uses Hawaiian awapuhi ginger, grown and harvested on the Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Farm, to hydrate, restore strength, and reduce breakage. It leaves hair soft, resilient, and radiant after even the most intense pool sessions.

5. The Miracle Finisher: 15-In-1 Spray

Never sit in the sun with chlorine-soaked hair, as UV rays accelerate degradation and bleaching. Once you’ve detoxed and conditioned, mist your hair with the Paul Mitchell 15-In-1 Spray. This multitasking hero provides UV protection and thermal protection, while shielding your freshly cleaned hair from frizz and further environmental damage.

Ready for a fresh start?

Explore the Clarify Collection and reclaim your hair’s strength today.