Glow note
Pool chlorine and blonde
Chlorine and pools are tough on lightened and highlighted hair, especially if you swim often or have very pale blonde. Here’s what to do before and after a swim.
Why pools are tricky for blonde hair
If you swim in pools often and your hair is lightened, you may notice a dull or greenish tinge, extra dryness, or hair that tangles more. This happens because chlorine and copper in pool water can react with pale hair. Chlorine strips natural oils and roughens the cuticle, while copper in water, oxidised by chlorine, can make very light blonde hair take on a greenish tint.
Blonde hair is already more porous from lightening, meaning it soaks up water and chemicals faster than uncoloured hair. This makes it more likely to change colour or become straw-like after regular swimming. Sun exposure on top of pool time makes it even harder for toner and colour to last.
How to care for blonde hair before and after a swim
Before you swim, rinse your hair with clean tap water so it’s already full and less likely to soak up pool water. Work in a conditioner or a leave-in protectant like our Sun Shield Mist from roots to ends, then tie your hair up or use a swim cap for extra protection. A swim cap is sometimes a mission, but it really does help keep out more water.
After swimming, rinse your hair right away with fresh water, then wash gently with your usual blonde-care shampoo. If you notice dryness, use a weekly mask like our Silk Repair Mask on mid-lengths and ends. If you’re swimming daily, keep a small bottle of leave-in mist or conditioner in your bag, so you don’t forget. I sometimes forget it myself at the gym.
If you ever see a green tinge, don’t panic: ask your colourist for a chelating or clarifying treatment, which lifts the copper deposits without you scrubbing your lengths every day.
- Wet hair with tap water first
- Apply leave-in mist or conditioner
- Use a swim cap if possible
- Rinse hair straight after swimming
- Deep condition once a week
Signs toner needs salon help
If you swim regularly, tell your colourist at every appointment. They can help with the right toner and gloss that lasts longer between visits and recommend clarifying treatments if needed. Mention if you’ve noticed greenish, brittle or faded hair. It’s also good to ask for advice on products that protect against pool and sun. Some salons offer in-salon treatments that seal the cuticle and keep colour fresher for longer.
If your hair feels rough, tangles badly or you see any sudden colour change, book a care review with us or talk to your salon. For any scalp irritation or itch that does not go away, see a doctor or dermatologist.
Common mistakes we see swimmers make
One big mistake is skipping the pre-swim rinse and not using any leave-in product, thinking a quick wash after is enough. Another is using violet or purple shampoo too often to try fix green tones: violet is for yellow, not green, so it won’t help and can leave a lilac cast if used too much, especially on very light hair.
Some people try to scrub out green with harsh clarifying shampoo every day, but this strips moisture and makes blonde hair feel like straw. Remember, prevention is easier than repair and a good swim habit saves a lot of stress before holidays or the matric dance. Don’t forget to pack a hat or UV mist if you’re swimming outdoors.
Swim-day blonde care questions
For product questions tied to swimming, use our contact form and note whether you swim in a chlorinated school pool, gym pool, or outdoor complex in Gauteng sun. Include if your blonde is highlighted, fully lightened, or toned icy, because green tinge, roughness, and faded toner show up differently on each.
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