How to Care for Hair After the Pool

After spending a few hours in the pool, hair may feel rougher, drier or harder to detangle. Contact with treated water, particularly water containing chlorine, can change how the hair feels. For this reason, a simple care step taken as soon as you leave the pool can help limit residue build-up and make hair feel more comfortable.

Why can hair feel rough after the pool?

Pool water contains products used to control micro-organisms and maintain water quality. Repeated exposure to this environment may leave hair feeling different, especially if it is already dry or has undergone chemical treatments.

In addition, sunshine, heat and extended time in the water can increase the feeling of dryness. The more frequent the exposure, the more important it may be to follow a care routine suited to the hair’s type and condition.

What should you do as soon as you leave the pool?

Start by rinsing your hair with clean water to remove some of the pool water left on the strands. The sooner you rinse it, the less time residues will remain in contact with the hair.

Then wash your hair according to your usual routine, using a cleansing product suitable for both the scalp and lengths. There is no need to scrub harshly; gentle washing can already help remove built-up residue.

Can conditioner help after the pool?

Yes. Following shampooing, conditioner can improve the feel of the hair, particularly when it is rough or tangles easily. Apply the product mainly through the lengths and ends, according to your hair’s characteristics.

For hair that is regularly exposed to the pool, it may also be worthwhile to include a treatment routine that matches its needs. Suitable hydration and conditioning help keep the hair fibre more flexible.

Is there any care to take before entering the pool?

Yes. Wetting your hair with clean water before getting into the pool can reduce the amount of treated water the strands absorb. Some people also use products specifically designed to protect hair before exposure.

Wearing a swimming cap is another way to reduce direct contact with the water. For people who swim often, combining protection before the pool with rinsing afterwards may be more beneficial than trying to restore the hair only once dryness has appeared.