Summer is here, and that means swimming season is in full swing! While swimming is a fun and refreshing way to beat the heat, it can also wreak havoc on your hair. Chlorine, a common chemical used in swimming pools, can leave your hair feeling dry, brittle, and damaged. But don’t worry, there are natural ways to remove chlorine from your hair and restore its health and shine.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the most effective and easy-to-use natural methods to remove chlorine from hair. So, whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just taking a dip to cool off, keep reading to learn how to keep your hair healthy and chlorine-free!
Remove Chlorine From Your Hair Naturally With:
Fresh Water
Do not underestimate how effective rinsing your hair with only water is at limiting chlorine’s damaging effects on your hair – no hair products, no other ingredients – just plain ol’ fresh water.
You should rinse your hair with fresh water both before and after swimming. Rinsing before entering the pool is not only beneficial for hygiene reasons, but it can saturate your hair and make it harder for chlorine to get absorbed into it.
Showering afterwards will help rinse off some of the chlorine that is lingering in your hair from swimming. If, for whatever reason you don’t have access to any hair products, the least you can do is rinse your hair with just water.
Clarifying Shampoo with Natural Ingredients
Use a clarifying shampoo that contains natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice. These ingredients can help to break down the chlorine and remove it from your hair.
To use a clarifying shampoo with natural ingredients to remove chlorine from your hair, wet your hair thoroughly and apply the shampoo to your scalp and hair. Really massage it in, focusing on the areas where the chlorine buildup is the most noticeable. Let the shampoo sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Repeat the process if necessary.
Natural Hair Mask
Hair masks made with natural ingredients like honey, coconut oil, argan oil, or aloe vera can help to remove chlorine buildup from your hair. These natural ingredients have hydrating properties that can help to restore moisture to your hair, while also breaking down the buildup of chemicals caused by chlorine exposure.
To use a hair mask made with natural ingredients to remove chlorine from your hair, apply the mask to your hair, making sure to cover all areas affected by chlorine buildup. Let the mask sit on your hair for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
Vitamin C Powder
Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that can help to neutralize chlorine and remove it from your hair.
To use it, mix a tablespoon of vitamin C powder with a cup of water until the powder is dissolved. Pour the mixture over damp hair and massage it into your scalp. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
Leave-In Conditioner with Natural Ingredients
Leave-in conditioners with natural ingredients like tea tree oil or lavender oil can help to remove chlorine buildup from your hair. These natural ingredients have hydrating properties that can help to restore moisture to your hair, while also soothing your scalp and promoting healthy hair growth.
Apply the conditioner to your hair after shampooing your hair. Make sure to focus on the areas where the chlorine buildup is the most noticeable. Leave the conditioner in your hair and style as usual.
Coconut Milk
The natural oils in coconut milk can help to remove chlorine and leave your hair feeling soft and nourished.
Coconut milk is also rich in vitamins and minerals that can help to nourish your hair and scalp. It can help to strengthen your hair, prevent breakage, and promote healthy growth. It’s a great natural alternative to commercial hair products that can be harsh on your hair and scalp.
To use coconut milk to remove chlorine from your hair, start by washing your hair with a gentle shampoo. Then, apply the coconut milk to your hair, making sure to cover all areas affected by chlorine buildup. Let the coconut milk sit on your hair for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
Tomato Juice/Ketchup
Tomato juice contains natural acids that can help to break down chlorine and remove it from your hair. The acidic properties of tomato juice can help to neutralize the chlorine and remove it from your hair.
To use tomato juice to remove chlorine from your hair, massage the juice into your hair and scalp, making sure to cover all areas affected by chlorine buildup. Leave the tomato juice on your hair for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
A warning: tomato juice can stain light-colored hair, so it’s best to avoid using it if you have blonde or light-colored hair. If you do have light-colored hair and want to use tomato juice to remove chlorine, you can dilute the juice with water before applying it to your hair.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural astringent that can help to remove excess oil and chlorine buildup from your hair.
To use lemon juice to remove chlorine from your hair, mix one cup of lemon juice with four cups of water. Pour the mixture over your hair and massage it into your scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
A friendly reminder that you should avoid using lemon juice if you have any cuts or open wounds on your scalp, as it can cause stinging or irritation.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural exfoliant that can help to remove dead skin cells and buildup from your hair.
To use baking soda to remove chlorine from your hair, mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a cup of water to make a paste. After shampooing your hair, pour the mixture over your hair and massage it into your scalp. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural clarifier that can help to remove buildup from your hair. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help to prevent scalp infections.
Mix apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spritz it onto your hair, and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Apple cider vinegar is a natural clarifier that can help to remove chlorine and restore the pH balance of your hair.
Green Tea
Green tea contains antioxidants that can help to neutralize chlorine and remove it from your hair.
To take advantage of this effect, brew a strong cup of green tea, let it cool down, and then pour it over your hair. Massage it into your scalp. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Rinse Chlorine Out of Hair With Just Water?
Rinsing your hair with water after swimming in a chlorinated pool can help to remove some of the chlorine from your hair. However, it may not completely remove all of it. I recommended it as a natural solution because it’s better than nothing.
Ideally, you should use it with a clarifying shampoo specifically designed to remove chlorine from hair. Using a leave-in conditioner or hair mask can help to restore moisture to your hair that may have been lost due to exposure to chlorine.
Can You Get Chlorine Out of Hair Without Washing It?
No, it would just keep building up and damaging your hair and scalp in the meanwhile.
How Often Should You Apply These Hair Treatments?
It’s not recommended to use the natural ingredients discussed above on your hair every day as they can be harsh on your hair if used too often. While these natural ingredients can help to remove chlorine buildup from your hair, they can also strip your hair of its natural oils and cause dryness and damage if overused.
Try to limit using these natural ingredients on your hair to once a week or every two weeks to remove buildup and keep your hair healthy. If you swim frequently in chlorinated pools, you can use them more often, but it’s important to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment after each use to keep your hair moisturized and healthy.
