After Swim Shampoo (Chlorine Removal Shampoo)

Chlorine and saltwater can cause itch scalps and dry hair if not rinsed out properly. As a lifelong surfer and swimmer, I have experienced the effects of neglecting my hair post surf or swim. Simply rinsing off your hair with water at the beach showers or locker room isn’t enough to keep your scalp hydrated. While salt water has many healing properties it can also dry out your hair if not rinsed properly. Using an after swim shampoo will remove chlorine and saltwater from the hair and scalp. Not convinced? Read on to learn about the benefits of a proper after swim routine.

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Chlorine and its effect on hair

Chlorine is a gas at room temperature that is made up of two stable isotopes (1) Chlorine-35 and Chlorine-37. Sodium chloride is the most common compound in chlorine and is also present in sea water. The chlorine that is in pools is dilated to 1 ppm and used to kill germs in the water. This is an important part of keeping a pool safe and preventing swimming-related illness. When you swim in a salt water pool or pool treated with chlorine, your hair gets dried out. More specifically, the chlorine removes sebum – the natural oil on hair. This results in dryness of hair and scalp if not rinsed off properly.

Sources: 

https://www.britannica.com/science/chlorine  

https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/residential/disinfection-testing.html

Wearing a Swim Cap can help

Keeping your hair tucked under a swim cap can help reduce the total exposure that your hair has to chlorine and sea water. While it isn’t a total fix, the combination of wearing a swim cap and using after swim shampoo seems to be the best option available. An added benefit of wearing a swim cap is that it helps keep ear plugs in.

Choosing the best shampoo for after swimming

When it comes to shampoos, after swim shampoo is in a world of its own. Because of the special formula that rinses away chlorine and saltwater, choosing the right shampoo for after swimming is important to protecting your scalp. Here are a few things to look for in swim shampoos:

• Hydrating Ingredients: Natural oils like Argan, Jojoba, and Shea Oil will help to hydrate hair and scalp post swim.
• Cleansing: Swim shampoos need to rinse away the chlorine or salt water. For this reason it is important to have cleansing ingredients like Dead Sea Minerals that remove pool chemicals from hair and scalp.
• Anti Itch: Ingredients like peppermint extract and aloe vera will help relieve any potential itchiness that can be caused by chlorine and other pool chemicals.

How to Use an After Swim Shampoo

Using an after swim shampoo is simple and easy. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Rinse off: Before using the shampoo, rinse off in the shower to remove any excess chlorine or pool water from your body.
2. Apply shampoo: Squeeze a quarter-sized amount of after swim shampoo into your hand and massage it onto your hair and body. Be sure to focus on areas that were exposed to chlorine, such as the scalp, hairline, and shoulders.
3. Leave it in: After applying the shampoo, leave it in for a few minutes to allow it to work its magic.
4. Rinse off: Thoroughly rinse off the shampoo, making sure to remove all traces of chlorine and other chemicals.
5. Condition: After using an after swim shampoo, it’s important to replenish your hair and skin with moisture. Use a hydrating conditioner to restore any lost moisture and protect your hair from further damage.

Other Benefits of After Swim Shampoo

Aside from removing chlorine, after swim shampoo also offers other benefits for your hair and skin:

• Removes any residual chemicals: In addition to chlorine, pools may contain other chemicals such as bromine and salt that can also cause damage. After swim shampoo helps to remove these chemicals, keeping your hair and skin healthy.
• Soothes skin irritation: If you have sensitive skin or are prone to dryness, the chemicals in pools can cause irritation and inflammation. After swim shampoo contains soothing ingredients that help to calm and heal any skin irritation.
• Nourishes hair: After swim shampoo is formulated with nourishing ingredients that can help repair damaged hair caused by chlorine exposure. It also helps to prevent discoloration and dryness, leaving your hair looking healthy and shiny.

Tips for Using After Swim Shampoo

To get the most out of your after swim shampoo, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use it after every swim: Even if you don’t swim frequently, it’s important to use after swim shampoo every time you’re in a pool. This will help prevent any buildup of chlorine and other chemicals on your hair and skin.
• Follow with a conditioner: As mentioned earlier, it’s important to follow up after swim shampoo with a hydrating conditioner. This will help replenish any moisture lost during swimming and keep your hair healthy and strong.
• Be gentle when washing: After swim shampoo is designed to be gentle on the hair and skin, so there’s no need to vigorously scrub or lather. Gently massage the shampoo into your hair and skin, focusing on areas that may be more exposed to chlorine.
• Use a clarifying shampoo once a week: After swim shampoo is great for regular use, but it’s also important to use a clarifying shampoo at least once a week to fully remove any buildup of chemicals in your hair and scalp.
• Protect your hair before swimming: If you know you’ll be going for a swim, it’s helpful to apply a leave-in conditioner or oil to your hair beforehand. This will act as a barrier and help prevent chlorine from penetrating and damaging your hair.

With these tips in mind, after swim shampoo can be a valuable addition to your hair care routine. So don’t let the fear of damaged, discolored hair keep you from enjoying a day in the pool – just make sure to use after swim shampoo afterwards! So dive in and have fun, knowing that your hair will be protected and nourished with the help of after swim shampoo.

Best After Swim Shampoo

1. TRIHARD Swimmers Shampoo

Formulated by swimmers and made specifically for use post swim, TRIHARD eliminates chlorine smell, rinses away pool chemicals, and hydrates your hair & scalp. Using an ultra hydrating Red Algae, TRIHARD moisturizes dry hair and scalp that is a result of swimming in pools and oceans. For those who swim a lot, you know how annoying a dry scalp as a result of swimming can be. Once your hair and scalp are dried out it is a chore to re-hydrate. Using TRIHARD after each swim rinses away pool chemicals like chlorine and helps to maintain proper oil levels on your scalp – preventing dry hair and dry scalp.

For the ultimate after swim routine, use the coupon above to get the Extra Boost Swimmers Shampoo and After Swim Body Wash for $29.13, normally priced at $39.96. You body needs the same hydration and chemical rinse that your hair does.

Swimmers Shampoo: If you can’t tell by now, the shampoo required for rinsing chlorine out of your hair is different than what you’d normally use. The formulas required for rinsing chlorine out of hair can only be found in shampoos like TRIHARD. Keeping a bottle of TRIHARD Shampoo and Body Wash in your swim bag is must for anyone who is consistently training in a pool.

TRIHARD Shampoo Ingredients: 
Aqua. Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate. Cocamidopropyl Betaine. Glycerin. Popyquaternium 7. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera). Methylpropanediol. Caprylyl Glycol. Polyquaternium-80. Didecyldimmonium Chloride, Parfum. Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Jojoba Oil). Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (Argan Oil), Butyrospermum parkii Oil (Shea Butter Oil). Menthol. Hippophea Rhamonoides Oil (Sea Buckthorn Oil). Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride. Hydrolyzed Keratin. Magnesium Chloride. Maris Sal (Dead Sea Salts). Limonene. Benzyl salicylate. Linalool.

First Thoughts Using TRIHARD

Having trying countless after swim shampoo I finally found one that works. One of the best perks of being the editor for a lifestyle publication is that we get to try some of the hottest new products. TriHard is a brand that I had not heard of until recently and was very excited when their team reached out to work with The Klubb. Just like all of the reviews on here I aim to be transparent on everything we publish. So, to reiterate, this is a sponsored post. This review is my authentic opinion of the product and why I believe it to be better than the competitors based on my own experience using it.

My Swim Schedule and Experience with TriHard

I currently swim only a few days a week. However, even this limited exposure to chlorinated water has cause my hair to get very dry. As I do with any product review, I ordered the product using my own money (receipt below).

The pool I swim at is often very crowded I’ve constantly felt dried out post swim. Also, having to swim mid day because of my schedule, I needed to not feel drained post swim. My routine had been to rinse in the shows at the gym using Dial brand soap for my hair and body. This led to me feeling like a dried out raisin post swim. To balance this out I’d get a giant water with electrolytes and a large coffee to wake me up.

Since switching to TRIHARD, I immediately noticed feeling more hydrated. I’m only a few days in to using TRIHARD but can tell the difference post swim right away. I plan to update this post in the coming weeks as I continue to swim twice a week and see if my hair/scalp feel more hydrated. As of today, September 10th, 2023, I am feeling pretty confident that it will.

2. Ultra Swim After Swimming Shampoo

The big issue with normal shampoo and after swim shampoo is the way in which the shampoo removes chlorine buildup. Swimming in pool water causes chlorine to buildup on hair. If not properly rinsed off, this will lead to dry, brittle, and damaged hair. Coming in at #2 on our list of best after swim shampoos is Ultra Swim.

I used Ultra Swim after swim shampoo for a few days and thought that it did the job fine. The product is what you would expect from a standard shampoo. While unimpressive, it did the job of leaving my hair feeling more hydrated.

Don’t Buy: Sun Bum Detox Shampoo

I only put Sun Bum on here to reiterate the point that you should not buy this brand. My research has shown that Sun Bum cuts corners with their Reef Safe Sunscreens by using ingredients that are not banned but known to be harmful to coral reefs. Don’t get fooled by the fancy marketing campaigns and trendy bottles – my guess is that this is all to cover up their product’s lack of quality.

Starting Your Swim Routine

To have a good routine you need the right equipment. Starting something new is hard and therefore any additional help to get going is welcome. If you are ready to start swimming, check out this article on beginner swim workouts. Having the right after swim routine will help you feel better after your workout and be more inspired to come back for more.

I’ve found a way to incorporate swimming into my routine by having the right gear. From swim cap to after swim shampoo, it makes a big difference when you are going in prepared.