10 Best Leave In Conditioners for Swimmers: Protect Your Hair from Chlorine

By Charlene Latreuille
Updated May 25, 2023

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Here’s the best trick to prevent Chlorine from damaging your hair.

Use a leave-in conditioner before you dip in the pool every time.

It’s a swimmer’s dream and trust me, it will save your hair from looking like this after:

Every professional swimmer will tell you this:

– I hate the dreaded swimmer’s hair and the lingering odor of Chlorine that sticks to my hair after a few swimming sessions.

Luckily, there’s an easy solution to protect your hair, and it works instantly with just a quick spritz.

A leave-in conditioner works as a defense layer to prevent Chlorine from penetrating the hair shafts. Think of it as an extra external coating.

And the best part?

It also locks in essential nutrients, and moisture-loving ingredients to prevent your mane from going limp.

Here are my hand-picked favorites …

1. Malibu C Leave-In Conditioner Mist

The Malibu C Leave-In Conditioner Mist is a swimmer’s ally, offering enhanced thermal and UV protection to combat the harsh elements swimmers often face.

It also tames frizzy hair, tangled locks, infuses moisture, and helps prevent color fading. Its gluten-free plant proteins penetrate deep into the hair shaft, nourishing every strand and protecting against oxidative damage. Free from sulfates, parabens, and added sodium chloride, it’s 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

For optimal use, spritz into wet or towel-dried hair, and before swimming for added protection against the damaging effects of pool or ocean water.

Contains vitamin C and chelating agents to protect hair from Chlorine.

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2. Ion Swimmers Leave-in Conditioner

The Ion Swimmers Leave-in Conditioner is a must-have for regular swimmers.

Packaged in an 8 Fl Oz bottle, this conditioner is designed for chemically treated and frizzy hair. The unique formulation includes ingredients like hydrolyzed rice and wheat proteins, panthenol, and a variety of other conditioning agents.

It’s easy to use: simply spray evenly on towel-dried hair before and after swimming or sun exposure, and there’s no need to rinse. Users rave about its effectiveness, saying it leaves their hair soft and manageable, reduces breakage, and even helps to control frizz.

Its scent, however, might be a bit strong for some.

Also protects hair from discoloration and brassiness.

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3. Carol’s Daughter Leave In Conditioner

Carol’s Daughter Leave-In Conditioner is a summer essential for swimmers. Infused with nurturing ingredients, it hydrates and detangles hair post-swim, combatting the drying effects of chlorine and salt. It’s easy to apply – just spray and leave in, no rinse needed. Its lightweight formulation doesn’t weigh down hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and manageable.

With Carol’s Daughter Leave-In Conditioner, you can enjoy your swim without worrying about hair damage.

This leave-in conditioner is suitable for adults and kids who swim regularly (five times a week.)

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4. SoCozy Swim Leave-In Treatment and Conditioner

SoCozy’s Swim Leave-In Treatment and Conditioner is designed to neutralize and protect hair from harsh pool chemicals.

It has a lightweight formula and is infused with a blend of natural ingredients. Its sunflower seed extract and vitamin B5 formula work to replenish essential nutrients, leaving your hair healthy and hydrated. Safe for all hair types, it’s the perfect poolside companion to ensure your locks remain vibrant and healthy, no matter how many laps you take.

Contains activated charcoal to flush out calcium and salts.

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5. Tri Swim Conditioner For Swimmers

The Tri Swim Conditioner For Swimmers is a game-changer for aquatic enthusiasts. Specifically formulated to counteract the harsh effects of chlorine, this leave-in conditioner nourishes and replenishes your hair post-swim.

Its potent blend of natural ingredients helps restore moisture, reduce breakage, and leave your locks soft, shiny, and manageable. Perfect for frequent swimmers, the Tri Swim Conditioner is the secret to maintaining healthy hair while still enjoying your time in the pool.

This conditioner also hydrates, detangles and moisturizes the hair. It will heal and soothe your hair after swimming.

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6. Zealios Sulfate-Free Swim & Sport Conditioner

The Zealios Sulfate-Free Swim & Sport Conditioner is a luxurious, leave-in conditioner is designed specifically for swimmers, countering the harsh effects of chlorine and salt water. Its sulfate-free formulation gently nourishes and rejuvenates damaged hair, restoring its natural shine and softness. With the added benefit of UV protection, Zealios conditioner is an essential poolside companion, keeping your hair healthy, hydrated, and vibrant even after the longest swim sessions.

Safe for colored and treated hair. It contains aloe and sunflower oil and is perfect for daily use.

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7. AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense

AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense is a leave-in conditioner that shields your hair to protect it from the harsh effects of chlorinated and saltwater pools.

It deeply nourishes the hair strands, preventing dryness, discoloration, and breakage. Its lightweight formula doesn’t weigh your hair down, making it perfect for regular use. AquaGuard helps maintain your hair’s natural health and shine, even after numerous dips in the pool. It’s a swimmer’s essential for preserving lustrous locks while enjoying aquatic activities.

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8. Keracolor Leave-In Conditioning Treatment

The Keracolor Leave-In Conditioning Treatment has an advanced formula works to counteract the harsh effects of chlorine, while restoring hydration to your hair. As a leave-in conditioner, it’s convenient to apply, providing all-day nourishment.

With its color-preserving properties, your hair color stays vibrant even after numerous swims. Its lightweight texture won’t weigh down your locks, ensuring you maintain your natural volume and bounce. Experience the transformation of Keracolor – the perfect balance of conditioning and protection for swimmers.

With enhanced keratin and nourishing hair ingredients.

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9. Newton Bay Swimmer’s Conditioner

Newton Bay Swimmer’s Conditioner is enriched with nourishing ingredients that restore hydration and shine, while neutralizing harsh pool chemicals. Its lightweight formula, suitable for all hair types, doesn’t weigh down your locks, ensuring they remain soft and manageable. A must-have for frequent swimmers, Newton Bay’s product makes it easy to maintain healthy, vibrant hair, even with constant exposure to pool water.

Restores hair softness and removes chlorine without harsh chemicals.

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10. Sun Bum Revitalizing Conditioner

the Sun Bum Revitalizing Conditioner is designed to combat the drying effects of chlorine, salt water, and sun. Enriched with natural ingredients like coconut oil and banana pulp, it hydrates, detangles, and restores shine to your hair post-swim. Its lightweight formula doesn’t weigh down your hair and it’s safe for all hair types. With Sun Bum, you can dive into your swimming routine without worrying about hair damage.

Color-safe, Frizz control and prevent dead ends.

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Why Use a Leave In Conditioner Before Swimming

Aside from making your hair rough, frizzy, and badly tangled, Chlorine in swimming pools also sucks out natural oils from your hair and skin.

Research also proves that Chlorine exposure can also weaken and damage the structural integrity of the hair.

That’s why your hair always feels rough after a swimming session. Because once it’s soaked up in your hair, it starts working its way in between the hair fibers to flare them up.

That’s why it’s essential to saturate your hair either with plain water or a conditioner before swimming.

Saturating your hair fills up the shafts so they can’t absorb any more.

Let me explain …

Think of your hair as a sponge. When a sponge is soaked with water, it won’t soak up any more liquid.

Your hair also works like a sponge.

A Leave in conditioner then works as an extra barrier of defense and moisture to make sure Chlorine does not even get a chance to touch its surface.

Don’t Forget The Leave-In Next Time You Go for a Swim!

Regardless if you are a seasoned swimmer or a pro, always protect your hair from the pool water.

While some people use a swim caps cap to protect their hair against chlorine, I personally find it a bit awkward and uncomfortable.

A swim-proof leave-in conditioner works just fine for me, plus it’s more convenient to carry around on holidays.