How to Protect Hair From Chlorine

30th September 2026

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Chlorine can be hugely damaging for hair, causing problems ranging from dryness and brittleness to discolouration in dyed hair. 

 

Regular swimmers will already know this, but you may also have noticed changes to your hair after overseas summer holidays where you spend lots of time in the pool. Chlorine is also present in UK tap water, so it can cause damage to your hair even through everyday showering. 

 

The good news is that there are some things you can do to protect your hair from chlorine, whether in your local swimming pool, on holiday or showering at home. Read on for some top tips to keep your hair in great condition. 

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Noticed a difference in my skin and hair almost immediately. I have dry, eczema prone and sensitive skin. Since using the curo shower head, my skin has been less red and inflamed. A positive and unexpected benefit is that my hair also feels softer and looks shinier.

Laura Bell (Customer)
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Is Chlorine Bad For Your Hair?

Yes - unfortunately, exposure to chlorine is pretty bad for hair. 

 

Chlorine is really useful for keeping water clean, effectively killing bacteria, viruses and fungi. This is why it’s used as a disinfectant in swimming pools, and you’ll also find it in very small amounts in your tap water. It’s perfectly safe to drink, but it can cause a few issues with hair and skin when you shower. 

 

It has three main effects:

  1. Moisture depletion - it’s a harsh drying agent that dissolves the protective lipid layer of the hair cuticle
  2. Structural weakening - with repeated exposure, chlorine can degrade hair proteins. This causes issues like split ends, tangling and high porosity
  3. Discolouration - if you have coloured hair, chlorine can cause fading or brassiness, often resulting in a greenish tint in blonde hair. 

All of this happens on a microscopic level, but you’ll notice the difference in how your hair looks and behaves. Each strand will feel rougher and dryer, tangling more easily and even ending up with a brittle straw-like texture. 

 

However, not everyone’s hair behaves the same way when exposed to chlorine. It all depends on your hair type and ultimately, how porous it is. 

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Does Chlorine Damage Bleached Hair?

We’ve all heard stories of a friend or family member who recently dyed their hair and then went swimming, only to find their blonde hair turning green. It’s not just a myth though - chlorine does actually do this to bleached hair. 


When hair is bleached, it leaves the hair shaft very porous. This means it more easily absorbs both moisture and chemicals, including chlorine. 

 

Exposure to chlorine strips the natural oils from your hair, and causes discolouration when the chlorine oxidises the copper in the pool water and deposits it in your hair. It can also oxidise the chemicals in the hair dye itself. 

Is Chlorine Making Your Scalp Itchy?

Chlorine can disrupt your scalp’s protective barrier, which can cause itching, flakiness and irritation. Regular swimmers often notice a feeling of dryness, tightness and itchiness. It can even cause contact dermatitis. 

 

But this doesn’t just happen in the pool. The chlorine in your shower water at home can also irritate your scalp and cause itchiness. 

How Much Chlorine Is In Tap Water?

According to Yorkshire Water, UK tap water contains between 0.1 mg/l and 0.8 mg/l (parts per million) of chlorine. This is a tiny amount - to put it in perspective, the World Health Organisation has set safety limits of up to 5 mg/l. The UK’s Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) makes sure that levels in UK water are kept much lower than this.

 

This amount of chlorine helps to keep our drinking water safe and free from bacteria. It’s completely safe to drink. The only time you’ll notice any negative effects is after showering, where repeated daily exposure to even this very small amount of chlorine can cause dryness and irritation.

 

It’s most problematic in hard water areas, where minerals in the water can exacerbate the drying effects of the chlorine. 

How To Remove Chlorine From Water

One of the most effective ways to protect your hair from chlorine is to start at home with a shower filter. Clever solutions like the Curo Filtered Shower Head remove up to 99% of chlorine, heavy metals and other contaminants from your water - before it touches your hair.

 

A filter made from KDF-55, calcium sulphate and activated carbon traps contaminants, to keep your water clean and virtually chlorine-free. Change the filter regularly, and you won’t have to worry about chlorine in your shower water.

Tips To Protect Your Hair From Chlorine

While a shower filter can help at home, you’ll still need to find ways to protect your hair from chlorine when swimming - either in your local pool or on overseas holidays.

 

Here are some handy tips to bear in mind:

 

  • Wet your hair with fresh water before getting into the pool so it absorbs less chlorinated water
  • Apply a leave-in conditioner or a light hair oil to create a protective barrier
  • Wear a well-fitting swimming cap to reduce direct exposure to chlorine
  • Tie long hair back in a plait or bun to help prevent tangles and damage
  • Rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water as soon as possible after swimming
  • Use a swimmers' or clarifying shampoo occasionally to remove chlorine build-up
  • Follow with a nourishing conditioner to restore moisture and softness
  • Treat your hair to a deep conditioning mask once a week if you swim regularly
  • Avoid excessive heat styling after swimming, as chlorine can leave hair more prone to dryness and breakage
  • If your hair is colour-treated, use products designed to help protect colour from fading caused by chlorine.

 

Want to know what’s in your tap water at home? Get your free water quality report. 

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