It’s the ultimate conundrum: you want to take a dip in the pool to cool off, but don’t want to wreck your hair in the process. Chlorine and ocean water can affect hair’s moisture levels and color , but adopting a good hair care routine can help curb these adverse reactions. According to Yvey Valcin , a Seattle-based hairstylist and the founder of Yvey Salon, it’s important to understand any already-existing hair damage and what’s needed to bring your hair back to a healthy state.

“What the hair needs always comes first, what you want to see your hair doing should come second and how you want your hair to be seen should come third,” he says. We spoke with a hair stylist, an Olympian and a scalp expert about the best hair care products for swimmers and what to look for when shopping. We also put together a list of what to shop based on their recommendations and guidance.

SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best hair care products for swimmers | The best hair care products for swimmers in 2024 | How to shop for the best hair care products for swimmers The right hair care products for swimmers can help restore moisture, detangle and protect your hair color, according to our experts. When shopping they recommend keeping the following factors in mind: Oribe The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo Kerry Yates, trichologist and the founder of Colour Collective , recommends this color-safe clarifying shampoo from Oribe. It comes in an aerosol can and has a foaming, mousse-like consisten.