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best shampoos for chlorine removal in 2023
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The 14 Best Shampoos for Chlorine Removal

Kiss pool hair goodbye with these clarifying cleansers

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As much as we love spending hours swimming laps or simply wading in the pool, it’s no surprise that harsh cleansing chemicals can eventually wreak havoc on your hair.

To remove lingering build-up without further compromising its health, experts suggest reaching for one of the best shampoos for chlorine removal. These cleansing essentials are gentle enough to remove drying chemicals from your hair and scalp without stripping away much-needed moisture.

Shop the Best Shampoos for Chlorine Removal

Professionals recommend keeping an eye out for shampoos with acids and compounds like vitamin C and apple cider vinegar to dissolve chlorine molecules and ensure chemicals are washed from your hair post-swim. "I recommend looking for ingredients that are naturally acidic to neutralize the effectiveness of chlorine, then let the shampoo’s cleansing agents do the removal work," master stylist, colorist, and owner of Broome Street Society in New York City Andrea Hans tells Bazaar. "Be careful to not use a tinted purple or blue shampoo to offset a residual green tone from chlorinated water; since they’re not neutralizing tones, your hair would just look muddy."

The following best shampoos for chlorine removal are equal parts gentle and effective, and make it simple to refresh your wash day favorites. After reaping the benefits of a relaxing swim, use one of these top cleansers from R+Co, Fekkai, and more to help keep your hair strong and squeaky clean.


Most Versatile

Aveda Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser

Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser
$32 at aveda.com$28 at Walmart
Credit: Aveda
Pros
  • Helps balance hair moisture
  • Features organic, plant-derived ingredients
Cons

    You can technically use this cleanser on your hair and body, but its color-safe, hydrating formula is almost too good to share. Corn-derived chelator helps remove lingering minerals from pool water that can discolor hair, while babassu and other plant-based oils get rid of salt and chlorine simultaneously.

    Key ingredients: Corn-derived chelator, tamanu oil, organic coconut oil, green tea, organic sunflower oil, vitamin E

    One satisfied customer writes: "Finally, a product that truly leaves you with clean and hair and skin after swimming. My hair is soft (not brittle) and my skin is clean with no chlorine residue. I pair with the leave-in Cherry Almond conditioner and it works great. Thank You Aveda!" —JB

    Best with Apple Cider Vinegar

    R+Co Lost Treasure Apple Cider Vinegar Cleansing Rinse

    Lost Treasure Apple Cider Vinegar Cleansing Rinse
    Pros
    • Boosts shine and manageability
    Cons
    • Citrus scent may be off-putting to some

    This vegan rinse uses apple cider vinegar to remove chemical buildup while boosting shine and calming the scalp. The cleanser can easily replace your regular shampoo and is nicely scented with notes of Sicilian lemon, green tea, and eucalyptus to keep your hair extra fresh.

    Key ingredients: Apple fruit extract, aloe vera leaf juice, tamanu seed oil

    One satisfied customer writes: "Used once so far but what a huge difference it already made. My scalp is often itchy and irritated but after using this once, it made a huge difference. Hair was shinier, scalp was calmer, and hair felt really clean. I plan on using once a week. Very happy with this purchase." —Jessica L.

    Best for Product Build-Up

    Bumble and bumble Sunday Shampoo

    Sunday Shampoo
    Pros
    • Lathers well
    Cons
    • Not ideal for color-treated hair

    If you're aiming to get rid of excess build-up from products like gel, edge control, and more, this beloved pick from Bumble and bumble deserves a place in your rotation. It uses the astringent, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties of ginseng root, sage leaf, and rosemary leaf extracts to deep clean hair without stripping it of moisture.

    Key ingredients: Ginseng root extract, rosemary leaf extract, sage leaf extract

    One satisfied customer writes: "I bought the travel size and loved it so much I bought the regular size. I have very dry hair that I have to use products to condition and add volume in order to keep it manageable. Using this shampoo once a week makes my hair feel clean without being stripped or dry." —Verna

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    Best Stylist-Approved

    Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Collection (3-Pack)

    Swimmers Wellness Collection (3-Pack)
    Pros
    • Helps prevent green hair
    • Works on extensions
    Cons
    • Must be used daily for best results
    • Subtle citrus smell may be off-putting to some

    When it comes to his chlorine-removing shampoo of choice, celebrity hairstylist Zachary Morad notes that he often uses staples from popular hair brand Malibu C. "Malibu C Swimmers Wellness is the chlorine removal shampoo I use most frequently," he explains. "It’s strong enough to cleanse deep within the hair cuticle, contains vitamin C, and is gentle enough to use if you’re in the pool regularly!"

    Key ingredients: Vitamin C

    One satisfied customer writes: "I have only used this once, but was very impressed with the results. First, it smells amazing....like a clean citrusy orange, but not in an artificial way. It made my hair soft and shiny. But, most importantly it delivered on restoring my hair back to the color it should be. I wasn't expecting much when I ordered it, but glad I did. It definitely works." —Jill S.

    Best for Braids and Twists

    Girl+Hair Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

    Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
    Credit: Amazon
    Pros
    • Helps balance scalp and hair pH
    • Color-safe
    Cons
    • Can only be used up to twice per week

    With nearly five stars and over 3,100 customer reviews, this best-selling rinse is a hit among Amazon shoppers. Its formula was also nicely created by a dermatologist to optimize its hair health benefits. And since the cleanser features a pointed tip, it's especially ideal to use to target the scalp when wearing braids, twists, or other protective styles.

    Key ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, rice water, vitamin E, chamomile, shea butter

    One satisfied customer writes: "I used this to remove buildup from a protective braid style. Was pleased with how well and clean my hair looked after rinsing. I also had a nice tingling feeling in my scalp as well when I let it sit a few minutes. Will definitely purchase again." —pmonica

    Best for Scalp

    dpHue Apple Cider Vinegar Revitalizing Shampoo

    Apple Cider Vinegar Revitalizing Shampoo
    Pros
    • Soothing
    • Great for sensitive scalps
    Cons
    • Best results when paired with accompanying conditioner

    Here's a popular shampoo that keeps your scalp health top of mind. Along with keeping it balanced, dpHue's formula gently exfoliates the scalp to encourage hair growth while unclogging follicles and minimizing shedding with each wash.

    Key ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, hyaluronic acid, apple stem cells, and organic maca root

    One satisfied customer writes: "I love this product. I love the lather that it gives. I already use their powder dry shampoo and it pairs perfectly with this. My hair feels clean and I don't feel the need to use such a large amount. I love that this uses apple cider vinegar. I'm obsessed." —C-Rob

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    Best for Shine

    Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream

    Detox Hair Cleansing Cream
    Pros
    • Safe for color-treated hair
    • Removes pollution residue
    Cons

      Morad loves using this cleansing cream from Redken on his clients since it works well to not only remove chlorine, but also build up from air pollution, daily products, and mineral deposits (like copper and iron) that are found in hard water. And as a bonus, the cleanser also helps boost shine while strengthening the hair cuticle over time.

      Key ingredients: Citric acid, salicylic acid, hydrolyzed wheat protein

      One satisfied customer writes: "I have used this shampoo for years and keep coming back. I use it about every other wash, and my hair always has the best texture and natural bounce when I use it. Plus, the big bottle lasts me forever." —Alex

      Best for Curls

      Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo

      Water Works Clarifying Shampoo
      Pros
      • Gentle formula
      • Safe for color-treated hair
      Cons

        Water works are a good thing when it comes to Ouidad's beloved clarifying shampoo. This cleanser features a bevy of chlorine-fighting fruit acids, including lemon, grapefruit and orange flower, that remove residue while enhancing your overall curl definition—win-win.

        Key ingredients: Cleansing fruit acids, combined citrus extract (lemon, grapefruit and orange flower)

        One satisfied customer writes: "I was in search of a shampoo that would get rid of the chlorine water that would stay in my hair, even after showering. It was so crunchy and dry...I'm serious. I stumbled upon this at my Ulta store and....it had worked wonders! My hair feels so soft and refreshed. I couldn't be happier." —onetoanother

        Best for Hydration

        Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo

        Clarifying Shampoo
        Pros
        • Safe for color-treated hair
        Cons
        • Subtle scent may be off-putting for some

        If you're a fan of Moroccanoil's range of highly covetable body care products, we highly recommend adding their top-rated, lavender-scented clarifying shampoo to your summer beauty rotation. Since it's enriched with keratin and plant-based oils, its formula helps strengthen hair from the inside out without weighing it down.

        Key ingredients: Argan and avocado oils, lavender, chamomile, and jojoba plant extracts

        One satisfied customer writes: "After using bond strengthening shampoo for months in an effort to repair my color treated hair, I looked at reviews and decided to try this clarifying one. Oh my! After just one wash, my hair feels Ahhhmazing!!! It fells clean, weightless, and smells wonderful!!!!" —Anonymous

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        Best for Chemically-Treated Hair

        Davines Nounou Shampoo

        Nounou Shampoo
        Pros
        • Gentle formula
        • Hydrating
        Cons
        • Best for dry, brittle hair

        This Italian-made shampoo is gentle enough to cleanse relaxed or bleached hair without stripping it of much-needed nutrients. "If you’re swimming often or daily, try Davines Nounou Shampoo, which is naturally acidic, since it includes tomato extract as a main ingredient," Hans notes.

        Key ingredients: Fiaschetto tomato extract

        One satisfied customer writes: "I felt the difference as soon put it in my hair. It felt silky not stiff and brittle. Paired with the conditioner, my hair is healthy and soft." —Lizzy

        Best for Coils and Tight Textures

        Pattern Beauty Clarifying Shampoo

        Clarifying Shampoo
        Pros
        • Hydrating
        • Safe for color-treated hair
        Cons
        • Subtle scent may be off-putting to some

        This clarifying shampoo from actor Tracee Ellis Ross' brand Pattern is perfect for coily and curly hair types. It is powered by ingredients like matcha green tea and aloe vera that give hair a thorough cleanse while locking in hydration.

        Key ingredients: Matcha green tea, aloe vera, panthenol

        One satisfied customer writes: "I love this shampoo so much. It gets everything out of my hair and whenever I finish it feels amazingly clean and fresh." —Selecia

        Best for Oily Hair

        Virtue Refresh Purifying Shampoo

        Refresh Purifying Shampoo
        Pros
        • Paraben-free
        Cons
        • Not ideal for dry hair and scalp

        This rejuvenating shampoo from Virtue contains a formula that aims to reset your hair and scalp by gently absorbing excess oil and chlorine. And as a plus for those living in bustling cities, the staple also removes environmental irritants like pollution and smoke.

        Key ingredients: Charcoal powder, coconut oil, alpha keratin 60ku, hops extract, coconut fatty acid blend, artichoke leaf extract

        One satisfied customer writes: "Clarifies my scalp without over drying. I use this once every two weeks and it keeps my hair clean and full of body." —Anonymous

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        Best Sulfate-Free

        Fekkai Apple Cider Detox Shampoo

        Apple Cider Detox Shampoo
        Pros
        • Great for sensitive scalps
        Cons
        • Subtle citrus scent may be off-putting to some

        Dmitry Irshinskiy, a professional colorist at Fekkai SoHo in New York City, uses this color- and keratin-safe clarifying shampoo to restore his clients's post-swim hair. Along with apple cider vinegar, it's powered by salicylic acid to boost the scalp's exfoliation and cleansing power.

        Key ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, ginger extract, salicylic acid, pro-vitamin B5, specialty rice protein, edelweiss flower extract

        One satisfied customer writes: "I have severe scalp psoriasis and always thought a clarifying shampoo would be too harsh on my scalp but after just one use the build up/flakes/ discomfort cleared up so much. I recommend this to anyone suffering with build up, especially with a sensitive scalp!" —Jordan

        Best for Color-Treated Hair

        Virtue ColorKick De-Brassing Shampoo

        ColorKick De-Brassing Shampoo
        Pros
        • Hydrating
        • Features plant-derived ingredients
        Cons

          Vellozzi recommends using this sulfate-free toning shampoo from Virtue up to twice a week post-swim. It uses a blend of clarifying ingredients, like lemon fruit extract and salicylic acid, to neutralize brassiness and brighten your natural (or unnatural) color.

          Key ingredients: Lemon fruit extract, salicylic acid, alpha keratin 60ku, plant-derived humectants

          One satisfied customer writes: "This product actually works. I have iron in my water and it tends to make my hair a bit orangey. The product took out the orange in my hair with the first application." —Jennifer S.

          Meet the Experts

          best shampoos for chlorine removal 2023
          • Andrea Hans is a master stylist, colorist, and owner of Broome Street Society in New York City.
          • Zachary Morad is a celebrity hair stylist based in Los Angeles, California.
          • Debby Vellozzi is the head of product development at Virtue Labs.
          • Dmitry Irshinskiy is a professional colorist at Fekkai SoHo in New York City.
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          How does chlorine impact hair health?

          best chlorine shampoos 2023

          According to experts, frequent interaction with chlorine can ultimately cause hair to become drier and more fragile, while making it more prone to thinning, shedding, and breakage. Additionally, the chemical can negatively affect your overall scalp health, since a lack of hydration can cause a shift in the scalp microbiome (or, the healthy bacteria that helps keep it balanced).

          And while dryness and fragility are clear tell-tale signs of damage, another indicator that chlorine is left behind in your hair is the color turning brassy—or even tinting an unnatural shade of green. If chlorine isn’t fully removed, it remains active until neutralized or completely cleansed from the hair, which is why the right protection by way of a swimming cap or a prioritization of post-swimming care, is key.

          Does chlorine effect light and dark hair differently?

          best shampoos for chlorine removal 2023

          "When dealing with hair that's been affected by swimming, there are differences between how it visually affects light hair versus dark hair, however what’s happening beneath the surface is the same," Morad explains. "We see blonde hair shift to either green or pink from copper found in some pool water, but just because we aren’t able to see that change in darker hair doesn’t mean it’s not absorbing the same chemicals."

          Professionals note that coating your hair with a leave-in conditioner or oil before taking a dip can help form a barrier of protection and minimize chlorine absorption.

          What are some other ways to keep hair healthy and strong during pool season?

          best shampoos for chlorine removal

          Along with a hardworking shampoo, maintaining a consistent care routine is vital to help your hair restore its strength after multiple dips in the pool. "Maintaining healthy hair is just as important out of the pool as it is in," Morad adds. "After swimming, you want to make sure that you’re treating your hair right, and that goes beyond just using the right shampoo." Debby Vellozzi, head of product development at Virtue Labs, also suggests using a wide-tooth comb on damp hair to help avoid pulls, tangles, and breakage.

          If you’re planning to dip your hair in chlorinated water, making sure it's as healthy as possible beforehand is especially helpful. "Use appropriate hair care as suggested by your stylist, get regular deep conditioning treatments and trims to protect it from heat and environmental aggressors," Hans adds.

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          best chlorine shampoos 2023

          For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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          Associate Beauty Commerce Editor

          Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.

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