The 14 Best Shampoos for Chlorine Removal

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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.

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.

Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser

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

Lost Treasure Apple Cider Vinegar Cleansing Rinse

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.

Sunday Shampoo

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

Swimmers Wellness Collection (3-Pack)

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.

Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

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

Apple Cider Vinegar Revitalizing Shampoo

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

Detox Hair Cleansing Cream

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

Water Works Clarifying Shampoo

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

Clarifying Shampoo

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

Nounou Shampoo

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

Clarifying Shampoo

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

Refresh Purifying Shampoo

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

Apple Cider Detox Shampoo

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

ColorKick De-Brassing Shampoo

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

• 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.

How does chlorine impact hair health?

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?

"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?

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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