Worried that pool and beach days are frying your hair? To protect hair from sun and chlorine, wet it with fresh water first, use UV-filter products or a hat, and rinse right after you swim.
This guide sits within the wider topic of hair extensions in los angeles, and focuses on everyday sun and pool care.
| Habit | Value |
|---|---|
| Deep conditioning | Once a week |
| Clarifying shampoo | Once a week |
| Break from hot tools | At least once or twice a week |
| Rinse before swimming | Fresh water, before you get in the pool |
| Rinse after swimming | Right away, with fresh water |
These figures come from Cleveland Clinic (page dated August 12, 2026) and WebMD (medically reviewed May 01, 2013). Guidance can change, so check the sources before you rely on them.
What the sun does to your hair
Just as the sun harms your skin, it can harm your hair too. UV rays dry out hair and rough up the cuticle, the normally smooth outer layer of each strand, according to WebMD’s summer hair care feature.
The damage is most obvious on color-treated hair, which can turn faded, bleached and brassy. Dry hair also soaks up humidity, so the shaft swells and the cuticle breaks, which is how frizz starts. For more on that side of things, see our guide to los angeles climate hair frizz.
Your scalp needs cover as well. University of Miami Health dermatologist Antonella Tosti says scalp exposure can cause hair loss, while exposure of the hair itself can cause damage and breakage.
What chlorine really does, and why hair turns green
Chlorine disinfects pools, but in the process it strips away the natural oils that protect your hair. Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Taylor Bullock, MD, says hair can turn dry, rough, dull and more prone to breakage the more it meets chlorine.
The green tint is a separate issue. Sources differ slightly on the culprit, but all point to pool minerals rather than chlorine itself:
- Cleveland Clinic says it is the minerals in pool water, especially on lighter-colored or chemically treated hair.
- University of Miami Health names copper as the cause of green discoloration.
- WebMD describes copper molecules and other pool chemicals binding to the protein in the hair shaft.
Most people will not notice significant damage after an occasional swim. Frequent swimmers are much more likely to see the effects.
Before you get in the pool
A few minutes of prep reduces how much chlorinated water your hair absorbs. Here is the routine Cleveland Clinic describes:
- Wet your hair with fresh water before you get in the pool. Saturated hair absorbs less pool water.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to add a layer of protection between your strands and the water.
- Wear a well-fitted swim cap, especially if you swim often or have color-treated or chemically processed hair.
No method completely blocks chlorine, but combining these steps can significantly reduce damage. If there is no shower nearby, WebMD suggests keeping a spray bottle of fresh water in your bag.
After the pool: rinse, wash and restore
The longer chlorine stays in your hair, the more damaging it can be, so rinse straight away with fresh water. Then work through the rest of the routine:
- Wash with a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
- Use a clarifying shampoo only occasionally. It clears buildup but can dry hair if used every day.
- Deep condition once a week to replace lost moisture and reduce breakage.
- Cut back on heavy heat styling and harsh chemical treatments during swim season so your hair can recover.
WebMD’s stylist adds a simple low-heat habit: give your hair a break from blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons at least once or twice a week. She suggests washing at night and putting hair in a bun, braid or ponytail for a beachy wave in the morning. If you want ideas for easy styles, our roundup of los angeles hair trends is a place to start.
Everyday sun protection for hair and scalp
The American Academy of Dermatology says summer activities can do major damage to hair, but a few simple steps keep it healthy. The main step is to use UV filters and shade.
- Apply a hair product with UV filters daily. WebMD notes these come as sprays, gels or creams and help keep color-processed hair from fading.
- Look for pre-sun mists, or conditioners and styling products with UV filters, which Dr. Tosti recommends in summer.
- Antioxidants can help too. Dr. Tosti recommends products containing the plant Polypodium leucotomos.
- Wear a hat. Dr. Tosti calls it the best option for your scalp and suggests sun-proofed fabric. WebMD says a wide-brimmed hat also protects your ears, which are vulnerable to skin cancer.
WebMD also suggests starting summer with a trim to remove split ends, and notes that hair grows faster in summer, so a mid-season cut may be worth it.
Beach days: salt, sand and sun
Seawater stresses hair differently. Its heavy salt content draws water out of your hair and skin, according to WebMD.
Dr. Tosti advises entering salt water with hair already wet, then rinsing afterwards to remove sand and salt. She also says never to brush or comb hair after salt water or sandy wind, because sand particles cause friction that damages the fibers.
How often should you wash in summer?
Washing is not the enemy. Dr. Tosti says frequent washing is recommended all year: every day or at least every other day.
If you wash more often, WebMD suggests a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to clear product buildup and chemicals, and follow it with a deep-conditioning treatment.
This is general education, not medical advice. If you are worried about hair loss or damage, a dermatologist can assess it in person.
Frequently asked questions
Does chlorine turn hair green?
Show answer
Not by itself. Cleveland Clinic says minerals in pool water leave the green tint, and University of Miami Health points to copper. Lighter-colored or chemically treated hair shows it most.
Do you need a swim cap?
Show answer
A well-fitted cap can help reduce chlorine exposure, especially if you swim often or have color-treated hair. Cleveland Clinic says no single method blocks chlorine completely, so pair it with a fresh-water rinse beforehand.
Is there sunscreen for hair?
Show answer
Some products contain UV filters, including pre-sun mists, conditioners and styling products. Dr. Tosti still calls a hat the best option for protecting your scalp.
Can you brush your hair after the beach?
Show answer
Dr. Tosti says never to brush or comb after salt water or sandy wind. Rinse the sand and salt out first.