Protecting Hair from Chlorine Damage?

[AlbusPercival]

Anyone got any tips?

I signed up to do the equivalent of a channel swim over 12 weeks.

Due to the pace I swim at that means I need to go almost daily and worried about the effect of this on my lovely hair.

Does anyone have a great way to minimise the damage?

[MyHeartsPumpingWine]

A swim hat! When I swam a lot I slathered my hair in swim conditioner (from boots), tied it up and pooped on a swim hat.

[Itscurtainsforyou]

I used kerastace (sp?) hair protect mask (in red packaging). Although a swim hat would be cheaper

[cashewnutty]

I have just taken up swimming again and i bought sun/swim shampoo and conditioner from Boots (their own make). I have no idea if it is any good though as i haven't used it yet. I don't want my lovely and expensively highlighted blonde hair to turn green.

[littlerach]

I swim frequently and you must wear a hat.
It also helps if you rinse hair in cold water before going in the pool, and laso cover in conditioner under the hat.
Chlorine wrecks my hair - it's choosing whether to have good hair or toned body!

[cashewnutty]

I think i may need a hat. Can you recommend a good one? I will probably get some odd looks as i swim in the pool of a luxury spa!

[littlerach]

Mine is from the pool in which i swim :)

[sonata1]

I wet my hair, slather on conditioner, do my aquafit then wash and deep condition afterwards in the pool showers. Hats pull out my already thinning, coloured hair.I go home with the conditioner on, have lunch, then rinse off and style. My hair is holding its own and I do this 3 times a week.

[CMOTDibbler]

I use a TYR long hair hat, and Boots Sun/swim/gym 3 in 1 shampoo. My hair doesn't stay completely dry under the hat (I swim 1.5-2km freestyle per session), but is in great condition

[AsTimeGoesBy]

Does anyone else find hats give them a headache? If they are loose enough not to then they let all the water in. I use Boots Swim Masque and the Swim/Gym/Sun shampoo but would prefer to stick to non-swim products as they don't make my hair look as good as my normal products. It actually looks better if I just rinse it and sling it over my shoulders to dry naturally after swimming but that's not a good long term strategy.

[TheRainDrops]

Not swimming as much at the moment for health reasons but I swear by this shampoo after every swim. Completely stops chlorine build up and is very gentle on your hair. The Boots swim stuff mentioned above is fine for occasional swims but if you're going to be going every day I'd definitely consider investing in something like this that will care for your hair as well as stopping build up. Normal conditioner and a deep treatment once a week or so and you should be fine!

Caps are obviously a good idea too, but no swim cap can prevent water from getting at your hair. As others have also said it's really important to thoroughly wet your hair with fresh water first (and ideally 5-10 mins before you swim) as that will prevent your hair from absorbing so much chlorinated water.

Good luck with your swim!

[AlbusPercival]

Thanks all, will give those a go