How to Protect Your Hair from Chlorine: Salon Tips for Pool Season in NoVA
🌞 Hello, Pool Season!
There’s nothing better than cooling off in a pool on a hot Northern Virginia summer day. But while your skin gets slathered in sunscreen, your hair is often left exposed to one of summer’s biggest beauty threats: chlorine.
Whether you're doing laps at the local fitness center or spending weekends at a community pool in Falls Church, chlorine can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and discolored.
At Wish Salon and Nails, we work with many women from young to young at heart who want to enjoy pool season without sacrificing their hair health. Below, we’re sharing our top stylist-approved tips to keep your hair protected all summer long.
🧴 1. Start With a Protective Layer
Before you dive in, create a barrier between your hair and chlorine. Here's how:
Saturate your hair with clean water before swimming. Think of it like a sponge: wet hair absorbs less chlorine than dry hair.
Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil. Look for products that coat the cuticle and lock in moisture.
For extra protection, use a chlorine-protectant spray. We carry a few stylist favorites at our Falls Church salon—just ask during your next visit.
💡 Pro tip: If you color your hair, a pre-swim protectant is non-negotiable. It helps prevent your highlights from turning brassy or green.
🧼 2. Rinse Immediately After Swimming
Don’t wait to wash the chlorine out. Even a quick rinse in fresh water can make a big difference.
If possible, shower immediately after swimming.
Use a clarifying shampoo 1–2 times per week to remove buildup (but don’t overuse—it can be drying).
Follow with a deep conditioning treatment to replenish lost moisture.
✨ At Wish, we offer a Post-Pool Hair Recovery Treatment—perfect for restoring softness and shine after a few too many dips in the deep end.
🧢 3. Use a Swim Cap (Yes, Really)
We get it—swim caps aren’t the most glamorous accessory. But if you're swimming regularly, they're worth considering.
Silicone caps are better than latex for keeping hair dry and preventing pulling.
Tie hair into a loose bun or braid before capping it for added protection.
🎀 Bonus: You’ll spend less time detangling and more time enjoying the water.
🧪 4. Choose the Right Summer Hair Products
Hot weather, chlorine, and sun exposure all demand a seasonal switch-up in your haircare routine.
We recommend:
Sulfate-free shampoo: Gentle cleansing without stripping.
Color-safe products: Especially important if you have balayage, highlights, or all-over color.
Hydrating masks: Use once a week to combat chlorine-induced dryness.
📍 Need help picking the right product? Our stylists can recommend a summer regimen based on your exact hair type and lifestyle.
❓ FAQ: Chlorine & Hair Health
Q: Can chlorine permanently damage my hair?
Not permanently, but repeated exposure without protection can lead to breakage, discoloration, and split ends.
Q: Why does blonde hair turn green after swimming?
It’s not chlorine—it’s copper in the water, which oxidizes and bonds with hair protein. Chlorine helps this reaction happen faster.
Q: Should I skip coloring my hair in the summer?
Not at all! Just take precautions. Talk to your stylist about protective toners or glosses, and invest in a color-safe routine.
💁♀️ Let Us Help You Swim in Style
At Wish Salon and Nails, we’re here to help you enjoy summer without compromising your hair health. Our stylists offer:
Personalized pre-swim hair protection recommendations
Restorative conditioning treatments for post-pool repair
Salon-grade products designed for summer-proof haircare
Whether you're heading to your backyard pool or booking that long-awaited beach trip, make sure your hair is just as ready as your swimsuit.
📞 Book Your Summer Hair Treatment in Falls Church Today
Ready to protect your hair from chlorine and look radiant all season long?
Visit us at Wish Salon and Nails in Falls Church, VA, book online right here or give us a call at (703) 536-7888 to book your appointment.
💬 Prefer voice search? Just say:
“Find a hair salon near me that offers summer hair protection”—we’ll be waiting.
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