Before Swimming: Prep Your Hair to Block Chlorine

1. Wet your hair with fresh water first: Hair is like a sponge—if it’s already saturated with clean, non-chlorinated water, it will absorb less pool water. Rinse your hair thoroughly under a shower (even a quick 30-second rinse) before stepping into the pool.
2. Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil: Slather a generous amount of a thick, moisturizing leave-in conditioner (preferably one for color-treated hair) or a lightweight hair oil (e.g., argan, jojoba, or coconut oil) to your lengths and ends. Focus on the areas with highlights—this creates a protective coating that repels chlorine. Avoid applying too much near the roots, as it can make hair look greasy.
3. Wear a swim cap (optional but highly recommended): For maximum protection, especially if you plan to swim for an hour or more, wear a tight-fitting silicone or latex swim cap. It directly blocks pool water from touching your hair. If you don’t like the feel of a full cap, look for “partial” swim caps that cover the lengths (where highlights are) while leaving the roots exposed.

During Swimming: Minimize Exposure

• Avoid submerging your head unnecessarily: If you’re just lounging or doing light swimming, keep your hair out of the water as much as possible (e.g., tilt your head back when swimming laps).
• Rinse quickly if hair gets wet: If your hair does get saturated, step out of the pool periodically to rinse it with fresh water (many pools have outdoor showers) to wash away excess chlorine before it sets.

After Swimming: Clean and Restore Your Hair

1. Rinse hair with cold or lukewarm water immediately: Don’t wait to shower—rinse your hair thoroughly right after swimming to flush out chlorine. Cold water helps close the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and preventing further color loss.
2. Wash with a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo: Use a gentle shampoo formulated for blonde or color-treated hair to remove any remaining chlorine. Avoid harsh shampoos (they’ll strip more color) or clarifying shampoos (save these for occasional use only, as they can fade highlights).
3. Deep condition to repair moisture loss: Lightened hair is already porous, and chlorine dries it out further. Apply a hydrating hair mask or deep conditioner to your lengths and ends, leaving it on for 5–10 minutes (or longer if your hair is very dry). Look for ingredients like shea butter, keratin, or hyaluronic acid—these replenish the moisture stripped by chlorine.
4. Treat green discoloration (if it occurs): If your highlights start to look green (caused by chlorine reacting with copper in pool water), use a targeted treatment:
   • Tomato juice or ketchup: Apply tomato juice (or ketchup) to damp hair, leave on for 10–15 minutes, then rinse and shampoo. The acidic properties help break down the green pigment.
   • Baking soda paste: Mix 1–2 tablespoons of baking soda with a small amount of water to make a paste. Apply to green areas, gently massage, leave on for 5 minutes, then rinse and condition (avoid overusing—baking soda can be drying).
   • Purple toning shampoo: For mild greenish or brassy tones, a purple toning shampoo (used as directed) can also help neutralize unwanted hues while brightening blonde highlights.

Long-Term Tips for Pool-Loving Blonde Highlights

• Limit pool time: Try not to swim in chlorinated water more than 2–3 times a week—frequent exposure will make maintenance much harder.
• Schedule regular salon touch-ups: If you swim often, your highlights may fade or look uneven faster. Plan root touch-ups or a toner refresh every 4–5 weeks (instead of the usual 6) to keep color consistent.
• Avoid heat styling right after swimming: Chlorinated hair is more fragile—wait until it’s fully dry and conditioned before using straighteners or curling irons, and always use a heat protectant.