Hairdressers

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Summer means sunshine, holidays, water parks and long days spent in the pool, but it also means your hair is facing one of its biggest seasonal challenges: chlorine.

Whether you’re swimming every weekend or heading abroad with the family, understanding how chlorine affects your hair (and how to protect it) can save you from dryness, colour fade and breakage later in the season.

Let’s break it down…

What Chlorine Actually Does to Your Hair

Chlorine is designed to keep pool water clean, but it’s incredibly drying. Here’s why:

  • It strips natural oils Your hair’s protective oils help keep it soft, shiny and hydrated. Chlorine removes them, leaving hair rough and brittle.
  • It opens the hair cuticle Once the cuticle lifts, moisture escapes and chlorine particles can cling to the hair shaft. This is why hair can feel “straw‑like” after swimming.
  • It fades colour (especially blondes and brunettes) Chlorine accelerates colour fade and can distort tones. Blondes may notice dullness or brassiness, while brunettes can lose richness and shine.
  • It weakens the hair structure Repeated exposure can lead to split ends, breakage and tangling, especially for children who swim often.

Signs Your Hair Is Suffering From Chlorine Damage

Look out for:

  • Dry, rough texture
  • Tangling more easily
  • Dull or faded colour
  • Greenish tint in blonde hair
  • Breakage or split ends
  • Itchy or dry scalp

If you’re noticing any of these, your hair is asking for help.

How to Prevent Chlorine Damage This Summer

The good news? Chlorine damage is completely preventable with the right routine.

1. Wet Your Hair Before You Swim

Hair absorbs water like a sponge. If it’s already wet, it absorbs less chlorinated water.

2. Apply a Protective Leave‑In or Mask

A lightweight conditioner or leave‑in treatment creates a barrier between your hair and the pool. Sharnie can recommend the best option for your hair type.

3. Rinse Immediately After Swimming

Don’t wait until you’re home, rinse out chlorine straight away to stop it settling into the hair.

4. Use a Gentle, Hydrating Shampoo

A sulphate‑free formula helps remove chlorine without stripping moisture. We recommend Maria Nila True Soft Moisturising Shampoo.

5. Treat Your Hair Weekly

A nourishing mask restores hydration and keeps hair soft throughout the summer. We recommend the Maria Nila Head & Hair Heel masque.

6. Book a Mid‑Summer Trim or Treatment

A quick trim removes dry ends, and an in‑salon treatment boosts strength and shine.

Why Children’s Hair Needs Extra Care

Kids often spend more time in the pool, and their hair is finer, meaning chlorine can cause damage faster. A simple pre‑swim routine (wet hair + leave‑in conditioner) makes a huge difference.

Keep Your Hair Healthy All Summer Long

Chlorine doesn’t have to ruin your colour or leave your hair feeling dry. With the right protection and a little extra care, you can enjoy every pool day without the damage.

If you’re heading on holiday or your hair is already feeling the effects of chlorine, Sharnie is here to help with personalised advice, treatments and summer‑ready product recommendations.

Healthy, glossy holiday hair starts now!