Johnathan Walker:The Best Chlorine-Removal Shampoos for Swimmers & Pool Lovers That Help Strip Build-up

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Growing up in the blistering humid heat of Miami, Florida automatically made me a beachgoer and pool lover, especially during the summer. The only pet peeve of mine as a teen was the dry, chlorine build-up I experienced after every pool day. So obviously, the only solution I came up with was to lather my hair in a deep conditioner and hope for the best. Sure, it made my hair feel softer (sometimes), but didn't really solve the problem. If only I had known about chlorine shampoo back then—it's the quickest and easiest way to remove chlorine from your hair after a swim. 

We all know what chlorine can do: it leaves hair dry, brittle, and coated with build-up. Chlorine essentially sticks to your hair like a mineral deposit, but chlorine removal shampoos use chelating agents to break down these tough compounds. The most effective ones include ingredients like ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), sodium citrate, and high-dose citric acid, while gentler options like apple cider vinegar and vitamin C also work.

Feeling lost? Don't worry, I've done the work for you and found the best chlorine shampoos. Read on to discover my top picks and how to keep your hair pool-ready and damage-free.

Meet my go-to clarifying shampoo, the Ouai Detox Shampoo, perfect for all hair types. Infused with apple cider vinegar for removing build-up and hydrolyzed keratin to strengthen, it leaves your hair shiny and smooth while balancing your scalp's pH.

For 4c hair, use this sulfate-free cleanser in your post-swim routine. While it's not a true chlorine-removal shampoo, it gently removes surface residue with mild detergents and keeps hair soft with jojoba oil and panthenol.

This lifesaver removes chlorine with clarifying surfactants and EDTA, while keeping hair soft and nourished with shea butter, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, and castor oil. What's not to love?

If you're a frequent swimmer, this chelating shampoo with EDTA and citric acid is a must-have to dissolve chlorine residue after each rinse. While it's gentler than most chlorine removal shampoos, reviewers say it's not very moisturizing—so alternate with a milder formula and use a deep conditioner regularly to keep your hair healthy.

For swimmers, this shampoo is essential for weekly treatments to eliminate chlorine residue and build-up with its powerful surfactants. Use this clarifying shampoo once a week, but be sure to follow it with a deep conditioner, as reviewers claim it can be a bit harsh.

This clarifying shampoo is a powerhouse for eliminating build-up, featuring three types of sulfates and two forms of EDTA to effectively dissolve chlorine and mineral deposits. Use it sparingly (no more than once every few weeks), followed by a nourishing conditioner and moisturizing leave-in to counterbalance its strong cleansing properties.

This classic shampoo boasts citric acid as its hero ingredient. Designed to dissolve chlorine build-up effectively, it also includes aloe vera, vitamin A, and pro-vitamin B5 to help alleviate dandruff symptoms and promote scalp health.

Protect your color-treated hair from chlorine damage with this gentle cleanser that combines two chelators—EDTA and citric acid—with a sulfate-free formula. It effectively removes chlorine and mineral build-up without compromising your hair's color or shine, thanks to ingredients like panthenol and sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate.

For swimmers battling both chlorine build-up and dandruff, this Briogeo Dandruff Relief Charcoal Shampoo is your new hero. Packed with chelators like sodium citrate and sodium gluconate, along with activated charcoal, it effectively removes chlorine and build-up while nourishing with panthenol and coconut oil. The addition of salicylic acid exfoliates the scalp to combat dandruff and flakes, leaving your hair and scalp refreshed and balanced.

For an affordable solution to remove chlorine and mineral build-up, this drugstore shampoo is your best bet. Formulated with sodium laureth sulfate, EDTA, citric acid, and soothing aloe vera, it effectively cleanses, though it's strong, so limit use to once a week and follow with a generous amount of conditioner to keep your hair nourished.

Ready to hit the beach? Check out the best swimsuit coverups on Amazon for all your future vacations.