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You’re entitled to enjoy your Mermaid Time™ without hair damage.

I am a contributor and former editor who has been writing for BuzzFeed Shopping since 2020, where I'm focused on everything from home decor to beauty to where to buy the world's most comfortable high heels.

Promising reviews: "I love this product. I go to water aerobics several days a week and have blonde/grey hair which picks up the pool chemicals and can discolor my hair. I use this before getting into the pool, I wet down my hair and apply it and leave it on. The scent of it smells go good, leaves my hair soft also." —Airegorge

"So Ive been using this every swim for the past year. It helps alot in my pool with chlorine amaaazingly! My hair will have no damage. It does turn slimy but thats good, that means its working. Smells great. For taking it to the ocean it works decent. Unfortunately it does wear off after waves crash on you for longer than 10 minutes. By 30 minutes it was gone. I did receive WAY less damage by using it however. I refreshed with a new coat of the treatment and went right back in the water. Took a shower and put in a great conditioner and ZERO damage 😎" —Cassandra Rodriguez

Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in two sizes and bundles)

Promising review: "I take the kids swimming at a public pool pretty much every day during the summer and it is brutal on my long, wavy hair. Last year, my hair was brittle and frizzy and tangly and dry but also somehow greasy-looking and by July, my hair was falling out in clumps. My natural red hair color even looked faded and grey-greenish. I tried many different clarifying shampoos and chelating chlorine removal shampoos and this is by far the best one.

I can not believe how soft and shiny and healthy my hair feels after using this shampoo! It instantly makes a difference. Yesterday I went to the pool twice and washed my hair with this while rinsing off after the second swim, and I didn’t even use any conditioner or styling product — but my hair feels amazing today! It’s bouncy and shiny and soft and feels super clean. My hair looks and feels even better than it did before the swimming season started (which I suspect is due to buildup from hard water, which this shampoo also removes)." —Coco Loco

Get it from Amazon for $8+ (available in three sizes). 

Promising reviews: "Great for after swimming — it works. This leave-in conditioner is great for folks who are frequently in the pool or ocean. It smells fine but most importantly - it works. It's kept my sun bleached chlorinated hair conditioned after being in the pool for hours. Two 'pumps' and a comb-thru does the work for me - so one bottle has lasted for more than two months. If you have longer hair it will take more 'pumps' and may not last as long. Will buy again." —ECSZ1008

"This is a great leave-in conditioner, but I actually use it for a detangler for my long hair. It’s perfect and even great for protecting my hair when I go swimming." —S.C.

Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in two sizes).

Promising reviews: "I swim several times a week and have long hair. I would struggle with breakage or tangling before using this product. This has helped with both issues and keeping my hair shiny and healthy." —Jaime

"This stuff is fantastic for after swimming. Works great for detangling long hair." —Rebecca

Get it from Amazon for $21+ (available in six sizes and in one-, two-, three-, and four-packs). 

Promising reviews: "I tried everything to get the green out of my pool-loving blondie girl's hair. From purple shampoo to lemon juice to ketchup. Nothing worked. Lemon juice sort of did. But this stuff worked instantly and completely." —Lmkaminski

"Works better than any at-home product I've tried. This is the first product I’ve found outside of $80 salon treatments that immediately makes my post-swim hair soft again. I’ve tried a ton of other shampoos and tactics, but none helped (I swim 2-3 times a week, and even with a cap, wetting my hair before etc, my hair was always so dry and damaged). I’m so happy I found this hair mask!" —Emily

Get it from Amazon for $3.99+ (available in one, three or 12 packs).

Promising review: "My hair was in a wrecked, wiry, uncontrollable state! Due to swimming and other assaults to my hair. I'm 62 and the grey hairs are hard to smooth down. One use and bam! Smooth soft hair — even looking thicker. I will never be without this product. This year I have purchased over 50 products to get this result. I'm a regular Olaplex user, K 18 is twice as good." —Catzie

Promising review: "This is a nice thick cap that is easy to pull open and fit over thick hair. It has kept my hair just as dry, or dryer than other more expensive swim caps I have used. The graphics on this cap are unique and lovely, so that is a bonus." —C. Cooper

"This was the first time that I tried a swim cap, did the online research as decided to try this one out. I have dyed and shoulder length hair and needed to make sure that pool chemicals don't touch it. So far i have been using if for about 2 weeks and have had no issues with it. The description is Adult/child and it fits comfortably with my hair tied back under it. Once I have it on, I just tuck in any loose ends and I am good to go. My hair has stayed dry under it and the cute cat on it is a plus." —Holly

Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in 24 designs). 

Promising reviews: "I have been using this for over three months on my hair. I use it about once a week and leave on my hair for about 15 minutes and it works wonders! If you are swimming a lot this summer, using a lot of heat on your hair or just have dry brittle hair, think about trying this out!!" –Rachel Kreager

"Finding the right hair care for my daughter’s thick, coarse, and dry hair was tough. After trying many products, I finally chose Amika The Kure Intense Strength Repair Mask. Her hair often looked fried after swimming, so I hoped this would help. Although I was hesitant about the cost, positive reviews convinced me to give it a try, and I’m so glad I did!

Impressive ResultsThe mask made an immediate difference. Her hair became softer, less frizzy, and much more manageable, even after exposure to chlorine and salt water. The improvement was clear and noticeable.Great ScentThe fresh, subtle fragrance was a bonus, making hair wash days more enjoyable for my daughter.Final Thoughtsamika The Kure Mask exceeded my expectations. While it's pricier, it’s worth it for healthier, happier hair. Highly recommended for anyone dealing with dry or damaged hair, especially kids who swim a lot!

• Pros: Works on thick, coarse, dry hair; noticeable improvement after swimming; lovely scent.

• Cons: Higher price, but great results." —Jenny

Get it from Amazon for $24+ (available in three sizes). 

Promising review: "I just used these for the first time, and am thrilled because the shampoo managed to cut through the heavy chemical and chlorine residue from daily swims at the local fitness center and the conditioner feels so good and healthy. My hair even went back to brown, from a weird grey, in that single use." — Kitty Axelson-Berry

Get it from Amazon for $21.95 (also available in six other options). 

Promising reviews: "This product is great for swimmers. I put it in my hair before swimming. This product protects my hair from the chlorine and from turning green. I have gray and white hair so that's a big deal for me. I've also noticed that it keeps the ends from splitting. I swim about 3–4 times a week for about an hour for reference." —Alex

"This hair oil is fantastic! I use it once a week before and after doing laps in the pool at my gym. I massage it in and then wear a bathing cap to swim, but some still gets wet. So when I get home, I cover my hair and scalp with this product and massage it in for a few minutes. When I wash it out later, my hair feels smooth and my scalp feels so fresh. My scalp and hair used to be a mess after swimming! I will never be without it. Thanks so much." —NJ Reader

Get it from Amazon for $11.94+ (available in one and six packs). 

Promising review: "Smells amazing! Was looking for a detangler spray that I could use after swimming in my pool and keep in my beach bag. The chlorine can be rough on my hair sometimes. I found this and I love it. It also has a locking feature on the sprayer to prevent it from leaking in my bag. Does make my hair feel a bit greasy but that’s just me being extra picky. Would recommend." –CatZ

Get it from Amazon for $15.96 (also available in three other options).

Promising reviews: "My daughter loves swimming and during the summer she never wants to get out of the pool. I noticed this year the green started to show in her hair. Found this and we absolutely love it! One wash and the green was gone. I will say the product is pretty thin but it works! We also really like the clean smell of it! We use this as a daily shampoo and conditioner. Definitely a recommended product." —Toni Marie

"I swim regularly in a highly chlorinated pool. I have very thick hair and the chlorine was taking a toll. This shampoo and condition does a great job. My hair is back to pre-swim condition. Highly recommend." —Lmac

Promising reviews: "I bought this product hoping it would help with my scalp dryness, thinning hair, and tendency of my hair to get tangled and dry/ brittle. I am a swim instructor, so I spend significant time in chlorinated pools and until recently wore my hair up in a bun constantly. I decided to try this product and have absolutely loved it. The oil feels soothing on my scalp and smells lovely. I also apply it to the ends of my hair and anywhere else that needs some hydration. I also put a little on my scalp and in my hair before getting in the water. Since starting regular use of this oil, my scalp feels less irritated, my hair is less tangled and brittle, and I see some baby hairs popping up in my thin areas. Love this as a both a treatment and a protectant for my hair." —Allison

Promising review: "I love all the R+Co products I've tried in the past but this one is by far my favorite. I have ultra wavy/frizzy color-treated hair, and I swim. Managing it is usually a bear but with this balm I can easily air-dry after the pool without looking electrocuted. It smells nice, isn't at all heavy or sticky and my normally dry hair gets softer the longer I wear it. The only con is it is a bit pricey for someone like me who applies more often, but honestly considering the pile of failed balms I have in the closet, it's worth every penny to have a product I actually use to the last drop." —JGwiz

Get it from Amazon for $34+ (available in one, two, or three packs). 

Promising review: "I swim six to seven days a week and I was getting desperate. I started swimming a year ago because of arthritis. I love swimming and wouldn’t quit even if I had to go bald. However, my lovely, highlighted hair was trashed. I now have very short grey hair! My hairdresser said to put conditioner on before I went swimming but it was slippery and gloppy and my cap wouldn’t stay on! Olaplex is just 3–4 drops in your palm and then your massage into your hair after you wet it pre-swim. I also put it on after I have rinsed my hair after swim. Love this stuff." —Toni

Get it from Amazon for $32 (also available in set). 

Promising reviews: "I use this after pool swims and it smells really good. I have had compliments on it in the locker room and it makes me feel less like I just got out of a chlorinated pool if I need to run any errands after swimming. I do think that this prevents my hair from being brittle and frizzy after swimming." —S. Gourley

"This product delivered on wet, straight-out-of-the-pool hair! Detangled and left a great smell and texture to my, my daughter, and my daughter-in-law's hair! We all have long hair and dread getting in the pool because of it. This product is great! This is pricey, but worth it!" —Chad

Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in one or two packs). 

Promising reviews: "Been using this before and after my daily swim, it has protected my hair and made it so soft. It doesn’t dry out hair at all, it is a bit thick and remember to shake it good prior to use, but it is good stuff." —heatherjae911

"I recently heard that leave-in conditioner is good for tangles in thick hair and decided to see if it is also good for tangles in fine hair. My daughter always has a rat's nest after swimming and washing. I was impressed how easily the brush went through her hair after using the spray. I also loved how light it was — it doesn’t feel different on her hair like some detanglers we have tried and doesn’t leave it feeling hard like hairspray. I was also excited to find no tangles the next day!" –Carrie S.

Get it from Amazon for $19.79 (also available in bundles). 

Promising reviews: "Ebbs line of products straight up works! We use this for our girls 4 and 9 and it works so well on their thick, tangled beach and pool hair. I have struggled to find shampoo/conditioner that leaves our hair smooth and not dried out until we found EBB! You will not regret buying this!" —Marissah44

"Love having this mini set to throw in my pool bag! I used this frequently in the summer while driving back and forth from our community pool with my kids. Leaves our hair sooo soft and smells divine." –elled87

Promising reviews: "Best product ever for itchy skin from chlorine pool water. I have tried so many products, and this rises to the top in taking care of this annoying problem. It is expensive, but worth it." —Judy

"I went to my stylist with trashed hair from daily swimming in harsh sun. I expected tips like... wet your hair first, use conditioner, wear a cap, rinse immediately... He was like 'Forget the cap, you'll just get an ugly tan line. Don't bother with all the prep. The only thing you need to do is just start using the Aveda Sun Care.' He was really adamant about this, swearing its a miracle for swimmers. He was so passionate about it, you'd think he sells it! Nope, he only sells a different brand of products. Even encouraged me to go to a competitor salon to get it if necessary.

He was not wrong! Its a game changer. Every time I get out of the pool my hair is like a tangled rats nest of straw. But once I get this on my hair, its instantly soft again and easy to untangle. And unlike other swim products... it doesn't have that thiosulfate smell. It feels and a regular salon shampoo. It has very little fragrance, just a tiny bit of light citrus.

Fantastic body wash too. Totally worth getting if you just spend a lot of time hot tubbing and never get your hair wet. I didn't realize how badly I needed a chlorine removing body wash until I tried it! I love that its a 2-in-1, one less thing in the swim bag. Plus, I'm just lazy after a swim. Lathering up head to toe with just one product is so handy.

My only complaint is they don't make it in liter bottles with a pump." –Kellie

Promising reviews: "I bought this to keep in our pool bag for the summer and we use it with detangling spray after swimming. It’s super easy to clean and doesn’t have the little balls at the end of the bristles that collect dust. My daughter is 3 and have curly hair that gets easily tangled and she lets me brush her wet hair with this." —Whitney Baker

"I got 2 of these brushes. I really like them. The bristles are thin and do glide through hair better than any brush I have used. I have used with both wet and dry hair and it works great!!! Easy to hold and works great even with swimming pool hair! Thank you." —Kathy

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes and 10 styles).

Promising reviews: "My ends were so dry and over processed from past bleaching and then swimming this summer, but one application of this and HOLY MOLY MY HAIR LOOKS AMAZING. I wish I had taken before and after pictures. My hair is smooth and silky and looks so healthy. I also really like the smell, but that’s personal preference. 10/10 would recommend." —Amalone

"Absolutely amazing! I work in a pool all day and my hair was getting dry and damaged pretty bad even when I used all the shampoos used for pool swimming. I’ve cut my hair short because my hair would get dry and tangled. It just felt so dead. I took a shot in the dark and I tried this, and boy did it work. It says to leave in for 20 minutes after shampooing. But I just wet my hair a bit. Later the conditioner/mask. And I leave it in for about an hour or how long it takes me to have my morning coffee and breakfast. Rinsed, and my hair feels so silky smooth. No frizz and easy to comb. I’m so buying more. I wish they had larger bottle sizes." –Melissa Trevino

Promising review: "This hair mask is the holy grail! I am a swim instructor who’s in the pool almost every day, so taking care of my hair is very important to me. I use this mask when I get out of the pool as a leave in conditioner to soften and repair my hair. It leaves it super soft and shiny. absolutely love it as a leave in or just a hair mask. It smells very clean and fresh, is somewhat thick, it works beautifully and my favorite part is that you get a lot of product for the price! I get this mask for my mom as well who has very long hair and even this will last her a couple of  months. It may be slightly pricey but I promise it’s worth it! Right when you put it in your hair it softens and detangles it and after you’re left with very soft and good smelling hair." —Lisa

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in two sizes).

Promising reviews: "I have color-treated hair and in the summer swim almost daily. That means I’m washing my hair almost daily, compared to twice a week in the winter. I started using the conditioner mask every time I wash my hair. It’s a bit of a hassle, because you have to towel dry your hair before putting the conditioner on. I just wash my hair first, grab a towel to dry it, then comb the conditioner thoroughly, and then shave my legs, etc. This is been a game changer for my summer hair." —S. Roberson

"Because I swim three times a week, I need to recondition my hair after every swim session. I do wear a cap but it doesn't keep my waist long 'fine' hair dry. I've invested in hair shampoo and conditioners that 'remove' the chlorine and that may be but the conditioner did not soften my hair. The ends of my hair were getting dry and crunchy and this hydrating conditioner leaves my hair super soft all the way to the ends. I LOVE it and I'm happy I discovered it!" —La'aura

Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in a tube or jar).

Promising reviews: "I was looking for a product for my hair after all of the summer swimming/chlorine dries it out. I went with this product because the ingredient list was limited to things I can actually understand. I was pleasantly surprised by the result. After one use, my hair is softer and shinier, and I didn't even have to style it. Definitely would recommend." —Ray Ray

"Amazing. I use this mask on my daughter. She’s a swimmer and swims at least four times a week. Her hair was dry and brittle, and a friend’s mother recommended I purchase this for her. Her hair looks so amazing, no one would know she’s in chlorinated water so often. Highly recommend!" —Katie Isaac

Promising reviews: "The first time I used it, I had come out of a pool and we know what pools do to our hair! It felt so good, and I was able to comb my hair without any problems, and it felt and smelled amazing! Definitely recommend!!!" —Angeles Perez

"I am a swim instructor so before I get into the water I always put a hair mask on my hair so my hair does not dry out. This mask has done an amazing job of keeping my hair moisturized throughout the day and feels so soft whenever I take a shower after my shift." –Cadence

Get it from Amazon for $12.97+ (available in one or 12 packs).

Promising review: "I used this product for the first time and my hair went from mangled to smooth and silky!! We were at the beach, and the salt air had taken its toll on my hair. I used the Wella product, and like magic, my hair was amazingly 'Wella-gain'!" —JANA GREEN

"I have naturally dark hair but have bleached it out to be able to do different colors. After just allowing it to be blonde and it being summer and dealing with the sun and swimming, I noticed more breakage. I use this after every wash — I brush it through my hair and I really do feel like I noticed a difference from using it. It may be in a smaller package and a bit pricey, but I do believe with this product, you get what you pay for." —Viktoria

Get it from Amazon for $30+ (available in three sizes and a bundle).

Promising review: "A must-have for swimmers. This product has been a lifesaver and keeps my hair soft and healthy after regular exposure to chlorinated pools and highlights. Smells amazing and cuts down on drying time too!" —Caroline Benoit

"This was introduced to me by a fellow aquatics/swim instructor. Obviously, being in the water frequently can take a toll on your hair. We both have long hair and just a very small amount of the product rubbed between your hands, warms and causes this 'little bit' to go a long way. The first time I used it I spent the whole day going around saying to people 'feel how soft my hair is!' One bottle will last a long time..many months and I have hair down to my waist! I highly recommend this product to anyone who wants to have and keep the softest, silkiest, healthiest hair of anyone you know." —Leslie Portillo

Get it from Amazon for $20+ (available in three sizes and a value set).

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BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.