The best skincare and shampoo for swimmers

TRIHARD The Hair Comb-O

£37.41

They say: Our Swimmers’ Shampoo Extra Boost is specially formulated to solve the hair problems swimmers experience, eliminating chlorine, hydrating dry hair, neutralising chlorine scent and relieving dry scalp. The Pre & Post Swim Conditioner deeply hydrates and nourishes your hair.

We say: TRIHARD’S Hair Comb-O promises to remove chlorine and saltwater and relieve irritation caused by pool chemicals. The Extra Boost (which is ‘zingier’ than the standard Swimmer’s Shampoo), uses red algae and Dead Sea minerals to eliminate lingering chlorine smell, natural oils to hydrate and peppermint for an energising effect. It lathers well, the menthol feeling instantly enlivening. We combed the conditioner through wet hair before swimming. After a fortnight, our hair feels smoother and no longer smells of chlorine!

GREEN PEOPLE Protein-Boost Hair Serum 100ml

£15

They say: Previously known as Quinoa & Artichoke Hair Serum, our new and updated Protein-Boost Hair Serum now has more UV protection! No need to worry about chlorinated water or sun exposure, we fortify this silky serum with a clinically proven artichoke extract that helps strengthen hair so that it is more resilient to sun damage. Rich in nourishing B vitamins and avocado oil, it is intensely conditioning, penetrating each hair shaft to enhance shine, colour and volume.

We say: We used this intensely conditioning serum as a leave-in conditioner, applying it to wet hair after a shower in the morning before swimming later in the day. It smells so fresh; with notes of fiery ginger and citrus masking any residual chlorine scent. Using artichoke extract and avocado oil, it promises to protect hair from chlorinated water and sun exposure, and we definitely noticed our hair didn’t feel so dry or frizzy after a week of pool session.

LAND&WATER Explore Essentials, £30

£30

They say: For early starts or sunset baths – feel exhilaration and calm, wherever your adventures take you. Featuring an uplifting alcohol hand gel for peace of mind; invigorating body wash with spike moss extract for added hydration; a skin-smoothing body lotion enriched with moisturising samphire extract and relaxing linden essential oils; a mind-clearing shampoo; and an aloe vera and coconut restructuring conditioner for high tide hydration.

We say: Born out of a love of open water on the Cornish coast, land&water use three key ingredients which derive from the shore and are known for their nourishing, hydrating and rejuvenating capabilities: samphire to moisturise; spike moss to restore skin’s lipid balance; sea buckthorn as a natural antioxidant. This travel set fits neatly into a kit bag, the natural scents reminding us of being in a luxury hotel even in the concrete changing room at our local lido.

SNOWFIRE Ointment Stick

£7.99

They say: 85 years since it first launched, the Snowfire™ Ointment Stick is having a resurgence. Found in a compact solid emollient stick format, this heavy-duty balm can be applied to skin all over the face and body to leave a protective layer that not only locks in moisture, but also combats the impact of even the harshest weather conditions.

We say: The strong herbal smell of this solid ointment stick reminds us of witch hazel on bruised knees with a hint of citronella candles when camping; a strangely reassuring and medicinal scent, which suggests it must be doing some good. It’s great for those of us prone to chapped skin in the winter or after chlorine exposure. Applied before a swim, it forms a protective barrier to seal in moisture, or use it afterwards to accelerate healing. We’ve been using it on the backs of our hands and heels and it’s making a difference as we head on into autumn.

KARECO Tangle Buster Mini

£8.25

They say: Detangle, smooth and shape wet or dry hair anywhere with this travel-friendly version of KareCo’s signature Tangle Buster® Brush. Though compact, this mini detangler hair brush gently massages the most sensitive scalps and glides as it undoes knots, making it ideal for children and protecting hair of all textures from breakage. Busting tangles on-the-go has never been this easy!

We say: We tried a few of the KareCo Tangle Buster collection and we particularly liked this ‘Mini’ brush as its lightweight travel size fits neatly into our kit bag, but it felt just as flexible and effective as the larger paddle style brush. It was spot on for gentle post-swim detangling. In fact, it veritably glides through wet hair without tugging or pulling out too much hair and it gave our scalp a nice massage, too. It even worked wonders on our tester’s four-year-old daughter (a notorious brush dodger) after her swimming lesson.

TRIHARD Pre- and Post-Swim Eye Gel

£19.16

They say: Introducing our eye gel specially formulated to help swimmers combat irritation from goggles, pool chemicals and swimming damage. The Pre & Post Swim Eye Gel soothes, moisturises, calms and protects around your eyes before and after every swim. Featuring red algae, a powerful antioxidant; aloe vera for a soothing and hydrating feel; chamomile to sooth and calm sensitive skin and reduce inflammation and irritation; jojoba oil to hydrate skin; and sea buckthorn oil to relieve redness and puffiness.

We say: Some parts of our bodies are more sensitive to chlorine like the delicate skin around the eyes, which is often where swimmers notice dryness or tightness. TRIHARD’s Eye Gel feels instantly cooling, a relief after being in a warm pool, but our favourite part is the cool ceramic stone applicator, which you use to gently smooth it under your eyes. The soothing effect lasted for several hours and actually made us feel bright and awake.

PAUL MITCHELL Clean Beauty Everyday Shampoo

£24.49

They say: Transform your routine with shiner, bouncier, healthier-looking hair. Infused with organic, cold-pressed argan oil and succulent aloe vera, this Everyday Shampoo gently cleanses hair and scalp with a refreshing lather. Handcrafted with sustainably sourced ingredients of 83% natural origin that deliver professional results in recyclable, bio-based packaging made from sugarcane, it’s a daily glow-up that’s both clean and green.

We say: Not a brand we would usually consider, but it was recommended to us and we understand why. It smells wonderful, and really transforms hair after swimming. It also has the best environmental credentials with 83% natural ingredients and bio-based packaging made from sugarcane. We also used the Hydrating Conditioner, which really made a difference after sea swimming.  

PREMAX Clarifying Shampoo De-Chlorine

£12

They say: Shampoo made specifically for swimmers! A deeply cleansing yet gentle shampoo packed full of Australian natural ingredients such as Lemon Myrtle, Kakadu Plum, Desert Lime and Macadamia Oil formulated specifically for chlorine exposed hair. With a fresh lemon scent and luxurious texture this swim-specific shampoo is the ultimate in removing chlorine, salt water, impurities and green tint.

We say: A swim-specific shampoo that has become a favourite. We love the smell and it tackles a day’s worth of chlorine after teaching. We used it with the Deep Conditioner Repair and our hair felt moisturised, clean and light. Passed the no-chlorine sniff test!  

TRISWIM Shampoo

£11.99

They say: TRISWIM’s Chlorine-Out Shampoo contains Aloe which is a popular botanical used for its moisturising, soothing and calming properties. Formulated with a light citrus scent and appealing men, women and children. The shampoo also contains Vitamins A & E, plus Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5), which is an important element to both hydrate and increase volume potential. It removes the Chlorine chemical and odour and eliminates the “greenish tint”. Effectively restores hair from salt water issues.

We say: Smells fruity and retains the fresh scent for some time after washing – beating off any chlorine stink. Our tester washes their hair daily, and this shampoo was thick but light enough to use often. Used with the conditioner, their hair felt rehydrated without the limp effect. Vegan friendly too!