5 Best Leave-In Moisturizers For Swimmers 2023 | Leave-In Conditioners That Protect Hair

Use the leave-in moisturizers for swimmers before getting in the pool to protect your hair from chlorine and hard water. These leave-in conditioners also help add extra moisture to dry hair. 

If you are a professional swimmer or someone like me, not professional, but just love to go for a swim on a regular basis, I’m sure you’d often complain about a problem called ‘swimmer’s hair’.

Swimmer’s hair is a common problem faced by most professional and regular swimmers. 

It is often caused due to long exposure to the harsh chemicals in the pool, like chlorine and copper that make the hair dry and more prone to damage, frizz and breakage.

Well, unfortunately, I’ve also been a victim of swimmer’s hair and found that the best way to protect my hair from this problem is by using a good leave-in moisturizer before entering the pool.

Trust me, this worked really well for me and I’m sure all you swimmers out there too can also give it a try!

I know it is hard to choose the “right” product for your hair and so I’ve reviewed five of the best leave-in conditioners I tried recently. So here you go! 

Related: How To Protect Color Treated Hair While Swimming

Best Leave-In Moisturizer for Swimmers	Best For	Top Ingredients
Sun Bum Revitalizing 3 in 1 Leave-in Conditioner Spray	All hair types	Coconut Oil, Banana Pulp, Sunflower Seed Oil, Quinoa Protein, Hemp Seed Oil
It’s a 10 Haircare Miracle Leave-In Product	Chemically treated, damaged, dry hair	Sunflower Seeds, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Silk Amino Acids, Citric Acid (Vitamin C)
AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense	All hair types	Sweet Almond Oil, Shea Butter
Carol’s Daughter Almond Milk Leave-In Conditioner	Curly, coily, damaged hair	Sweet Almond Oil, Aloe Vera Shea Butter, Proteins
TRIHAD Pre and Post Swim Conditioner	All hair types	Dead Sea Salt, Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Vitamin E

How I tested the best leave-in conditioners for swimmers?

Whenever I review any products I make sure to rate them on a scale of 5 based on three parameters that I found best and most closely related to the product I’m reviewing. I have rated these leave-in moisturizers on the below mentioned parameters.

Moisturizing effect: Since swimmer’s hair often entails dry, frizzy, rough, brittle and damaged hair, in my opinion, the moisturizing effect should be strong enough to treat all these hair issues.

Type of ingredients: A lot of hair products contain harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates etc, which can further dry out and damage the hair. So I look for products with more organic and natural ingredients.

Effect on my hair: Since different hair types react differently to different products, I review the products based on how well the product works on my dry and curly hair type.

Top Leave-In Moisturizers for Swimmers 2023

How To Choose The Best Leave-In Moisturizers for Swimmers

Swimming is one of the most refreshing and rejuvenating physical activities. However, it can take a toll on your hair, especially during summer months.

All that chlorine, saltwater, and sun exposure can cause your hair to become dry, dull, and brittle. Having a good leave-in moisturizer is the key to preventing such damage. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best leave-in moisturizers for swimmers.

1. Ingredient composition Choose a leave-in moisturizer that contains natural ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, and argan oil. These ingredients are gentle on hair, can hydrate, and also provide necessary nutrients to maintain healthy hair.

2. UV protection Since swimmers are often exposed to sunlight, choose a leave-in moisturizer that provides UV protection.

3. Product consistency The consitency and texture of the product plays a key role in how it will sit on your hair. Choose a leave-in moisturizer with a light texture and non-greasy formulation that gets absorbed easily and does not leave any residue on your hair.

4. Brand reputation Choose a reputable brand that has a track record of producing high-quality hair care products that are also environmentally friendly.

Choosing the best leave-in moisturizer for swimmers can feel challenging. However, when you keep these key factors in mind, you can make an informed decision that promotes both healthy hair and happy swimming.

Is a Pre-Swim Hair Protection Spray Better Than Leave In Conditioner

Are you tired of stepping out of the pool with dry, brittle hair? As a swimmer, maintaining healthy hair can be a challenge due to the constant exposure to chlorine and other chemicals.

While leave-in moisturizers are a popular solution, many swimmers wonder if a pre-swim hair protection spray might be a better alternative. Pre-swim hair protection sprays are specifically formulated to create a barrier between your hair and chlorine.

They work by coating the hair shaft with a layer of protection that prevents the chlorine from penetrating the hair cuticle and causing damage. Leave-in conditioners, on the other hand, are designed to hydrate and nourish the hair after it has been exposed to these harsh pool chemicals.

While both options have their benefits, pre-swim protection sprays may be the better choice for swimmers who want to prevent damage before it occurs.

By applying a protective layer before jumping into the pool, you can minimize the amount of chlorine that gets absorbed into your hair. This can lead to less damage, better texture, and overall improved hair health.

However, if your hair is already in need of moisture and nourishment, a leave-in conditioner can help to restore hydration and prevent further damage.

These products can be used after swimming to soften and detangle hair, making it easier to manage and style. Ultimately, the best solution will depend on your individual hair care needs and preferences.

Whether you choose a pre-swim spray or leave-in conditioner, be sure to apply it consistently and use it as part of a comprehensive hair care routine to keep your locks looking their best.

Is Ion Swimmers Leave In Conditioner Good For Natural Hair

If you’re a natural-haired swimmer, you know the struggle of finding the perfect leave-in conditioner that will keep your hair moisturized and protected from the harsh chemicals in the pool.

One product that has gained a lot of attention in the natural hair community is the Ion Swimmers Leave In Conditioner. But is it worth the hype? One of the main components of this conditioner is chitosan, which is a derivative of shellfish.

This ingredient is known to create a protective barrier around the hair shaft, preventing chlorine and other chemicals from penetrating and drying out your hair.

In addition to its protective properties, the Ion Swimmers Leave In Conditioner also contains several moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and panthenol.

These ingredients work to keep your hair hydrated and nourished, leaving it soft and manageable after each swim. It’s important to note that this product does have a strong fragrance, so if you’re sensitive to smells, it may not be the best option for you.

However, for those who don’t mind, the scent is fresh and clean, leaving your hair smelling great. Overall, the Ion Swimmers Leave In Conditioner has received positive reviews from many natural-haired swimmers. Its protective and moisturizing properties make it a top choice in the swimmer community.

Sun Bum Revitalizing 3 in 1 Leave-in Conditioner Spray

Fragrance: Coconut

Best for hair type: All hair types

While most people say that the best should be kept for the last, I’ve chosen to start with the product I liked the most, the Sun Bum Spray.

This product literally had everything I wanted in a conditioner, from being paraben free, and phthalate free, to giving colour-protection for my colour-treated hair and had superb moisturizing properties.

Since this is a spray, it is very easy to apply onto wet hair just before going for a swim. After using this product, my hair felt rejuvenated, well moisturized and hydrated.

I also love the fact that it contains so many natural ingredients like coconut oil, banana pulp, sunflower seed oil, quinoa protein and hemp seed oil. 

My curly hair just responds to natural emollients like these better than silicones. I was impressed by how it provided nutrition to my dull and lifeless hair. 

I have to admit that my hair never felt dry again, after a swim.

This product also protected my colour-treated hair from fading. What I loved is the coconut fragrance this product has, it is very subtle.

So if you are looking for a reasonably priced leave-in moisturizer, try this one. I can safely say that I have no complaints about this product.

Pros:

•  Gentle on the hair as it contains no parabens or phthalates.
•  Contains many natural ingredients instead of silicones
•  Easy to use, as it is a spray on moisturizer.
•  Good for colour-treated hair as it prevents dye from fading
•  Reasonably priced compared to other leave-in conditioners

Cons:

•  Coconut scented not suitable to all.

My Ratings:

• Moisturizing effect: 4.5/5
• Type of ingredients: 4.5/5
• Effect on my hair: 4.3/5

It’s a 10 Haircare Miracle Leave-In Product

Fragrance: Sunflower

Best for hair type: Chemically treated, damaged, dry hair

My hair would often feel so rough, dry and frizzy after I’ve had a swim. So I tried using this Haircare Miracle product as it promised to help with frizz.

And I wasn’t disappointed as my hair felt much smoother, tamed and was way more manageable than before.

I like sunflower scented product has nourishing properties because of its many natural ingredients like sunflower seeds; green tea leaf extract, silk amino acids and citric acid (vitamin C) that made my hair regain its lustre and shine.

What I love is that this product just like the Sum Bum conditioner is a hair spray, which makes the application process so much easier. 

I am always wary about using products for my colour-treated hair and this product suited my hair just fine. The colour didn’t fade at all and it was intact even after a swim.

Another thing that I loved about this product is that it also comes in travel size bottles, which really benefited my travelling needs.

Now coming to the one thing I do not like about this product is that the description or product bottle makes no mention about the product containing parabens or sulfates.

Another thing I do not like about buying this product is that there are many fake It’s a 10 Leave-in Moisturizers available and it is very hard to know whether you are getting the original or not.

Pros:

• Pleasant sunflower-based fragrance  
• Easy to use, as it is a spray on moisturizer.
•  Safe for colour-treated hair as it doesn’t let dye fade
•  Available in travel size bottles as well.

Cons:

• Contains added perfume that is not suitable to all.
•  It also contains parabens that can make it ill-suited to sensitive skin.

My Ratings:

• Moisturizing effect: 4.3/5
• Type of ingredients: 4/5
• Effect on my hair: 4.3/5

AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense

Fragrance: Almond

Best for hair type: All hair types

I was fed up of my hair smelling like chlorine every time I got out of the pool and it would be so unmanageable, rough and dry. So I started testing out products with a pleasant (yet mild) fragrance.

I love the subtle almond smell this product has. This product also contains no parabens, which is something I always look for before buying any product.

With the AquaGuard Hair Defense I have to admit that my hair felt super nourished and rejuvenated even after a swim.  What lured me towards buying it, was knowing it is specifically formulated for swimmers.

I apply this product on my damp rinsed hair before I get into the pool and I can safely swim without any worry of getting my hair colour faded or my hair getting damaged. 

Yes, you read that right, it sure is safe for those with colour-treated hair as well!

I can safely say that I have no complaints about this product’s formula. 

But one teeny drawback here is the price. It’s so much more expensive compared to regular leave-in conditioners for swimmers like the Sun Bum or It’s A 10. 

So I’d suggest getting this one only if you’re in the pool almost everyday of the week. 

Pros:

•  Gentle on the hair as it contains no parabens.
•  Safe for colour-treated hair.
•  Specifically formulated for swimmers so it can be used before and after too

Cons:

• Expensive compared to regular conditioners

My Ratings:

• Moisturizing effect: 4.3/5
• Type of ingredients: 4.3/5
• Effect on my hair: 4.5/5

Carol’s Daughter Almond Milk Leave-In Conditioner

Fragrance: Lightly almond scented

Best for hair type: Curly, coily, damaged hair

Being someone who often uses all types of Carol’s Daughter products, I was sure this leave-in conditioner wouldn’t let me down. But my experience was really mixed!

What I loved about this lightweight leave-in conditioner is that it is specifically formulated for those with dry and curly hair types, but never gets too heavy.  

So it suited my hair type perfectly and didn’t make my scalp oily either.

My hair felt super nourished and moisturized once I used this product and trust me, I could go for a swim without any hassles of my hair getting any further damaged from chlorine and pool water.

I love the natural ingredients it contains like almond, oil, shea butter and aloe vera, which lured me into buying this product because I know it is going to be a super nourishing and moisturizing blend of ingredients and it sure was!

This product is also paraben free, so it is gentle on the hair.

Now coming to the bad part. The first thing I didn’t like about this product is its relatively liquidy consistency. It felt like applying hair oil for some reason.

And the smell. Gosh. The perfume is so strong! I don’t mind added perfumes as my scalp is not sensitive but this one gets a no from me.

Pros:

•  Gentle on the hair as it contains no parabens.
•  Lightweight and non-greasy, so good for oily scalps
• Silicone-based formula smoothens hair in one application

Cons:

•  Relatively liquidy in consistency so it can drip down 
• The added perfume is too strong and overpowering
• Contains silicones that can cause product build-up on hair

My Ratings:

• Moisturizing effect: 4.3/5
• Type of ingredients: 4.3/5
• Effect on my hair: 4.2/5

TRIHAD Pre and Post Swim Conditioner

Fragrance: Herbal

Best for hair type: All hair types

I reviewed this product as it is a 2-in-1 product that can be used before and even after a swim, so you do not have to buy two separate conditioners. 

I found its herbal scent so soothing, and I like how its formula completely neutralizes the scent of chlorine in my hair after a swim.

This product is free from parabens and therefore I found it really gentle on my hair. It made my hair feel very soft, manageable and more so, nourished.

What I really liked is that this product contains a blend of so many natural ingredients like Dead Sea salt, almond oil, shea butter and vitamin E, that made it a very powerful combination to apply on the hair.

One thing I’d like to make a mention of is that this product is comparatively more expensive than other such available products in the market.

Pros:

•  Gentle on the hair as it contains no SLS and parabens.
•  Usable both before and after a swim.
•  Neutralizes chlorine smell from hair.

Cons:

•  Comparatively more expensive than other such products available in the market.

My Ratings:

• Moisturizing effect: 4.3/5
• Type of ingredients: 4.5/5
• Effect on my hair: 4.2/5

A quick glance at the top leave-in conditioners for swimmers hair!

Leave-In Moisturizers For Swimmers	Sun Bum Revitalizing 3 in 1 Leave-in Conditioner Spray	It’s a 10 Haircare Miracle Leave-In Product	AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense	Carol’s Daughter Almond Milk Leave-In Conditioner	TRIHAD Pre and Post Swim Conditioner
Images
Price	Affordable	Affordable	Expensive	Very Affordable	Expensive
Chlorine Protection	4/5	3.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5
Moisturization	4/5	4.5/5	3/5	4/5	4.5/5
Silicone-Free	No	Yes	No	No	Yes
Suitable For Colored Hair	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

The final takeaway

For those of you who do not like experimenting on products for your hair, I hope this article came in handy for you in your search to choosing the best one. 

While using a good leave-in moisturizer can help reduce the swimmer’s hair problems, it is also essential to take into consideration other precautionary measures like wearing a swim cap and also rinsing your hair with regular water before going for a swim.

The best hair care regimen for swimmers involves moisturizing using these leave-in conditioners and regular clarifying to remove the chlorine buildup.

So make sure you take care of all aspects! 

Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?

The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.

Also Read:

Best Leave-In Conditioners For Bleached Hair

Best Leave-In Conditioner For 4C Hair

Best Leave In Conditioner For Dry Hair

Best Leave-In Conditioners For Split Ends