Las Vegas Water: Chlorine Blocking Hair Youth?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 8, 2026

The desert sun beats down, and the shimmering mirage on the horizon isn’t water – it’s the collective hope of every Las Vegan trying to keep their hair from turning into straw. The culprit? Our beloved swimming pools and, less obviously, our tap water, both brimming with chlorine. But fear not, fellow desert dwellers! You can win the war against chlorine-ravaged hair.

Las Vegas water, while treated to be safe for consumption, contains a significant amount of chlorine. This disinfectant, while effective at killing bacteria, is a notorious hair villain. It strips away natural oils, leaving hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. For those with color-treated hair, the news is even worse: chlorine can alter your carefully chosen shade, leading to brassiness in blondes and fading in darker colors.

So, how do we combat this chlorine chaos in the heart of the Mojave? The answer lies in a multi-pronged approach, combining preventative measures with targeted treatments.

First, let’s talk prevention. Think of your hair like a sponge. A dry sponge soaks up everything, while a wet sponge resists further absorption. The same principle applies to chlorine. Saturating your hair with clean water before swimming creates a barrier, minimizing chlorine absorption.

• Pre-Swim Soak: Before diving into that Mandalay Bay pool, thoroughly wet your hair with tap water. Better yet, use bottled or filtered water for this step.
• Protective Oil or Conditioner: After wetting your hair, apply a generous amount of leave-in conditioner or a natural oil like coconut or argan oil. This adds an extra layer of protection, helping to seal the hair cuticle and prevent chlorine from penetrating.
• Swim Cap Savior: Embrace the swim cap! While not the most glamorous accessory, a swim cap provides the most effective barrier against chlorine. Look for silicone caps, as they offer a tighter seal than latex.

Now, let’s address the aftermath. Even with the best preventative measures, some chlorine will inevitably make its way into your hair. This is where targeted treatments come in.

The key weapon in your anti-chlorine arsenal is a chelating shampoo. These shampoos contain ingredients that bind to chlorine and other minerals, effectively removing them from the hair shaft. Look for ingredients like EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) or phytic acid.

• Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo: This is a readily available option at many salons and beauty supply stores in Las Vegas. It’s specifically formulated to remove mineral buildup, including chlorine.
• Ion Hard Water Shampoo: A more budget-friendly option available at Sally Beauty Supply stores throughout the city. It’s effective at removing mineral deposits and restoring shine.
• Kenra Clarifying Shampoo: While not strictly a chelating shampoo, Kenra Clarifying Shampoo is a powerful cleanser that can help remove chlorine buildup. It’s available at Ulta and other beauty retailers.

Important Note: Chelating shampoos can be drying, so it’s crucial to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using a chelating shampoo:

1. Wet your hair thoroughly.
2. Apply a generous amount of chelating shampoo, focusing on the roots and scalp.
3. Massage the shampoo into your hair for 2-3 minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
5. Apply a moisturizing conditioner and leave it on for 5-10 minutes.
6. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.

For color-treated hair, maintaining vibrancy is a constant battle, especially in Las Vegas. Chlorine accelerates color fading and can cause unwanted tonal shifts. To combat this:

• Color-Safe Shampoos and Conditioners: Invest in high-quality, color-safe shampoos and conditioners. These products are formulated to be gentle on color-treated hair and help prevent fading. Look for sulfate-free options, as sulfates can strip away color.
• Color-Depositing Conditioners: Use a color-depositing conditioner once a week to refresh your color and add shine. These conditioners contain pigments that deposit color onto the hair shaft, helping to maintain vibrancy.
• Professional Glazes and Toners: Visit your salon regularly for glazes and toners. These treatments can help correct unwanted tones and add shine to your hair. Many salons in Las Vegas offer specialized treatments for color-treated hair exposed to chlorine.

Beyond shampoos and conditioners, consider incorporating these additional treatments into your hair care routine:

• Deep Conditioning Masks: Use a deep conditioning mask once a week to replenish moisture and repair damage. Look for masks containing ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, or keratin.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Rinse: An ACV rinse can help balance the pH of your hair and remove buildup. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of ACV with 1 cup of water and pour it over your hair after shampooing. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
• Leave-In Conditioners: Apply a leave-in conditioner after washing your hair to provide extra moisture and protection.

Common Mistakes and Pitfalls:

• Over-Washing: Washing your hair too frequently can strip away natural oils and exacerbate dryness. Aim to wash your hair 2-3 times per week, or less if possible.
• Using Hot Water: Hot water can open the hair cuticle and allow chlorine to penetrate more easily. Rinse your hair with cool or lukewarm water instead.
• Skipping Conditioner: Conditioner is essential for replenishing moisture and sealing the hair cuticle. Never skip conditioner after shampooing.
• Ignoring the Scalp: A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair growth. Use a scalp scrub or massage your scalp regularly to remove buildup and stimulate circulation.

Real-World Scenario:

Imagine you’re a showgirl in Las Vegas, spending hours each day in chlorinated water for rehearsals and performances. Your hair is constantly exposed to chlorine, leading to dryness, breakage, and color fading.

Here’s how you can protect your hair:

1. Before each rehearsal, saturate your hair with bottled water and apply a generous amount of coconut oil.
2. Wear a silicone swim cap whenever possible.
3. After each rehearsal, wash your hair with Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo and follow up with a deep conditioning mask.
4. Use a color-depositing conditioner once a week to maintain your hair color.
5. Visit your salon regularly for glazes and toners.

By following these steps, you can keep your hair healthy and vibrant, even with constant exposure to chlorine.

Protecting your hair from chlorine in Las Vegas requires a proactive and consistent approach. By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy the city’s many aquatic attractions without sacrificing the health and beauty of your hair. Remember, consistency is key. Make these tips a part of your regular routine, and you’ll be well on your way to winning the battle against chlorine.