Phoenix's Pools: City Water Hiding Hair Metal Lies?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

November 8, 2025

The desert sun beats down, and the allure of a cool dip in the pool is undeniable. But for those of us in Phoenix, Arizona, with color-treated or permed hair, that refreshing swim can quickly turn into a hair disaster. The unique water chemistry of our city, combined with the harsh Arizona climate, creates a perfect storm for dry, brittle, and discolored hair. It’s time to fight back and reclaim our poolside confidence.

Phoenix’s water is notoriously hard, meaning it’s packed with minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals, while harmless to drink, can build up on your hair, creating a dull, rough texture. Add chlorine, used to sanitize pools, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster, especially if you’ve invested in a perm or vibrant hair color. The chlorine can react with the minerals, leading to brassiness in blondes, green tints in lighter shades, and a general fading of color. Perms can become limp and lifeless, losing their bounce and definition.

So, what’s a Phoenician to do? We need a proactive approach, combining pre-swim protection, post-swim cleansing, and targeted treatments to combat mineral buildup.

First, pre-swim protection is key. Think of it like sunscreen for your hair. Before you even dip a toe in the water, saturate your hair with clean, filtered water. This prevents your hair from absorbing as much chlorinated pool water. Follow this with a leave-in conditioner or hair oil. Coconut oil, argan oil, or even a silicone-based serum can create a barrier, minimizing chlorine absorption. Look for products specifically designed for swimmers; many contain UV filters and ingredients to repel chlorine. You can find these at local retailers like Target or Ulta Beauty in Phoenix.

Next, consider a swim cap. While not the most glamorous accessory, a swim cap provides the best physical barrier against pool water. Make sure it fits snugly to prevent water from seeping in. Silicone caps are generally more effective than latex ones.

Now, let’s talk about post-swim cleansing. Don’t just rinse your hair and call it a day. You need to actively remove the chlorine and mineral buildup. Invest in a clarifying shampoo. These shampoos are designed to remove residue and buildup, but be careful not to overuse them, as they can be drying. Once a week is usually sufficient. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner to replenish lost moisture.

But sometimes, clarifying shampoo isn’t enough. That’s where chelating treatments come in. These treatments contain ingredients that bind to minerals and help remove them from your hair. You can find chelating shampoos and treatments at beauty supply stores like Sally Beauty Supply on Bell Road.

However, you can also create a DIY chelating treatment using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. A simple apple cider vinegar rinse can work wonders. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water and pour it over your hair after shampooing. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. The acidity of the vinegar helps to dissolve mineral buildup.

Another option is a baking soda paste. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste and apply it to your hair, focusing on areas with the most buildup. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Be cautious with baking soda, as it can be drying, so follow with a deep conditioner.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to a DIY chelating treatment:

Wet your hair thoroughly.
Mix your chosen chelating agent (apple cider vinegar solution or baking soda paste).
Apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on areas with buildup.
Let it sit for 3-5 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Apply a deep conditioner and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
Rinse again and style as usual.

Common mistakes and pitfalls:

Skipping pre-swim protection: This is the biggest mistake. Prevention is always better than cure.
Using hot water: Hot water opens the hair cuticle, allowing more chlorine and minerals to penetrate. Rinse your hair with cool or lukewarm water.
Over-clarifying: Clarifying shampoos can be drying, so don’t use them every day.
Not deep conditioning: Pool water strips your hair of moisture, so deep conditioning is essential.
Ignoring your scalp: Mineral buildup can also affect your scalp, leading to dryness and irritation. Use a scalp scrub or massage your scalp with coconut oil to remove buildup.

Specific challenges for permed hair:

Permed hair is particularly vulnerable to chlorine damage. The chemicals used in perms already weaken the hair shaft, making it more porous and susceptible to absorbing chlorine. To protect your perm, be extra diligent with pre-swim protection and use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for permed hair. Consider using a protein treatment once a week to strengthen your hair.

Specific challenges for color-treated hair:

Chlorine can cause hair color to fade or change. Red and brown shades are particularly prone to fading, while blonde hair can turn brassy or green. Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner and consider using a color-depositing conditioner to maintain your color. If you notice brassiness, use a purple shampoo to neutralize the yellow tones.

Product Recommendations (available in Phoenix):

Swimmers Shampoo: Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three (available at Ulta Beauty)
Clarifying Shampoo: Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo (available at Target)
Leave-in Conditioner: It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product (available at Ulta Beauty)
Hair Oil: Moroccanoil Treatment (available at Sephora at Scottsdale Fashion Square)
Chelating Shampoo: Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo (available at Sally Beauty Supply)
Deep Conditioner: SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque (available at Target)

Living in Phoenix doesn’t mean sacrificing your hair for a refreshing swim. By following these tips and incorporating them into your routine, you can enjoy the pool without worrying about “hair metal” frizz or unwanted discoloration. Remember, consistency is key. Make these practices a habit, and your hair will thank you.