DIY Remedies to Get Chlorine Out of Hair Naturally
Notes from the Boutique: DIY Remedies to Get Chlorine Out of Hair Naturally
If you're someone who loves a good DIY project and also believes in the importance of living a healthy, toxin-conscious life, you're in the right place. We talk a lot in our home about how important good health is. I personally believe it's one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and our families.
But here’s the thing—unlike a birthday present or a wrapped gift under the tree at Christmas, we don't really think of health in terms of something we give. It often comes quietly through everyday decisions like what we eat, how we move, or even how we care for our hair after a swim in the pool.
This summer, as our family has spent more and more time enjoying the sunshine, pool floats, and evening dips, I found myself thinking about how much I value holistic, natural approaches to health. That’s just how I’m wired—and I know many of you are the same.
Recently, I captured a special memory when I got the perfect photo of our dog mid-air, diving head-first into the pool with uncontainable joy.
It made me laugh out loud and perfectly shows just how much he loves swimming—probably more than any of us! Every time we go swimming, he runs out the door to jump in.
Pool time is a summer staple in our household, which means regular exposure to chlorine. I started down a rabbit hole recently of researching safe, natural ways to care for our hair post-swim. Prior summers I used a shampoo specifically formulated to remove chlorine. It worked well, but I found myself thinking: What’s actually in this bottle? With my focus at home for years now being on reducing toxins as much as possible, I wanted a simpler, more natural solution that aligned with my lifestyle.
During my research, I came across a few popular DIY options.
🚫 The first was a mixture of baking soda and water. While it did the job, the “squeaky clean” result felt much too intense and stripped my hair of its natural oils.
🚫 Next, I tried a bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar (ACV) mask. While I appreciated its detoxifying qualities, the long wait time before rinsing wasn’t sustainable for busy days.
In the process, I stumbled across something surprisingly simple that's become a supplemental tool in this developing toolbox: wetting your hair before swimming. I gave it a try and was amazed by the difference it made! My hair felt noticeably less dry and brittle post-swim. Honestly, it almost felt as though there had been no chlorine exposure! It turns out wetting your hair with clean water before swimming helps prevent chlorine from absorbing deeply—something so easy, yet so effective. (If you're a busy mom, you know easy and effective are a love language for us!)
🏆 Then came another game changer: apple cider vinegar mixed with water. I used a blend of ½ cup water and ⅛ cup ACV, poured it over my hair during a shower, massaged it into my scalp and strands, then rinsed with warm water. The results? Smooth, fresh-feeling hair without any lingering chemical smell or dryness. (If you don't want your hair smelling like ACV, try following with your usual conditioner.) This method has officially earned a permanent spot in my post-pool routine.
🌿 Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse (Downloadable Recipe)
Ingredients:
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½ cup warm water
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⅛ cup apple cider vinegar (preferably raw and organic)
Instructions:
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Mix the water and ACV in a clean container.
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After swimming, pour the mixture over damp hair in the shower.
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Massage gently into your scalp and strands.
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Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
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Follow with your usual conditioner, if desired.
👉 [Click here for the downloadable/printable recipe card.]
The Bigger Picture: Toxin Exposure and Our Health
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the average person is exposed to over 700,000 toxic chemicals daily—from personal care products to household cleaners to food packaging. While we can’t control everything, we can choose small actions that reduce our exposure—like choosing DIY natural hair care over chemical-laden shampoos.
This post is the first of many I plan to share, focusing on how we can gift ourselves with good health—naturally, intentionally, and with joy. These aren’t always big, sweeping changes. Sometimes they’re as small as swapping a bottle of shampoo for a few tablespoons of ACV.
Let's Connect
Thank you for joining me in this journey! Let’s continue to support each other in living vibrant, healthy lives—one simple choice at a time.
📸 We'd love to connect with you on Instagram:
@heavenlyhuesstudiotshirts
(Heavenly Hues Studio is our in-house design team behind every item in the Impact Gift Boutique, where every product is created with purpose and love.)
Until next time, stay well and be kind to your hair—and your health. 💛