How Olympic Swimmer Penny Oleksiak Keeps Her Hair Healthy

There’s nothing like a refreshing dip in the pool to leave you feeling energized and rejuvenated. Unfortunately, our hair doesn’t quite agree. Despite its impressive cardiovascular and therapeutic benefits, swimming in a chlorinated pool can result in hair that feels brittle, dehydrated and in need of some serious TLC—a struggle that Olympian Penny Oleksiak knows all too well. “I had a lot of breakage in high school, and my hair was always dry,” she says. “And it didn’t help that I have pretty wavy hair, so the chlorine made it so frizzy.”

While chlorine is necessary for safe swimming in most pools, it comes with some major consequences. As the chemical works to kill harmful bacteria and virus-causing germs in water, it simultaneously strips hair of its natural oils, leaving it dull and depleted. In that state, hair more easily absorbs the chlorine, which allows the chemical to deeply penetrate the hair shaft, thus making it extremely susceptible to damage like split ends and frizz. In more extreme cases, it can cause hair to change colour and fade due to a chemical reaction with the hair’s melanin. Fading is accelerated on colour-treated hair, which is why it’s especially important to reach for a clarifying, colour-safe shampoo after being in the pool if you dye your strands.

Another tip? Completely soak your hair with fresh water before exposing it to chlorine. This is said to minimize the amount of chlorinated water your hair can absorb. Swim caps may offer some protection as well.

So what’s a gold medallist who spends most days in the water to do? Having dealt with the impacts of frequent chlorine exposure since she was in middle school, Oleksiak has her hair-care regimen down to a science. She swears by a double-shampoo and deep conditioning routine that’s often followed by a hair gloss. She also occasionally treats herself to a keratin treatment or a Korean head spa visit, a luxurious experience that can involve a detailed scalp analysis, deep hair cleanse and calming upper-body massage. And on top of all that, Oleksiak indulges in some good ol’ fashioned DIY methods, too, like hair masks made from egg whites or avocado and honey. “I’ve had days where I’d spend the whole afternoon in an egg-white mask,” she laughs.

Although proper hair maintenance is an ongoing task for Oleksiak, she wouldn’t have it any other way. “As much as taking care of your hair is important, if you love what you’re doing, do it. You’ll figure out a routine that works for you,” she says. “Don’t let your hair affect what you’re doing with your life.”

Penny’s Picks

Amika Flash Instant Shine Mask

“This hair mask leaves my hair looking so shiny and smooth. It’s unbeatable.”

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Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray

“I love this leave-in conditioner because it smells so good and makes my hair feel so soft. I’ve put so many swimmers on this!”

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Amika Big Hit Volumizing Shampoo

“Every time I use this, my hair holds its body way better when I style it. I’ll typically double-shampoo my hair with it to really get the chlorine out. Plus, it comes in a cute bottle.”

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This article first appeared in FASHION’s April 2025 issue. Find out more here.