Swimming pools offer wonderful exercise and relaxation, but chlorine can wreak havoc on colored hair, especially for women over 50. The good news is that certain hair colors stand up better to pool chemicals while still looking fabulous. These chlorine-friendly shades not only resist fading and discoloration but also complement mature skin tones beautifully, making them perfect for active women who love to swim.
1. Rich Chocolate Brown
Darker browns naturally resist chlorine damage better than lighter shades. This deep, dimensional chocolate tone adds warmth to mature complexions while minimizing the appearance of gray roots.
Regular conditioning treatments help maintain its luscious shine, making it an excellent choice for frequent swimmers who want low-maintenance elegance.
2. Honey Blonde Balayage
Strategically placed honey highlights create dimension without the harsh line of regrowth. The natural-looking blend camouflages grays while minimizing damage from chlorine exposure.
Swimming caps offer extra protection, but this forgiving style means you won’t stress about perfect maintenance after every pool session.
3. Auburn Copper
Auburn’s reddish undertones create a youthful glow that brightens mature skin. Surprisingly resilient against chlorine, copper pigments tend to hold fast even with regular swimming.
A clarifying shampoo once weekly removes buildup without stripping this vibrant hue, keeping it fresh and dimensional between salon visits.
4. Silver Fox
Embracing natural gray with professionally toned silver creates a striking, confident look. Chlorine actually enhances silver hair by fighting yellowing, unlike most colors that fade.
Purple shampoo once weekly maintains the cool tone, while leave-in conditioners protect against dryness that often accompanies gray hair transitions.
5. Caramel Highlights
Warm caramel streaks woven through a natural base create sun-kissed dimension that flatters aging skin. The partial highlighting technique means less maintenance and less noticeable chlorine effects.
Swimming with hair pre-soaked in fresh water creates a barrier against pool chemicals, preserving these golden tones between salon visits.
6. Mahogany Red
This rich, multi-dimensional red creates a vibrant yet sophisticated look. The deeper burgundy undertones hold up remarkably well against chlorine exposure compared to brighter reds.
Cooler water temperatures and specialized color-depositing conditioners help maintain this head-turning shade between salon appointments, even for regular swimmers.
7. Dimensional Brunette
Multi-tonal brown shades create natural-looking depth that’s forgiving when exposed to chlorine. The varied tones mean any slight fading appears intentional rather than damaged.
A weekly hair mask restores moisture and vibrancy, making this an ideal choice for active women who want sophisticated color without constant upkeep.
8. Ash Blonde
Cool-toned ash blonde minimizes yellow undertones that chlorine exposure can exacerbate. The sophisticated shade brightens mature complexions while requiring less frequent touch-ups than platinum.
Clarifying treatments remove mineral deposits from pool water, preventing the greenish tint that sometimes affects blonde hair.
9. Warm Chestnut
This medium-brown shade with subtle reddish undertones adds warmth to mature skin tones. The balanced pigment composition resists chlorine fading better than most colors.
UV-protecting hair products offer additional defense against both pool chemicals and sun exposure, maintaining this rich, flattering color longer.
10. Mocha Lowlights
Adding deeper mocha tones to a natural base creates sophisticated dimension without high-maintenance upkeep. The darker lowlights remain vibrant even with chlorine exposure, anchoring the overall look.
Swimming with hair in a braid minimizes color-stripping water contact while still allowing you to enjoy pool time freely.
11. Golden Bronde
This perfect blend between blonde and brown offers natural-looking dimension that flatters aging skin. The multi-tonal approach means chlorine affects are less noticeable between appointments.
Specialized swimmers’ shampoos remove chlorine residue without stripping this beautiful color, making it ideal for water enthusiasts.
12. Subtle Ombré
A gentle transition from darker roots to slightly lighter ends creates natural dimension while minimizing obvious regrowth. The graduated color pattern disguises any chlorine-related fading at the ends.
Pre-treating hair with leave-in conditioner before swimming creates a protective barrier against harsh pool chemicals.
13. Espresso Black
Rich, deep espresso offers striking contrast against mature skin tones. Dark colors contain more pigment molecules, making them naturally more resistant to chlorine’s bleaching effects.
Color-depositing conditioners maintain the richness between salon visits, perfect for women who don’t want to sacrifice swim time for hair color.
14. Cinnamon Spice
Warm, spicy red-brown tones create a vibrant yet sophisticated look that energizes mature complexions. The red pigments in this shade are surprisingly resilient against chlorine exposure.
Cold water rinses after swimming help seal the cuticle and lock in color, preserving this head-turning shade between salon visits.
15. Platinum Pixie
Short platinum styles minimize damage from both chlorine and necessary bleaching processes. The reduced surface area means less exposure to pool chemicals and faster drying time.
Purple-toning products counteract any chlorine-induced yellowing, maintaining that crisp, modern platinum shade that makes such a confident statement.