How To Fix Green Hair From Pool
Did your hair turn green after a dip in the pool? This may be due to copper and chlorine present in the water. While it may look funky, green-tinted hair isn’t the best look for most.
Luckily, there are ways to restore your hair’s natural vibrancy and remove that green tint from the pool. Read on to find out why pool water turns hair green easy at-home remedies and other solutions to fix it so you can rock your regular color again.
Why Does Hair Turn Green in the Pool?
Hair can turn green after swimming in chlorinated pools due to a chemical reaction between the chlorine and minerals like copper in the water. This reaction causes copper to deposit on hair strands, oxidize, and create a greenish-blue tint.
The green color is most noticeable on light blonde and bleached hair because it shows up better against lighter shades. Brunettes and redheads are less likely to experience a drastic color change.
Chlorine alone does not turn hair green, as many people believe. It is the combination of chlorine mixing with copper from the piping, metals in the water supply, algae, and other contaminants that lead to discoloration.
The green tint develops over repeat exposure as more copper builds up on the hair over time.
Further Reading: Hair Care for Swimmers: A Complete Guide
Home Remedies to Fix Green Hair
To fix green hair from the pool, there are a few home remedies you can try. One option is to create a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to your hair for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.
Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can also be used as natural clarifiers by mixing them with water and massaging into the hair before rinsing. Ketchup or tomato juice can help neutralize the green tint in blond hair when applied and left on for several minutes before washing out.
Lastly, a hot oil treatment can restore moisture and shine after chlorine has damaged the hair.
Baking soda paste
Baking soda paste is a great home remedy for green hair. You make it by mixing 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda with water. The mixture should look like paste. Use your hands to put the paste on the green parts of your hair.
Massage it into these areas well. Baking soda lifts color out, so it can help get rid of the green hue caused by pool water’s chlorine.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice is a simple and natural remedy to fix green hair caused by swimming in pools. The acidity of lemon juice helps neutralize the green tint that chlorine can leave on your hair.
To use lemon juice, you can mix it with warm water in a spray bottle and spray it onto your hair for 5-10 minutes before shampooing and conditioning. Lemon Kool-Aid can also work as an alternative to lemon juice for removing the green tint from your hair.
Lemon juice and Kool-Aid are not only effective in fixing green hair from pool water but also from ash dye. If you find yourself with green-tinted hair after a swim, give lemon juice or Kool-Aid a try!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a great home remedy for fixing green hair caused by pool water. It contains acetic acid which helps to remove the green color from your hair. You can mix apple cider vinegar with water and use it as a rinse after swimming in the pool.
This will help prevent or remove the green tint from your hair. Apple cider vinegar is also known for its ability to remove buildup, which includes copper ions that cause green hair.
So, give apple cider vinegar a try if you want to fix your green hair problem naturally.
Ketchup
Ketchup can be a surprising solution for fixing green hair caused by chlorine in the pool. It contains vinegar and acetic acid, which can help neutralize the oxidized copper that causes the green tint.
Some people even use ketchup or tomato paste to remove the green from their hair. This method is believed to work by canceling out the green color with its red pigment. Ketchup has gained popularity as a home remedy for neutralizing green tints, especially in blond hair after swimming in a pool.
So if you have some green hair after swimming, give ketchup a try and see if it helps restore your natural color.
Tomato Juice
Tomato juice is a great home remedy for fixing green hair caused by swimming in a pool. It can help remove the green tone and restore your natural hair color. You can apply tomato juice to your hair and leave it on for several minutes before washing and conditioning.
Tomato juice is less acidic than lemon juice, but it still effectively cancels out the green tint caused by chlorine. So, if you’re looking for a natural and easy solution to fix green hair, give tomato juice a try!
Use Aspirin
Crush 6-8 plain aspirin( Bayer) tablets inside a bowl, add warm water to it, and let it dissolve. Put the aspirin-water mixture into your hair and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. Rinse it out with clean water, then shampoo and condition normally.
Hot Oil Treatment
A hot oil treatment is an effective home remedy for fixing green hair caused by pool water. Before swimming, apply the treatment to your hair to seal the cuticle and protect it from the chemicals in the pool.
This will help prevent discoloration and damage to your hair. Hot oil treatments can be easily done at home using natural oils like coconut, olive, or argan oil. Simply warm up the oil and apply it generously to your hair, focusing on the ends.
Leave it on for about 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with shampoo and conditioner. Repeat this treatment regularly to keep your hair healthy and vibrant.
Other Solutions and Products to Fix Green Hair
To further address green hair caused by pool water, there are various solutions and products available. Chlorine-removing shampoos can effectively remove the discoloration, while professional hair treatments provide a more targeted approach.
Chlorine-removing Shampoo
Chlorine-removing shampoos are specifically designed to get rid of chlorine, bromine, salt water, hard water minerals, and other chemical odors from the hair. They can be really helpful in treating hair damaged by chlorine exposure.
Regular shampoo alone may not effectively remove chlorine from the hair, which is why these specialized shampoos are useful. They can also remove oxidized copper patina from the hair shaft and prevent greenish discoloration caused by chlorine.
So if you have green hair from swimming in a pool, using a chlorine-removing shampoo can help fix it.
Professional Hair Treatments
Professional hair treatments can be an effective solution for fixing green hair caused by pool water. Hair salons and hairstylists offer various treatments specifically designed to remove the green tint and restore your hair’s natural color.
These treatments often involve specialized products that can neutralize the copper or chlorine in your hair, helping to get rid of the green hue. In addition to removing the discoloration, professional treatments also focus on repairing any damage caused by prolonged exposure to pool chemicals.
It’s important to consult with a professional hairstylist who can recommend the best treatment for your specific needs and provide guidance on maintaining healthy hair after swimming in pools.
Further Reading: Why do Competitive Swimmers Shave?
Prevention Tips to Avoid Green Hair
Pre-wet your hair before swimming, apply oil or conditioner, rinse immediately after swimming, use swim caps or protective hair products, and consider using clarifying shampoo regularly.
Pre-wet Hair before Swimming
To avoid green hair from the pool, it’s important to pre-wet your hair before swimming. This simple step can help prevent your hair from absorbing too much chlorine and turning green.
By saturating your hair with clean water before jumping in the pool, you create a barrier that reduces the amount of chlorinated water that is absorbed by your strands. It’s especially effective if you use an oil coating or hydrating conditioner to further protect your hair.
Pre-wetting is an easy and effective way to keep your locks looking healthy and vibrant after swimming in a pool.
Apply Oil or Conditioner Before Swimming
To prevent green hair from pool water, it’s a good idea to apply oil or conditioner before swimming. This can create a protective barrier on the hair and reduce the chances of chlorine interacting with it.
Coconut oil is particularly beneficial as it helps prevent protein loss and reduces damage caused by chlorine. By applying oil or conditioner before swimming, you can help keep your hair healthy and avoid that unwanted green tint.
Rinse Hair Immediately After Swimming
After swimming in a pool, it’s important to rinse your hair right away. This helps to remove the chemicals that can cause green hair. When you rinse with water, it washes away the chlorine and other pool chemicals that can stick to your hair and give it a green tint.
It’s best to do this as soon as possible after getting out of the water. By rinsing your hair immediately after swimming, you can help prevent those unwanted green hues and keep your locks looking their best.
So remember, don’t forget to give your hair a good rinse after taking a dip in the pool!
Use Swim Caps or Protective Hair Products
To prevent green hair caused by chlorine exposure in pools, it is important to use swim caps or protective hair products. These can create a physical barrier between your hair and the chlorine, effectively reducing the chances of your hair turning green.
Swim caps, in particular, offer great protection as they cover your entire head. Using protective products like leave-in conditioners or sprays can also help shield your hair from the harmful effects of chlorine.
By using swim caps or protective hair products, you can keep your hair healthy and free from that unwanted green tint. So before diving into the pool, make sure to protect your locks!
Further Reading
Consider using a Clarifying Shampoo Regularly
To prevent and fix green hair caused by pool water, using a clarifying shampoo regularly is highly recommended. Clarifying shampoos are specifically designed to remove chlorine and other mineral buildup from the hair.
Regular shampoos may not be effective in removing chlorine completely, so using a clarifying shampoo can help ensure that all traces of chlorine are removed. This is especially important for those with blonde hair as it can help prevent the hair from turning green.
In addition to removing chlorine, clarifying shampoos also leave the hair soft, shiny, and manageable due to their cleansing properties. So make sure to include a clarifying shampoo in your regular hair care routine for healthier and vibrant-looking locks.
Controlling Oxidized Copper Buildup in Your Pool
To prevent copper buildup that causes green hair;
- Test your pool water for copper content using test strips or take a sample to a pool store for testing.
- Use a hose filter when filling the pool to remove copper and minerals from the water source.
- Add a metal sequestrant to the pool water to bind with copper and prevent oxidation.
- If treating algae, choose a copper-free algaecide.
Proper pool maintenance by monitoring copper levels, filtering water, and binding metals can help stop hair discoloration.
Further Reading
- Evidence-based Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Swimming
- Why Swimming Sucks: Dangers and Risks
- Why Some People Including Celebrities CAN’T Swim
FAQs
Does green hair from chlorine go away on its own?
No, green hair from chlorine exposure will not go away on its own and requires treatment with clarifying shampoos or anti-chlorine products to remove the discoloration.
How long does it take to fix green hair from the pool?
It may take a few treatments or several days for your hair to return to its normal color. The time it takes to fix green hair depends on the severity of the discoloration and the method used. Green chlorine hair can last for months if not treated properly.
Does chlorine turn bleached hair green permanently?
No, green hair from chlorine is not permanent and can be reversed with the proper cleansing and conditioning treatments.
Should I seek professional help if home remedies don’t work?
Yes, it is recommended to consult a professional hairstylist who can provide further assistance and suggest appropriate solutions if at-home remedies are not working
Conclusion
Fixing green hair from the pool is possible with various home remedies and solutions. From using baking soda paste and lemon juice to trying professional hair treatments, there are options available for everyone.
Additionally, taking preventative measures like rinsing hair immediately after swimming and using protective products can help avoid green hair in the first place. With these tips and tricks, you can enjoy your time in the pool without worrying about any unwanted discoloration in your hair.
