Green Hair from Chlorine – How to Fix, Prevent, & Protect your Hair this Summer
Green Hair from Chlorine – How to Fix, Prevent, & Protect your Hair this Summer
Summer is the perfect time for swimming and outdoor activities, but it can be a nightmare for your hair, especially if you are a blonde.
Chlorine in swimming pools is notorious for turning blonde hair green, but with a few tips and tricks, you can fix, prevent, and protect your hair from the dreaded green tint.
No, it’s not permanent, and yes, it’s easy to get rid of at home!
This guide will cover everything you need to know about green hair from chlorine, from understanding why it happens to 10 natural remedies and 8 ways to prevent green hair from the pool.
Why do Blondes Get Green Hair in the Swimming Pool?
Blondes are more susceptible to getting green hair from swimming pools due to the lighter pigment in their hair. The green tint is not caused by the chlorine itself but by the presence of copper and other metals in the water. When these metals oxidize, they can bind to the proteins in the hair shaft, resulting in a greenish hue that is more noticeable in lighter hair.
Does this Only Happen to Blondes?
While blondes are the most affected, green hair from chlorine can happen to anyone. People with lighter hair colors, including light brown and highlighted hair, are also at risk. However, the green tint is less noticeable in darker hair colors, so it may seem like it only affects blondes.
How Does Chlorine Turn Hair Green?
Chlorine in swimming pools acts as a disinfectant to keep the water clean. However, it can also react with metals like copper, manganese, and iron that are commonly found in pool water. When these metals oxidize, they form a compound that can attach to the hair shaft. This compound is what gives hair the green tint, particularly affecting lighter hair colors where the green is more visible.
10 Natural Remedies for Getting Green Out of Hair from Chlorine
Disclaimer- Each individual’s personal hair chemistry is different and results from these remedies may vary depending on the type and amount of buildup on the hai, as well as the underlying color of the hair.
Do not do use any these technique more than twice in a day when working the green out of the hair, and be sure to use a deep conditioner or hair mask after you complete a treatment.
- Baking Soda and Water
Create a paste and apply it to damp hair. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Baking soda works as a natural clarifier so if you use it too much it will strip all of the good oils and moisture from the hair as well as the buildup causing the green.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix one part vinegar with two parts water and rinse your hair with the solution, just as you would shampoo.
- Lemon Juice
Apply freshly squeezed lemon juice to your hair and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
- Tomato Juice or Ketchup
Apply to hair, let sit for 10-15 minutes, and rinse out. The red of the Tomato or Ketchup will neutralize the green color. On the color wheel green and red are opposite, therefore if you mix them together they neutralize the opposite.
Note that if you choose tomato juice, the acidity will help strip the chemical buildup, the sugar from the Ketchup will neutralize but can buildup on the hair as well.
- Aspirin and Water
Dissolve a few aspirin tablets in water and rinse your hair with the mixture.
- Club Soda
Rinse your hair with club soda after swimming.
- Coconut Oil
Apply coconut oil to your hair before swimming to create a protective barrier.
- Vinegar and Baking Soda
Mix equal parts and apply to hair. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
Like the baking soda paste, the vinegar will break down the difficult green clumps on the outside of the hair strand and the baking soda will exfoliate it off of the strands.
- Egg Yolks
Apply beaten egg yolks to your hair, leave for 20 minutes, and rinse.
- Beer
Rinse your hair with beer to help remove the green tint.
How to Get Green Out of Hair After the Pool
After swimming, it’s crucial to wash your hair immediately with a clarifying shampoo. This helps remove any chlorine and metal deposits. If green tint is already present, try one of the natural remedies mentioned earlier, such as baking soda, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice.
8 Ways to Prevent Hair from Turning Green from Chlorine
- Wet Your Hair Before Swimming
Wet hair absorbs less chlorine. Like a sponge, if there is clean water already in there there is less room to absorb the pool water
- Use a Swim Cap
This provides a physical barrier between your hair and the water.
- Apply Leave-In Conditioner
This creates a protective layer on your hair.
Especially if you wet the hair first and use the conditioner to seal it in, this is how I have personally protected my blonde hair for years when I get into the pool!
- Rinse Hair Frequently
Rinse your hair with clean water during breaks.
- Use Anti-Chlorine Shampoo such as a Clarifying Shampoo
These shampoos are formulated to remove chlorine and metals, these are called Clarifying Shampoos.
You do not want to use a clarifying shampoo as your primary cleanser because it is designed to remove all buildup and can strip all of the good oils and moisture from your hair if you use too frequently.
- Condition Hair After Swimming
Helps to lightly cleanse, rehydrate and protect hair from the chlorine sitting inside the hair strand.
- Avoid Over-Chlorinated Pools
Seek out pools with lower chlorine levels. You can do this by purchasing chlorine strips. Or in pools that you can smell the chlorine more strongly, avoid getting your hair wet with the water.
- Use a Hair Mask on the Hair Before Getting into the Pool
Regularly apply hair masks to keep hair healthy and less susceptible to damage.
Will Blonde Hair Turn Green in Salt Water Pools?
Saltwater pools contain significantly less chlorine than traditional pools, reducing the risk of hair turning green. However, if the saltwater pool uses a chlorinator system, there’s still a possibility of metals reacting and causing a green tint. It’s less common but still something to be mindful of.
How to Protect Hair from Chlorine in the Pool
Protection starts before you even enter the pool.
✔️ Wetting your hair with fresh water or applying a leave-in conditioner can reduce chlorine absorption.
✔️ Wearing a swim cap provides a physical barrier, and using anti-chlorine hair products can help remove any residue.
✔️ Post-swim, rinse your hair immediately and follow up with a deep conditioner to restore moisture and prevent damage.
Does Chlorine Have Any Other Side Effects?
Yes, chlorine can have several side effects on hair besides turning it green. It can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and brittleness. Chlorine can also cause split ends, weaken the hair shaft, and make hair more susceptible to breakage. But also, frequent exposure to chlorine can lead to scalp irritation and dandruff.
But no need to worry! All of these side effects are preventable and treatable!
FAQs for Green Hair from Chlorine – How to Fix, Prevent, & Protect your Hair this Summer
How to Fix Chlorine Green Hair?
To fix chlorine green hair, start with a clarifying shampoo to remove any chlorine and metal deposits. Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture.
If the green tint persists, use natural remedies like baking soda, lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar to neutralize the green color.
In severe cases, you may need to visit a professional hairstylist for a specialized clarifying treatment.
Will Purple Shampoo Fix Green Hair?
Purple shampoo is designed to neutralize yellow tones in blonde hair, not green. According to the color wheel, red is the opposite of green, so using products with red pigments (like tomato juice or a red-toned toner) will be more effective in neutralizing green hair. Purple shampoo will not fix green hair because it targets a different part of the color spectrum.
Does Green Hair from the Pool Go Away or Fade?
Green hair from the pool can fade over time, especially with regular washing and exposure to sunlight. However, it can be stubborn and may require specific treatments to completely remove the green tint. Using the remedies and preventative measures mentioned can help accelerate the process.
How to Remove Green Tint from Hair?
Removing green tint from hair can be done using several methods:
- Clarifying Shampoo– Use a shampoo specifically designed to remove chlorine and metals.
- Natural Remedies– Apply baking soda, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice.
- Professional Treatments– Visit a hairstylist for specialized treatments.
- Red-Tinted Products– Use red or pink-tinted shampoos or conditioners to neutralize the green color.
How to Save Hair from Turning Green in the Pool
Preventative measures are key to saving hair from turning green. Wet your hair before swimming, apply a leave-in conditioner, and wear a swim cap. Use anti-chlorine shampoos and conditioners, and rinse your hair thoroughly after swimming. Regularly deep condition your hair to keep it healthy and less prone to damage from chlorine.
Is Green Hair from Chlorine Permanent?
Green hair from chlorine is not permanent but can be persistent.
With proper treatment and care, the green tint can be removed. Regular washing, using clarifying shampoos, and applying natural remedies will help eliminate the green hue over time.
By using the remedies listed here it might take up to 3-4 for the more persistent tints.
How to Treat Green Hair from Chlorine
Treating green hair from chlorine involves using a combination of clarifying shampoos, natural remedies, and deep conditioning treatments.
Start with a clarifying shampoo to remove chlorine and metals.
Follow up with natural remedies like baking soda, lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar.
Always, deep condition your hair regularly to restore moisture and strength.
Green Hair from Chlorine – Shampoos
Shampoos specifically designed to remove chlorine and metals are highly effective in treating green hair. Look for products labeled as “clarifying”, “anti-chlorine”, or “swimmers’ shampoo.”
These shampoos contain ingredients that neutralize and remove the chemicals causing the green tint.
How to Prevent Green Hair from Chlorine
Preventing green hair from chlorine involves taking proactive measures.
- Wet Your Hair Before Swimming: Reduces absorption of chlorinated water.
- Use a Swim Cap: Provides a barrier between your hair and the water.
- Apply Leave-In Conditioner: Creates a protective layer.
- Rinse Hair Frequently: Wash your hair with fresh water during breaks.
- Use Anti-Chlorine Products: Shampoos and conditioners designed to remove chlorine.
- Deep Condition Regularly: Keeps hair healthy and less susceptible to damage.
- Avoid Over-Chlorinated Pools: Opt for pools with lower chlorine levels.
- Protective Hair Treatments: Consider using hair masks or treatments before and after swimming.
How to Fix Blonde Hair Turned Green
Fixing blonde hair turned green involves using clarifying shampoos and natural remedies to remove the green tint. Start with a clarifying shampoo to strip away chlorine and metals. Apply natural remedies like baking soda or lemon juice to neutralize the green color. Deep condition your hair to restore moisture and strength.
How Long Does Green Hair from Chlorine Last?
The duration of green hair from chlorine varies depending on the severity and how quickly you treat it. With immediate and consistent treatment, the green tint can be removed within a few washes. Without treatment, it can last several weeks. Regular use of clarifying shampoos and natural remedies will help expedite the process.
Home Remedies for Green Hair from Pool
Home remedies are a cost-effective and natural way to treat green hair from the pool-
- Baking Soda and Water Paste
- Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
- Lemon Juice Application
- Tomato Juice or Ketchup
- Aspirin Solution
- Club Soda Rinse
- Coconut Oil
- Vinegar and Baking Soda Mix
- Egg Yolks
- Beer Rinse
Follow the instructions to these remedies listed earlier in this article.
Conclusion to Green Hair from Chlorine How to Fix, Prevent, & Protect Your Hair This Summer
By following these tips and remedies, you can enjoy your summer swimming sessions without worrying about your hair turning green. Remember, prevention is key, and with the right care, you can keep your hair healthy and vibrant all season long.