Discovering your hair has turned an unexpected shade of green after a swim is undeniably frustrating. This unfortunate situation is more common than you might think, and thankfully, there are solutions. Let's dive into the reasons why this happens and explore effective ways to remedy the situation and prevent it from happening again.
Why Did My Hair Turn Green After Swimming?
The culprit behind green hair is usually copper. Many pools, particularly those not properly maintained or those with older plumbing systems, contain high levels of copper ions in the water. These copper ions bind to the proteins in your hair, causing a greenish tint. The higher the copper levels and the longer your hair is exposed, the more intense the green discoloration becomes. This is especially true for blonde or light-colored hair, as the lighter the hair color, the more readily it absorbs the copper.
What Makes My Hair More Susceptible to Turning Green?
- Hair porosity: Highly porous hair, meaning it easily absorbs moisture, is more prone to absorbing the copper ions.
- Hair color: Blonde, gray, and light brown hair are significantly more susceptible than darker shades.
- Length of exposure: The longer you stay in the pool, the greater the chance of copper absorption.
- Pool chemicals: Improperly balanced pool chemicals increase the likelihood of copper buildup.
How to Get the Green Out of My Hair
Thankfully, there are several methods to remove the green tint from your hair. The best approach depends on the severity of the discoloration and your hair type.
1. Commercial Clarifying Shampoo
Start with a clarifying shampoo. These shampoos are designed to remove product buildup, minerals, and chlorine from your hair. A thorough wash with a clarifying shampoo can often significantly lighten the green hue. Look for shampoos specifically formulated to remove chlorine and minerals from hair.
2. Baking Soda Paste
A simple and effective home remedy involves creating a paste of baking soda and water. Apply this paste to your hair, gently massage it in, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Baking soda helps to lift the copper ions from the hair shaft. Caution: Overuse of baking soda can be drying, so use it sparingly.
3. Tomato Paste
Yes, you read that right! Tomato paste is another surprisingly effective remedy. Apply the tomato paste to your hair, leave it on for about 30 minutes, and then rinse. The acidity of the tomatoes can help neutralize the copper ions. Note: This method can be messy.
4. Vitamin C Treatment
Crush several vitamin C tablets and mix them with a small amount of clarifying shampoo or conditioner. Apply this mixture to your hair, leave it on for about an hour, and rinse. The ascorbic acid in vitamin C helps break down the copper bonds.
5. Professional Help
If home remedies fail to remove the green tint, consider consulting a professional hairstylist. They have access to stronger treatments and can offer advice tailored to your specific hair type and condition. They may recommend a color correction treatment to neutralize the green tones.
How to Prevent Green Hair in the Future
Prevention is always better than cure. Here's how to minimize the risk of your hair turning green again:
- Wet your hair before entering the pool: Pre-soaking your hair helps it absorb less pool water.
- Wear a swim cap: A swim cap creates a barrier between your hair and the pool water.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly after swimming: This removes chlorine, copper, and other minerals from your hair.
- Use a leave-in conditioner: A leave-in conditioner helps protect your hair from absorbing minerals.
- Check pool water quality: If you swim regularly in a particular pool, check the pH balance and copper levels.
By understanding the causes and employing the appropriate remedies, you can effectively combat green hair and enjoy your pool time without worry. Remember to be patient and persistent – removing the green tint may require several attempts.
