Have you ever experienced the dreaded green tint in your beautiful blonde hair after a swim in a chlorinated pool? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This issue is unfortunately common and can be quite frustrating, especially if you’ve spent time and effort maintaining the perfect shade of blonde.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind chlorine-caused discoloration and, more importantly, the best ways to eliminate the green hue and restore your locks to their rightful glory. So stay tuned and dive in with us as we help you tackle this blonde hair predicament!
Understanding Chlorine’s Effects on Blonde Hair
Chlorine, commonly found in swimming pools, can have adverse effects on blonde hair. As part of the bleaching family, chlorine chemically alters the hair, leading to dryness and potentially turning it green due to copper content in the water.
When you swim, the copper, magnesium, and chlorine in the water bind to the proteins on the surface of the hair shaft, resulting in an oxidized mineral buildup. The greenish coloration, particularly in blonde hair, is a consequence of this buildup.
Besides color alteration, the presence of chlorine in the water can also make hair dry and brittle. This is especially problematic for frequent swimmers, as repeated exposure to chlorine can lead to lasting damage to their hair.
To prevent and counteract these effects, some strategies include:
- Rinsing your hair with clean water before and after swimming
- Using a swim cap to help protect your hair from direct contact with chlorinated water
- Applying specially formulated swimmers’ shampoo and conditioner to wash away chlorine and mineral buildup
- Trying natural remedies, such as vinegar or baking soda, to remove green discoloration.
I go into each of these topics in more detail below.
How to Prevent Green Hair From Chlorine
Wet Your Hair Before and Immediately After Swimming
One of the easiest ways to prevent green hair from chlorine is to wet your hair prior to swimming. By doing so, you fill the hair shaft with water, which makes it more difficult for copper and chlorine to penetrate and cause discoloration.
Always soak your hair with tap water or shower water before taking a dip in the pool. Moreover, it’s essential to also rinse your hair immediately after swimming to remove any traces of chlorine and copper.
This should be quite easy, as it’s literally part of every swimming pool’s rules to shower before entering and anybody with basic hygiene would probably do it in the first place.
Apply a Protective Hair Product
Another effective method to prevent green hair is by applying a protective hair product. Using hair products containing apple cider vinegar seals the hair cuticle and helps prevent copper absorption.
Apple cider vinegar also assists in removing any green tinge that might be present after swimming. If available, look for hair products specifically designed for swimmers, as they often contain ingredients that protect against chlorine damage and discoloration.
Wear a Swim Cap
While it may not be the most stylish option, wearing a swim cap can significantly reduce the chances of your blonde hair turning green from chlorine exposure. A swim cap acts as a barrier between your hair and the pool water, minimizing contact with copper and chlorine.
Since your hair doesn’t come in as much direct contact with pool water, it helps prevent discoloration and damage. Choose a comfortable cap made of silicone, latex, or neoprene for the best protection.
Is Green Hair From Chlorine Permanent?
Say you failed to prevent your blonde hair from turning green. What now; do you have to dye your hair blonde again or wait for the green hair to grow out so that you can lop it off?
No! There are many solutions you can use to get the green tint out of your blonde hair – anything from special swimmers’ shampoos, conditioners and hair treatments to using natural ingredients to remove the green from your hair. Before you do anything drastic, read about the most popular options below.
How to Get Green Out of Blonde Hair
When dealing with chlorine-induced green tints in blonde hair, there are several solutions to explore. In this section, we will discuss specific methods, including clarifying shampoo, home remedies, color-correcting hair products, and seeking professional help.
Clarifying Shampoo
Using a clarifying shampoo can effectively strip away mineral buildup, including chlorine, from your hair. You may need more than one wash to completely remove the green hue. For the best results, use a clarifying shampoo designed for swimmer’s hair, as these typically contain ingredients specifically aimed at neutralizing chlorine and copper.
Home Remedies
There are a few tried-and-tested home remedies that can help get rid of green tints in blonde hair.
One popular method involves spraying your hair with plain apple cider vinegar, which can help neutralize the chlorine and copper deposits.
Another option is to saturate your hair in lemon juice, as its acidity can reduce the impact of copper and chlorine.
You can also use ketchup (yes, the condiment) to get rid of the green tint in your hair because red and green are opposing colors in the color wheel.
For all of these methods, after applying them to your hair, simply massage the ingredients into your scalp, wrap your hair up in tinfoil, wait 20-30 minutes, and then rinse it all off afterwards.
There is a surprising amount of overlap between remedies that can remove chlorine and ones that get rid of the green hue in your hair. Check out our article on natural ways to remove chlorine from your hair to learn even more methods.
Color-Correcting Hair Products
Color-correcting hair products are designed to neutralize unwanted hair colors. Blue or purple shampoos and conditioners can be particularly helpful in combating green hues in blonde hair. They work by depositing cool tones onto your hair strands, which then counteract the warm green color caused by chlorine exposure. Use these products according to the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
Seek Professional Help
If none of the above methods seem to work or you’re hesitant to experiment with home remedies, consider seeking the help of a professional hairstylist. They can use specialized treatments like oxidized mineral buildup removal to eliminate the green tint from your blonde hair. A professional hair colorist can also suggest more long-lasting solutions, such as toners and color-correcting hair dyes, tailored to your specific hair needs.
Maintaining Healthy Blonde Hair
Keeping your blonde hair healthy is essential to prevent it from turning green due to chlorine exposure. Here are some tips to maintain the health and vibrancy of your blonde hair.
Moisturize Regularly
Blonde hair, especially when bleached, can become dry and prone to breakage. To maintain your hair’s health and prevent it from turning green, it is crucial to moisturize it regularly. Use a deep-conditioning hair mask at least once a week to keep your hair hydrated and less susceptible to chlorine absorption.
Limit Heat Styling
Excessive use of heat styling tools, such as hair dryers, flat irons, and curling irons, can damage your hair cuticles, making them more vulnerable to chlorine penetration. Limit heat styling and protect your hair by using a heat protectant spray when necessary.
Trim Hair Regularly
Regular trims are essential to maintain the health of your blonde hair. By cutting off split ends and damaged hair, you reduce the chances of chlorine absorption and green discoloration. Aim to get a trim every six to eight weeks for optimal hair health.
Choose Gentle Hair Products
Selecting the right hair products plays a significant role in maintaining healthy blonde hair. Look for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that are specifically designed for color-treated or blonde hair. These gentle products help to prevent color fading and damage caused by harsh chemicals, including chlorine.
In addition to implementing these tips, consider wearing a swimming cap when swimming in chlorinated pools to provide a protective barrier for your blonde hair.
