Ever looked in the mirror after a swim and noticed your beautiful blonde locks have taken on an unwanted green hue? It’s a common plight for blondes, especially during the summer months when chlorine is abundant in pools. That greenish tinge is actually copper, not chlorine itself, binding to the proteins in your hair, and it’s definitely not the look most people are going for!
Nobody wants to walk around with hair that resembles a swamp monster. Beyond the aesthetic issue, the chemicals that cause green hair can also dry out and damage your strands, leading to breakage and split ends. Getting that green out quickly and safely will restore your hair’s vibrancy and health, helping you feel confident and ready to show off your gorgeous blonde again.
How Can I Prevent and Reverse Green Hair?
What neutralizes green tones in blonde hair after pool exposure?
Tomato-based products, specifically ketchup or tomato juice, are commonly used to neutralize green tones in blonde hair after pool exposure. The red pigments in tomatoes counteract the green caused by copper in pool water binding to the hair shaft.
The green tint that appears in blonde hair after swimming in a chlorinated pool isn’t actually caused by chlorine itself. The culprit is copper, often present in pool water as an algaecide or leached from copper pipes. When chlorine oxidizes the copper, it binds to the proteins in your hair, resulting in a greenish hue, especially noticeable in lighter shades of blonde. The red color found in tomato products is located opposite green on the color wheel. Applying ketchup or tomato juice allows the red pigments to deposit onto the hair shaft, effectively canceling out the green. The acidity of tomato products may also assist in loosening the copper bond. After applying the tomato product, ensure a thorough rinse and follow with a moisturizing conditioner, as tomato products can sometimes be drying. For severe cases, a clarifying shampoo can also help remove mineral buildup before or after the tomato treatment. Preemptive measures, such as wetting your hair with tap water (which is less likely to contain copper) and applying a leave-in conditioner or hair oil before swimming, can also minimize copper absorption. A swim cap is also a great barrier to the water itself.
Can a toner correct greenish hues in bleached blonde hair?
Yes, a toner can often correct greenish hues in bleached blonde hair. Green tones appear because bleached hair is porous and readily absorbs minerals, particularly copper, from water sources. A toner with a red or pink base counteracts the green, neutralizing it and restoring a more balanced blonde shade.
Think of the color wheel: red and green are opposites. To neutralize unwanted green, you need to introduce its complementary color, red. Toners work by depositing pigment onto the hair shaft. When you choose a toner with red or pink undertones, it will effectively cancel out the green, bringing your blonde back to a more neutral or desirable shade. The strength and processing time of the toner will depend on the intensity of the green and the existing tone of your blonde. It’s important to choose the right toner. Look for toners specifically formulated to counteract green tones, often described as having a red, pink, or “strawberry” base. Also, consider the level of your blonde. A very light blonde might require a gentler toner with less red pigment to avoid over-correcting and ending up with pink hair. For more stubborn green, you might need to use a stronger toner or even a color-correcting shampoo or treatment before toning. While toner is frequently effective, severe cases of green discoloration might require additional steps. In these instances, professional help from a stylist experienced in color correction is advisable to prevent further damage and achieve the desired result.
How can I prevent my blonde hair from turning green in the first place?
The primary culprit for blonde hair turning green is copper in swimming pool water, which binds to the hair protein. The best way to prevent this is to saturate your hair with clean, non-chlorinated water before swimming and apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to create a barrier. After swimming, thoroughly rinse your hair with a clarifying shampoo and conditioner, and consider using a swim-specific shampoo designed to remove chlorine and copper.
Blonde hair is particularly porous and absorbent, making it more susceptible to discoloration. The copper in pool water, often added as an algaecide, oxidizes and deposits onto the hair shaft. Pre-saturating your hair essentially fills the hair shaft with clean water, minimizing the absorption of the copper-laden pool water. The leave-in conditioner or hair oil further helps to repel the pool water and create a physical barrier against copper absorption. Look for products containing ingredients like dimethicone or cyclomethicone, which are water-repelling silicones.
Investing in a good quality swim cap can also provide a significant level of protection. While not foolproof, a well-fitting swim cap will reduce the amount of direct contact between your hair and the pool water. For even greater protection, consider applying leave-in conditioner underneath the cap. Consistent preventative measures are key to maintaining the vibrancy of your blonde hair and avoiding the dreaded green tinge.
When should I see a professional stylist to fix green blonde hair?
You should seek professional help immediately if DIY methods fail to noticeably reduce the green within one or two attempts, if your hair feels damaged or brittle, or if the green is highly concentrated or unevenly distributed. Trying to fix severely green blonde hair yourself could exacerbate the problem and cause further damage, potentially leading to breakage or significant color banding.
A professional stylist has access to a wider range of products and techniques specifically formulated to neutralize green tones. They can accurately assess the underlying cause of the green (e.g., mineral buildup, improper toner, chlorine exposure) and tailor a treatment plan accordingly. This might involve using specialized chelating shampoos to remove mineral deposits, color correction with a red or pink-based toner, or even a gentle bleaching process followed by a professional-grade toner and deep conditioning treatment. Attempting multiple home remedies, especially involving strong chemicals like baking soda or harsh shampoos, can strip your hair of essential moisture and protein, making it more susceptible to damage. A stylist will prioritize the health and integrity of your hair while correcting the color, using conditioning treatments and protective measures throughout the process. They can also provide expert advice on how to prevent future green discoloration. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you feel out of your depth or are concerned about the condition of your hair.
And that’s it! Getting rid of green tones in blonde hair can be a bit of a process, but hopefully these tips have given you the confidence to tackle it. Thanks for reading, and we hope you’ll come back soon for more hair care advice!