Do you love to swim, but worry about your hair turning green afterwards? Green hair can happen to anyone, though it’s most commonly seen if you have light or blonde hair. Even those with dark hair can experience a green tint after swimming.

Hair turns green in the pool because the algae-killing copper particles become oxidized by chlorine and bind to the proteins in your hair. This chemical process can also happen in saltwater pools as there is still copper and chlorine working to keep bacteria out of the water.

How to fix green hair

There are several ways to repair your green hair and return it to normal, including:

1. Avoid green hair

The best fix is to avoid having your hair turn green in the first place. You can’t always control the copper levels in the pools you swim in, so protect your hair by getting it wet before you swim. If you shower before swimming, your hair will absorb the clean shower water, which leaves less room in each hair strand to absorb pool water.

Another preventative measure is to wear a swimming cap in the pool. It’s not the most attractive option, but it’s better than trying to deal with the aftermath of green hair. Swim caps also help you swim faster, making summer even more fun. Just remember to tuck all your hair into the cap before entering the water!

2. Swimmers Shampoo

After swimming, take a shower to rinse off the pool water. Use shampoo that is especially for swimmers as it will help get the green colour out of your hair.

3. Ketchup

Yes, you read that right. Ketchup can remove the green tint from your hair. Though it sounds gross it works, and is a cheap, quick way to solve your coppery problem.

Ketchup, or any tomato sauce, is slightly acidic and helps break down the copper in your hair. Massage it into your hair and let it sit for 10-20 minutes before rinsing out. You may repeat if needed. This is one of the more natural ways to remedy your hair colour.

4. Natural Remedies

Do you already have too many chemicals in your hair? Here’s a few natural ways to get your hair back to normal:

• - By pouring a half cup of lemon juice over your hair after swimming you can start to break down and remove the copper oxides in your hair. Let the lemon juice stay in your hair, massaging to cover all affected areas. Rinse and repeat as needed
• - You can also try using vinegar, as it is also acidic and very helpful

Be careful not to get either product in your eyes. Though they are natural and non-toxic, it’ll still hurt if it gets vinegar or lemon juice in your eyes.

5. Adjusting Pool Chemicals

Are you finding that your hair turns green after every swim, no matter how long you’re in the water? Maybe it’s time to check your chemical levels, mainly copper. Use the LaMotte Low Range Copper Test Kit -the kit is easy to use and can help you know if your chemicals need to be adjusted to lessen the chances of green hair.

Following these preventative tips is the best way to ensure your hair doesn’t turn green, but if it does, these remedies will help you restore your natural colour!

This Blog was Posted on May 3rd, 2017
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