Green Hair From Chlorine: This Is The Easiest Solution

Green_Hair_From_Chlorine_This_Is_The_Easiest_Solution

One of the scariest problems for most people after a day of swimming is getting green hair from chlorine. And it’s not even the kind of green you get from hair color; it’s more like that green, algae-infested pool water that hasn’t been cleaned in ages. If you are unfortunate enough to find yourself a victim of chlorine green hair, don’t worry because we have some easy and simple solutions for you.

But first, what causes hair to turn green in the first place? Well, the answer just might surprise you.

Causes of Green Hair

Despite being one of the most commonly used pools and hot tub sanitizer, chlorine has a notorious reputation for causing negative effects to the skin, eyes, and even hair. This is why it is natural for people to think that the green tinge in their hair after swimming is caused by chlorine in the pool water. Although there is some truth to this notion, one cannot put all the blame on the said pool chemical. Chlorine green hair is not caused by chlorine itself but the copper is present in the pool water.

Copper is an active ingredient found in many pool algaecides, which as the name suggests are used by pool owners to get rid of algae in pools. Although there are products that don’t contain copper, the most popularly used pool algaecides do.

When you add chlorine to the water through a chlorine dispenser, the copper is oxidized by the said pool sanitizer. The oxidized copper is what binds to the proteins in your hair and gives it that greenish tint. So although chlorine does have something to with that green tinge on your hair after swimming in the pool, it is not directly responsible for it.

Getting Rid of Green Hair after Swimming

Luckily, getting rid of green hair from chlorine isn’t overly difficult. There are several products available that can help you do this, some of which can be conveniently bought from stores while others are right there in your kitchen.

Chlorine Removal Shampoo

Using a chlorine removal shampoo or also referred to by some as swim shampoo is perhaps the easiest solution for removing green hair from chlorine. You simply need to wash your hair, lather the shampoo for a full minute, then rinse it off.

These shampoos are specifically formulated to remove chlorine as well as break down and remove trace metals from the hair. You should be able to see the effects immediately when using them as your hair goes back to its natural color. Some swim shampoos also have conditioning agents that smoothen and protect your hair from dryness and brittleness.

Keep in mind though that these types of shampoos are not intended for daily use as the ingredients it contains may harm your hair in the long run.

Chlorine Removal Spray

A good alternative to a swim shampoo would be a chlorine removal spray. It works the same way as a swim shampoo in the sense that it neutralizes chlorine to prevent damage and irritation, as well as help in getting rid of chlorine green hair.

Chlorine removal spray is designed to be used before shampooing your hair. Simply spray the recommended amount (varies according to manufacturers) then use your favorite shampoo to clean your hair before rinsing.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of those household staples that can do almost anything, even removing green hair from chlorine. There are two ways to use baking soda for removing that green tinge from locks. You can make a paste by combining baking soda with water and then massage it to your hair, or you can add it to your shampoo and wash your hair as you normally would. Either way is supposed to be effective.

If you have blonde or light-colored hair, you may need to repeat the process several times before you get the results you want. Also, keep in mind that baking soda can leave your hair dry, so you’ll want to use a hair conditioner afterward.

Club Soda

Sodium, as one of the main ingredients of club soda, is effective in removing that green tint in the hair after swimming. It is used by some people as a final rinse after shampooing to remove hard metals from tap water that stuck to their hair.

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Preventing Green Hair from Chlorine

It can be a hassle having to remove that green tint out of your hair, so you may want to consider the following tips to avoid getting it in the first place. 

  • Wet your hair with clean water before swimming.<span style=”font-weight: 400;”> Hair is like a sponge that will absorb anything and everything in the water. By completely wetting your hair before swimming, you can minimize the amount of chlorinated water that it will absorb.
  • Use a swim cap. Wearing a swim cap will help to protect your hair from being exposed to chlorinated water. Keep in mind that this will only work if all of your hair is tucked neatly underneath, so you’ll want to learn how to put on a swim cap properly.
  • Coat your hair in oil. The oil acts as a waterproof barrier and will help to prevent chlorine and metals from sticking to your hair. It is recommended that you use hair oil, but if you can’t find any then you can use jojoba oil, coconut oil, or olive oil.

Like, they say, prevention is better than cure. And keeping the problem from happening in the first place is probably one of the easiest solutions to dealing with chlorine green hair.

FAQ

Q: Is green hair from chlorine permanent?

A: 

Yes, that green tinge you get on your hair after swimming can become permanent if you don’t wash your hair properly and use the right products afterwards. This is why it’s important to employ the preventive measures mentioned above to keep this from happening.

Q: Will green hair from pool fade?

A: 

Unfortunately, no. Using regular shampoo can help to minimize the green tinge on your hair but it won’t completely remove it. Also, if you swim regularly (hence, expose your hair to chlorinated water very often) then the green film that coats your hair will only accumulate and become more obvious over time.

Q: How do I fix green hair?

A: 

Fortunately, there are myriad of ways to fix green hair caused by chlorine like the use of chlorine removal shampoos and sprays as well as DIY home remedies which includes baking soda, club soda, and others. Some of these products, especially the commercially produced ones, will allow you to see the effects immediately while it may take longer for some products to produce the same results.

Q: What shampoo gets rid of green hair?

A: 

Green hair from chlorine can be removed by using a chlorine removal shampoo or swim shampoo. These are readily available in most swimming outlets and athletic stores. These types of shampoo have active ingredients that can neutralize and break down chlorine and oxidized copper that gives your hair that green tint after swimming.

Q: Do Highlights turn green chlorine?

A: 

That depends on the type of highlights that you have. If your highlights are of a lighter shade, then the green tinge will be much more obvious. Having darker highlights doesn’t mean that your hair won’t turn green, but it will be less noticeable.

Q: How do you keep bleached hair from turning green in chlorine?

A: 

Employing preventive measures like using a leave-on conditioner or using a swim cap is the best way to keep bleached hair from turning green after using the swimming pool. Soaking your hair in clean water before swimming can also help in protecting your hair from chlorine and minimize its damage.

Q: What causes green hair after swimming?

A: 

The green tinge on your hair after swimming in chlorinated pools are caused by the oxidized copper in the water. As explained above, when chlorine is introduced into the pool water it starts to break down and oxidizes the metals present therein. When you go swimming the oxidized copper sticks and coats your hair, thus giving it that green tint.

Q: Does lemon juice get rid of green hair?

A: 

Lemon juice is an effective agent when dealing with green hair from chlorine. The acids found in lemon juice can help to break down the green film that coats your hair. This then makes it easier to wash away and remove the film, thus allowing your hair to return to its normal color.

Globo Surf Overview

Getting green hair from chlorine is certainly something you’ll want to avoid at all costs especially if you have light-colored hair. Nonetheless, if you already feel victim to the chlorine green hair dilemma, then you try the advice given above to reverse the effects and bring your crowning glory back to its former color.

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