Swimming is a refreshing and enjoyable activity, especially during the warmer months. However, for those with light-colored or chemically treated hair, chlorine and copper in pool water can lead to an undesirable green tint. This phenomenon can be frustrating, particularly for swimmers who regularly hit the pool.
In this guide on how to get rid of green hair from swimming, we will explore effective methods to help remove green hair caused by swimming, allowing you to enjoy the water without worrying about your hair’s appearance.
Why Does Swimming Turn Hair Green?
Before we dive into the solutions, it is essential to understand why chlorine and copper can cause hair to turn green. Chlorine is commonly used in pools to keep them clean and free of bacteria, but it can also strip your hair of its natural oils and proteins. This can make your hair more porous, which makes it easier for copper molecules from pool water to penetrate the hair shaft.
Copper is a naturally occurring mineral found in some pool water sources. When chlorine interacts with copper compounds in the water, it creates a chemical reaction that produces a green hue. This reaction is intensified when there are high levels of chlorine or copper in the pool water.
Now that we know the science behind green hair from swimming let’s look at some simple yet effective methods to get rid of it.
Needed Tools and Materials
Clarifying Shampoo:
One of the easiest and most accessible ways to get rid of green hair is by using a clarifying shampoo. These shampoos are specially designed to remove product buildup, minerals, and chemicals from your hair. Look for a clarifying shampoo that contains EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), as it can help remove copper deposits in your hair.
Baking Soda:
Baking soda is another inexpensive and effective way to remove green tints from hair. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with half a cup of water and use it as a rinse after shampooing your hair.
Vitamin C Tablets:
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, has been known to neutralize chlorine and copper in hair. Crush up a few vitamin C tablets, mix them with shampoo, and apply them to your hair. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Lemon Juice:
The acidity in lemon juice can also help remove green tints from hair. Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto damp hair, leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
8 Simple Methods on How to Get Rid of Green Hair From Swimming
Method 1: Rinse Your Hair With Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy that can help restore your hair’s pH balance and remove unwanted green tones. To use this method, mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. After shampooing your hair, spray the mixture evenly onto your damp hair, ensuring it saturates all the strands.
Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. The acidity of the vinegar works to break down the copper compounds while leaving your hair feeling soft and shiny. Additionally, this method provides a pleasant fragrance and can enhance the overall health of your hair.
Method 2: Use a Clarifying Shampoo
Using a clarifying shampoo is one of the most effective ways to address green hair caused by swimming. These shampoos are specifically formulated to eliminate build-up from various products, as well as minerals and chemicals that can cling to the hair. To use this method, wet your hair thoroughly, then apply a generous amount of clarifying shampoo, concentrating on the areas affected by the green tint.
Massage the shampoo into your scalp and hair for a few minutes to ensure it penetrates well. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, and if necessary, repeat the process to achieve the best results. Follow up with a deep conditioner, as clarifying shampoos can be drying and stripping to your hair. This method not only helps to lift the unwanted green color but also revitalizes your hair, leaving it clean and refreshed. However, be mindful not to use clarifying shampoos too frequently, as they can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause dryness.
Method 3: Try a Baking Soda Rinse
As mentioned earlier, baking soda is an excellent solution for removing green tints from hair. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with half a cup of water and apply it to your damp hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap or towel and leave it on for about 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
The alkaline nature of baking soda works to balance the pH levels in your hair while gently removing copper deposits. Furthermore, this method also helps to remove any product buildup that may contribute to the green tint.
Method 4: Create a Vitamin C Paste
Vitamin C tablets are another effective solution for removing green hair. Crush up a few tablets (about 5-7) and mix them with enough shampoo to create a thick paste. Apply the paste to your damp hair, ensuring it is evenly distributed from roots to ends. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with cool water.
Not only does this method help to reduce the green tint, but it also adds a boost of vitamin C to your hair, promoting overall health and shine.
Method 5: Use Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural and effective remedy for removing green hair caused by swimming, thanks to its acidic properties. To use this method, squeeze the juice of one or two fresh lemons into a bowl and dilute it with an equal amount of water. After shampooing your hair, apply the lemon juice mixture evenly to your damp hair, focusing on the areas most affected by the green tint. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
The acidity of the lemon juice works to break down the copper compounds, while also adding a refreshing scent and shine to your hair. However, be cautious when using lemon juice, as it can be drying; following up with a moisturizing conditioner is recommended to maintain hydration.
Method 6: Create a Vinegar Soak
A vinegar soak can be an effective method to combat green hair caused by swimming, leveraging the natural acidity of vinegar to break down copper compounds. To execute this method, mix one part white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with four parts water in a large bowl or basin. Submerge your hair in the mixture, ensuring all strands are thoroughly coated.
Allow your hair to soak for about 15-20 minutes, then rinse with cool water to remove the vinegar solution. This process not only helps lift the green tint but also leaves your hair feeling refreshed and manageable. For added benefits, you can follow up with your favorite conditioner to replenish moisture and enhance shine.
Method 7: Try a Tomato Juice Rinse
While it may sound unusual, tomato juice is another natural remedy that can effectively remove green hair. The acid in tomatoes works to neutralize copper compounds, restoring your hair’s natural color. To use this method, pour tomato juice over your damp hair, ensuring all strands are evenly coated. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with cool water and shampooing as usual.
In addition to its effectiveness in removing the green tint from your hair, this method also helps add volume and shine.
Method 8: Prevent Green Hair Before Swimming
The best way to avoid green hair caused by swimming is, of course, prevention. Before getting into the pool, wet your hair with non-chlorinated water or apply a leave-in conditioner to create a barrier between your hair and the chlorine. Additionally, wearing a swim cap can also help protect your hair from chlorine exposure.
After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with non-chlorinated water and follow up with a clarifying shampoo or one of the methods mentioned above to remove any remaining chemicals and prevent unwanted green tones.
Tips for Preventing Green Hair
While these methods can effectively remove green hair caused by swimming, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some additional tips to help prevent green hair:
- Use a leave-in conditioner or swim cap before entering the pool to create a barrier between your hair and chlorine.
- Rinse your hair with non-chlorinated water immediately after swimming to remove any chemicals.
- Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to prevent mineral build-up in your hair.
- Consider using a pre-swim treatment specifically designed to protect hair from chlorine, such as those containing vitamin C or coconut oil.
By following these tips and using the methods on how to get rid of green hair from swimming mentioned above, you can enjoy swimming without worrying about green hair. Remember, it’s essential to take care of your hair both before and after swimming to maintain its health and color.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dealing with green hair caused by swimming does not have to be a daunting task. With a variety of effective methods—from baking soda rinses to vitamin C treatments—there are numerous natural solutions available to restore your hair’s vibrancy. Additionally, employing preventive measures, such as using leave-in conditioners or swim caps, can significantly reduce the risk of developing green tones in the first place.
By prioritizing the health of your hair before and after swimming, you can enjoy your time in the pool without the fear of unwanted color changes. Embrace these techniques on how to get rid of green hair from swimming, and you’ll be well on your way to maintaining beautiful, healthy hair all summer long.