Why Does Blonde Hair Turn Green After Swimming?
You get out of the pool, look in the mirror and suddenly wonder:
“Why is my beautiful blonde hair turning GREEN?” 😂
Before you blame the chlorine, there is something important you should know. Chlorine itself usually is not the green pigment you see. The discoloration is commonly caused by copper and other metals in the pool water.
Pool chemistry can cause copper to oxidize and attach to the hair. On very light blonde hair, those deposits may create a noticeable green or blue-green cast.
The good news is that green pool hair can often be prevented and corrected with the right care.
Why Does Pool Water Turn Blonde Hair Green?
Copper may enter pool water through copper-containing algaecides, certain pool systems, the water supply or corrosion of copper plumbing and equipment.
When copper in the water oxidizes and deposits onto the hair, it can create a green tint. The lighter your hair is, the easier that discoloration is to see.
Think about how a faint green mark would look on a white shirt compared with a dark brown shirt. The green may be present on both, but it will be much more noticeable against the lighter background.
That is why blondes often notice the problem first.
Is Chlorine Responsible for Green Hair?
Chlorine is not usually the green pigment itself, but it can still be part of the problem.
Pool chemicals can affect the way metals such as copper behave in the water. Chlorinated water may also leave the hair feeling dry, rough or tangled after repeated exposure.
When the hair is already lightened, dry or porous, it may be more susceptible to mineral deposits and discoloration. So while chlorine often gets all the blame, copper is usually the bigger reason blonde hair develops that unwanted green cast.
Why Is Lightened Blonde Hair More Vulnerable?
Professionally lightened hair has undergone a chemical process. Depending on its condition, the hair may be more porous than untreated hair.
Porous hair behaves a little like a sponge. It can absorb water and hold onto substances from that water more easily.
Your blonde may be especially vulnerable if it is:
- Very light or platinum
- Frequently highlighted
- Dry or damaged
- Exposed to regular heat styling
- Already affected by hard-water buildup
- In the pool several times a week
Natural blondes can also experience green discoloration. Even darker hair can collect copper, although the green tint may be much harder to see.
How to Protect Blonde Hair Before Swimming
A few simple steps can help reduce your hair’s exposure to pool water and mineral deposits.
Wet Your Hair With Clean Water First
Before getting into the pool, thoroughly saturate your hair with clean shower water.
Dry hair can quickly absorb pool water. Wetting it first means it has already absorbed clean water, which may reduce the amount of pool water it takes in.
Apply a Leave-In Conditioner or Pre-Swim Product
Apply a salon-quality leave-in conditioner or a product specifically designed for swimmers before entering the pool.
This can provide conditioning and help create a barrier between your hair and the water. Avoid applying an excessive amount of a heavy product that could create buildup of its own.
Wear a Swim Cap
I know a swim cap may not be the cutest part of your pool look. 😂 However, it is one of the most practical options if you swim frequently or invest a lot of time and money into maintaining your blonde.
A swim cap may not keep every drop of water out, but it can significantly reduce your hair’s exposure.
Rinse Immediately After Swimming
Do not let pool water dry in your hair for the rest of the day.
Rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water as soon as you leave the pool. Depending on how often you swim and what your hair needs, your stylist may also recommend an appropriate swimmer’s shampoo, such as our OUAI Clarifying Detox Shampoo or Living Proof Clarifying Detox Shampoo, or a mineral-removal treatment.
What Should You Do If Your Blonde Hair Turns Green?
First, please do not panic and start applying random products or hair color. 😂
Green hair after swimming may be caused by mineral deposits rather than a problem that needs to be covered with more artificial pigment.
A professional treatment designed to remove metals or mineral buildup may be the first step. Your stylist should also evaluate the condition of your hair before recommending a strong clarifying or chelating service.
The right solution will depend on:
- How much discoloration is present
- How porous or damaged your hair is
- Your previous color and chemical history
- How frequently you swim
- Whether your home water also contains minerals
Trying to bleach the green out can cause unnecessary damage. Applying another color before addressing the buildup may also create an unpredictable result.
Will Purple Shampoo Remove Green From Blonde Hair?
Usually not.
Purple shampoo is formulated to help neutralize yellow tones. It is not designed to remove copper deposits, and purple does not directly neutralize green.
Color theory tells us that red counteracts green, but that does not mean you should apply red color to your blonde hair at home. If metals are present, they may need to be removed before your stylist adjusts the tone.
Otherwise, you could trade green hair for muddy, pink or uneven hair. Nobody wants that little poolside surprise. 😂
Can Hard Water Also Turn Hair Green?
Pool water is not the only possible source of copper and mineral buildup.
Copper can sometimes be present in household water, especially when water chemistry contributes to corrosion of copper plumbing. If your blonde repeatedly develops a green or dull cast even when you have not been swimming, your home water may be worth investigating.
Other signs of mineral buildup may include hair that feels:
- Dry or coated
- Dull despite using good products
- Difficult to lather or rinse
- Tangled and hard to manage
- Resistant to color or toner
- Different after washing at home than it feels at the salon
A professional hair assessment can help determine whether mineral buildup may be contributing to the problem.
Professional Mineral-Buildup Help in Columbus, Georgia
If your blonde hair turns green after swimming, please do not start experimenting with bleach, baking soda, tomato juice or random color from the beauty aisle.
At Revive Hair & Beauty, we can examine your hair, discuss your swimming and water exposure, and recommend an appropriate treatment or home-care routine.
The goal is not simply to cover the green. We want to address the possible buildup while protecting the condition of your blonde hair.
Healthy hair will always be the priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chlorine turn brown hair green?
Copper deposits can affect any hair color, but the green tint is usually more noticeable on blonde, gray, white or very lightened hair.
Can green pool hair be fixed?
In many cases, yes. A professional mineral-removal or chelating treatment may help, but the correct service depends on the condition and color history of your hair.
Should I use clarifying shampoo after every swim?
Not necessarily. Frequent use of a strong clarifying shampoo may leave some hair feeling dry. Ask your stylist how often you should use one based on your swimming schedule and hair condition.
Does wetting your hair before swimming really help?
Saturating your hair with clean water before entering the pool can reduce how much pool water dry, porous hair absorbs. For additional protection, combine this step with an appropriate leave-in product and a swim cap.
Should I tone my hair if it turns green?
Do not assume the problem is faded toner. If copper or mineral buildup is present, removing that buildup may need to happen before the color is adjusted.
Is Your Blonde Looking a Little Too Green?
If your blonde suddenly looks more Kermit the Frog than bright and beautiful, do not panic. 😂💚
Schedule a professional assessment at Revive Hair & Beauty so we can determine what your hair needs and create a plan that protects both your color and the integrity of your hair.
Revive Hair & Beauty
3910 Rosemont Drive
Columbus, GA 31904
Phone: 706-289-2092
Open seven days a week
Proudly serving Columbus, Fort Benning, Phenix City, Harris County and surrounding communities.