Picture this: you just had a refreshing dip in the pool, excited to show off your sun-kissed skin and bright blonde hair. But as you step out, you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and gasp! Instead of the shimmering gold you expected, your hair has a greenish tint. Ugh!
Whether it’s from chlorine, hard water, or even some hair products, green discoloration can be a real bummer for blondes. But don’t worry, you don’t have to hide under a hat all summer.
This article will guide you through safe and effective methods to get green out of blonde hair and restore their former glory. We’ll look at everything from simple home remedies to professional solutions, so you can say goodbye to green hair for good!
Why Does Blonde Hair Turn Green?
Before we learn how to get green out of blonde hair, let’s understand why this happens in the first place.
- Chlorine: This is the most common culprit. Chlorine is added to pools to kill bacteria, but it can also bind to the copper in your hair, causing a green tint.
- Hard water: Some well water and city water contain high levels of minerals like copper and iron. These minerals can deposit on your hair, leading to a greenish hue.
- Hair products: Certain hair products, especially those with a low pH, can react with the minerals in your hair or water, contributing to green discoloration.
How to Get Green Out of Blonde Hair: Effective Solutions
Now, let’s dive into the solutions! Here are some proven methods to banish that green tinge and bring back your beautiful blonde:
1. Clarifying Shampoo
A good clarifying shampoo is your first line of defense against green hair. These shampoos are designed to remove buildup from your hair, including minerals and chlorine.
- Choose a chelating shampoo: Look for a shampoo that contains chelating agents like EDTA. These agents bind to the minerals in your hair and help remove them.
- Wash thoroughly: Wet your hair completely and apply the clarifying shampoo. Lather well and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
- Repeat as needed: You may need to repeat this process a few times to completely remove the green.
2. Tomato Juice or Ketchup
Believe it or not, tomato juice or ketchup can help neutralize the green in your hair thanks to their acidity.
- Apply generously: Saturate your hair with tomato juice or ketchup, focusing on the green areas.
- Let it sit: Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse and shampoo: Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water and then wash with a regular shampoo.
- Repeat if necessary: You might need to repeat this process a few times for stubborn green stains.
3. Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent that can help lift the green from your hair.
- Make a paste: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste.
- Apply to hair: Apply the paste to the affected areas of your hair.
- Leave on for 10-15 minutes: Let the paste sit on your hair for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse and shampoo: Rinse your hair thoroughly and then wash with a regular shampoo.
| Home Remedy | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Clarifying Shampoo | Easy to use, readily available | May dry out hair with repeated use |
| Tomato Juice/Ketchup | Affordable, often already in the pantry | Can be messy, may stain clothes |
| Baking Soda Paste | Natural, effective for mild cases | Can be abrasive if used too often |
4. Lemon Juice Rinse
Lemon juice is another natural acidic ingredient that can help remove green discoloration.
- Mix with water: Dilute lemon juice with water (about 1 part lemon juice to 4 parts water).
- Apply to hair: Pour the mixture over your hair after shampooing.
- Leave on for a few minutes: Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your hair with cool water.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Apple cider vinegar is known for its clarifying properties and can help restore the pH balance of your hair.
- Mix with water: Dilute apple cider vinegar with water (about 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water).
- Apply to hair: Pour the mixture over your hair after shampooing.
- Leave on for a few minutes: Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your hair with cool water.
6. Swimming with Wet Hair
This might sound counterintuitive, but wetting your hair with clean water before swimming can actually help prevent it from absorbing chlorine.
- Soak your hair: Before entering the pool, thoroughly wet your hair with clean water.
- Apply conditioner: Apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair to create a barrier against chlorine.
7. Shower After Swimming
The longer chlorine stays on your hair, the more likely it is to cause discoloration.
- Rinse immediately: Rinse your hair with clean water as soon as you get out of the pool.
- Shampoo and condition: Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.
8. Professional Help
If home remedies don’t work or you’re concerned about damaging your hair, it’s best to seek professional help.
- Consult a stylist: A professional hair stylist can assess your hair and recommend the best course of action.
- Professional treatments: Salons offer specialized treatments to remove mineral buildup and restore hair color.
| Prevention Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Wet hair before swimming | Simple, easy to do | May not be completely effective |
| Shower after swimming | Helps remove chlorine quickly | Requires access to a shower |
| Professional treatments | Effective, tailored to your hair needs | Can be expensive |
How to Get Green Out of Blonde Hair: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Assess the damage: Determine the severity of the green discoloration.
- Choose a method: Select a method based on the severity of the green and your comfort level.
- Follow instructions: Carefully follow the instructions for your chosen method.
- Be patient: It may take a few tries to completely remove the green.
- Prevent future discoloration: Take preventive measures like wetting your hair before swimming and using a clarifying shampoo.
- Seek professional help if needed: If home remedies don’t work, consult a hair stylist.
Conclusion
Green discoloration in blonde hair can be a frustrating experience, but it’s usually fixable. By understanding the causes and following the steps outlined in this article, you can effectively remove the green and restore your hair’s natural shine.
Remember to be patient, choose the right method for your needs, and take preventive measures to avoid future discoloration. With a little care and attention, you can keep your blonde locks looking their best.
FAQs
Some of the frequently inquired questions about ways to get green out of blonde hair are given as:
How long does it take to get green out of blonde hair?
The time it takes to remove green from blonde hair depends on the severity of the discoloration and the method used. It may take a few washes with a clarifying shampoo or several applications of home remedies like tomato juice or baking soda.
Can I use purple shampoo to get green out of hair?
Purple shampoo is designed to neutralize yellow tones in blonde hair, not green. Using purple shampoo on green hair may not be effective and could even worsen the discoloration.
Will swimming in a saltwater pool turn my hair green?
Saltwater pools are less likely to turn your hair green compared to chlorinated pools. However, if the saltwater pool has a high copper content, it could still cause some discoloration.
How often should I use a clarifying shampoo to prevent green hair?
If you swim frequently or have hard water, you may need to use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a week to prevent green discoloration. However, avoid overusing clarifying shampoos as they can strip your hair of its natural oils.
Is it safe to bleach to get green out of blonde hair?
Bleaching your hair to remove green is not recommended as it can further damage your hair and may not effectively remove the discoloration. It’s best to try safer methods first or consult a professional hair stylist.