Green Hair from Chlorine? Learn How to Reverse It!

Even though summer is winding down, this does not mean you have to get out of the pool just yet.

Why not stay in until your fingers turn into raisins? That is, unless you have blonde or light brown hair and want to keep it from turning green.

That’s right, the myths are actually true. Pool water can actually make your hair turn green! Or at least give it a greenish tint.

But worry not, we’ve come with the solution! Scroll on and discover how you can reverse your green hair from chlorine and turn it back to its normal shade so you can enjoy all the pool time you want!

Why Does Chlorine Turn Your Hair Green?

Most people blame chlorine for turning their hair green, but this is actually incorrect.

The hard metals in the water, specifically copper, are the elements responsible for giving your hair that greenish tint.

The copper in pool water is oxidized by chlorine, which then binds to the proteins in your hair. Which metal then gives your hair that green color.

So, in a way, you do get green hair from chlorine, but perhaps not in the way you thought it happens.

Most commercial and personal pools contain copper because it is an active ingredient in algaecides.

Algaecides are used in traditional pool maintenance to prevent algae from building up in the water.

So it makes sense that pool owners would want to protect their investment by using the best products for their cleaning job.

The good news?

Light-haired individuals aren’t restricted to sitting in a lounge chair by the pool if they want to protect their precious hair. There are easy and often inexpensive ways to prevent and reverse green hair from chlorine.

So let’s see how you can prevent, protect, and how to get chlorine green out of hair!

How Can You Prevent Green Hair From Chlorine?

It is always easier to prevent your hair from changing colors than to help bring it back after it has turned.

Still, there are a number of simple ways to prevent your hair from turning green.

If You Own the Pool

1. Stop Using Copper-Based Algaecides

Want to prevent copper from damaging your hair? Then, if you own a pool, simply don’t add the copper to your pool.

Copper is the main ingredient in most algaecides because it is very effective at killing and preventing algae growth.

As it turns out, there are several products on the market that do not contain copper and yet work just fine.

You can also stop using an algaecide altogether.

This requires more work on your end, as you will have to regularly monitor your pool to ensure you keep the chlorine levels in check.

But it is doable.

And hey, you’ll save money if you stop buying pool chemicals.

2. Remove the Metals From the Water

While uncommon, some places around the country do have copper in their water supply.

To prevent it from entering your pool, you can invest in a hose filter.

As it happens, most of us don’t own a pool. If that the case for you too, then scroll down to see what you can do to prevent green hair from chlorine.

If You Go Swimming At a Public/Club Pool

1. Wear a Swim Cap

Wearing a swim cap can help protect your hair from exposure to the harmful copper in pool water.

A silicone cap works best as they are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

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Remember: This will only work if all of your hair is tucked under the cap.

If you are having trouble tucking it all in, there are a number of online tutorials you can watch to help you.

2. Soak Your Hair Before Swimming

Your hair is like a sponge as in it will absorb as much water as it can.

If you completely wet your hair before getting into the pool, you can minimize the amount of chlorinated water it will absorb.

Fortunately, most public pools have showers in their locker rooms or in an outside area near the pool, so you can easily wet your water at the pool.

That is, before diving in, of course.

3. Coat Your Hair in Oil

Applying hair oil to your tresses before swimming can also help prevent it from absorbing too much chlorinated water.

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If you don’t have hair oil, you might also consider using olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, or jojoba oil.

Make sure you apply a liberal amount of oil and apply it from your roots to the tips of your hair.

Remember: All pools have their own rules, so some might not accept this.

Also, we suggest wearing a swim cap even if you use hair oil. This will help prevent the oil from washing out while you swim.

4. Rinse Your Hair after Swimming

Even if you don’t have time to take a real shower after swimming, you should at least rinse out your hair.

Doing this immediately after swimming can help remove the chemicals-rich water soaking your hair.

How to Reverse Green Hair From Chlorine

Even though we presented several things you can do to try and prevent your hair from turning green because of pool water, sometimes, there is not much you can do about it.

So where does that leave you? With green hair from chlorine, but with a tint that can be reversed back to normal.

So below, we present you with our top tips on how to reverse green hair!

1. Use a Swim Shampoo

As it turn out, there are several products specifically designed to help return your hair to its normal color.

Called swim shampoo or chlorine removal shampoo, these are specifically formulated to remove chlorine from your hair.

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Simply wash your hair (and wash it well) with such a shampoo as soon as you notice it’s started changing colors.

You should work the shampoo lather onto your hair for a full minute.
Also, make sure the shampoo you are using contains EDTA or chelating ingredients.
These can break down and remove metals.
Once the green has disappeared, stop using this shampoo.

As you may have guessed, these products are not intended for long-term use, and might actually damage your hair if used regularly.

2. Use a Removal Spray

Instead of purchasing a new shampoo, you can try using a chlorine removal spray.

Sold at most athletic stores, it works by neutralizing the chlorine in your hair to prevent damage and irritation.

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This product is designed to be used in the shower before you shampoo your hair.
Hold it at arm’s length and spray it on your tresses.
Then shampoo it away.

3. Make a Baking Soda Paste

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Baking soda has so many more uses than just making your cookies rise or helping your fridge smell better.

It can also help you reverse green hair from chlorine, as you might have already guessed.

How to Make & Use a Simple Baking Soda:

Combine ¼ to ½ cup of baking soda with enough water to create a somewhat runny paste.
Apply the product to damp hair and massage it into your locks. Do this all the way from your scalp to the tips of your hair.
Let it sit for about a minute and then rinse it out.
People with light hair colors may have to repeat this process several times.
After rinsing out the baking soda, you should shampoo and then condition as normal.

Another way to use simple baking soda is by adding it right into your shampoo. Then simply shampoo your hair as you normally do.

We find it easier to use the paste, but hey, that’s just us. You should do what makes you comfortable.

It is import to note that using baking soda is a very drying procedure for your hair. You should condition with a moisturizing conditioner afterward.

4. Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar

You are probably familiar with all the health benefits apple cider vinegar has to offer, but did you know you can also use it on your hair?

Simply:

Pour about a ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar onto your hair while showering.
Then work it into your scalp and all the way down to the end of your hair.
Once done, rinse it out with warm water.
You do not need to shampoo after rinsing out the apple cider vinegar.
However, if you want to remove its smell, we recommend using a conditioner.

Like most other treatments, this can damage your hair if used too often. It is best if you only to use it periodically.

5. Use a Tomato-Based Product

You can also use tomato-based products to remove that pool water green tint from your hair. Anything from tomato paste to ketchup or tomato juice can help.

Use it Like This:

Simply apply a thin layer of the tomato product of your choice to your damp hair.
Then, let sit it for 10 to 15 minutes.
Rinse the product out of your hair.
After that, shampoo and condition as normal.
A helpful tip would be to distribute the product with a wide-tooth comb.

The red color (and components) of these products helps neutralize the green tint of your hair.

6. Make a Citrus Rinse

Citrus fruits are also useful because of their acidic nature. To make a citrus rinse, simply:

Juice one lemon and mix that with a splash of club soda.
This should then be poured over damp hair and combed through with a wide-toothed comb.
The comb will help you distribute the rinse more evenly.
Let this concoction sit on your hair for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing it off in the shower.
After the rinse, shampoo and condition as normal.

Have you ever splashed lemon juice on a paper cut on your finger? If yes, then you will appreciate this extra tip.

Also, never use this method if you have a dry, cracked, irritated, or flaky scalp. The stinging sensation will make you want to stick with the green hair, even if it’s from chlorine.