What To Know
- This discoloration is caused by copper in the water reacting with the proteins in your hair, resulting in a greenish tint that can be unsightly and embarrassing.
- A swim cap acts as a physical barrier between your hair and the water, preventing copper ions from coming into contact with your hair.
- Use a chelating shampoo once or twice a week to prevent copper buildup and keep your hair free from green discoloration.
Swimming is a refreshing and enjoyable activity, but it can come with an unwelcome side effect: green hair. This discoloration is caused by copper in the water reacting with the proteins in your hair, resulting in a greenish tint that can be unsightly and embarrassing. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to prevent green hair from ruining your poolside experience.
Understanding the Causes of Green Hair
The culprit behind green hair is copper, a metal commonly found in swimming pools. When chlorine is added to the water, it reacts with copper to form copper ions. These ions then attach to the proteins in your hair, causing the greenish discoloration.
Effective Prevention Methods
1. Rinse Your Hair Before Swimming:
Before diving into the pool, thoroughly rinse your hair with clean water. This helps to remove any copper ions that may be present on your hair and scalp, reducing the risk of discoloration.
2. Use a Swim Cap:
A swim cap acts as a physical barrier between your hair and the water, preventing copper ions from coming into contact with your hair. Choose a cap made of a non-porous material like silicone or latex for maximum protection.
3. Apply a Leave-In Conditioner:
Leave-in conditioners create a protective layer on your hair, making it less susceptible to copper ions. Apply a generous amount of leave-in conditioner before swimming and leave it in for the duration of your swim.
4. Use a Chelating Shampoo:
Chelating shampoos contain ingredients that bind to and remove metal ions from your hair. Use a chelating shampoo once or twice a week to prevent copper buildup and keep your hair free from green discoloration.
5. Adjust the Pool’s Chemistry:
If possible, adjust the pool’s chemical balance to reduce the amount of copper in the water. Keep the copper level below 0.2 parts per million (ppm) to minimize the risk of green hair.
6. Use a Copper Ionizer:
A copper ionizer is a device that removes copper ions from the water using a chemical reaction. This can be an effective way to prevent green hair, but it requires regular maintenance and monitoring.
7. Avoid Swimming in Heavily Copper-Treated Pools:
If possible, avoid swimming in pools that are heavily treated with copper. Look for pools that use alternative sanitizing methods, such as ozone or ultraviolet (UV) light.
Treatment Options if Green Hair Occurs
If your hair does turn green, there are several treatment options available:
- Use a Clarifying Shampoo: Clarifying shampoos remove buildup and impurities from your hair, including copper ions. Use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a week to gradually remove the green tint.
- Apply a Tomato Juice Mask: Tomato juice contains citric acid, which can help to dissolve copper ions and remove the green discoloration. Apply tomato juice to your hair, leave it on for 30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.
- Use a Commercial Green Hair Remover: There are several commercial products available that are specifically designed to remove green hair. Follow the instructions on the product label carefully to avoid damaging your hair.
Questions You May Have
Q: Why does my hair turn green even though I wear a swim cap?
A: Swim caps can still allow some water to seep in, especially around the edges. Make sure your cap fits snugly and check for any leaks.
Q: Can I use baking soda to remove green hair?
A: Baking soda can help to neutralize the pH of your hair, making it less susceptible to copper ions. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste and apply it to your hair. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.
Q: How often should I use a chelating shampoo?
A: Use a chelating shampoo once or twice a week to prevent copper buildup. If your hair is particularly prone to green discoloration, you may need to use it more frequently.
