Blonde hair can be a beautiful, bright look, but it can also be prone to unexpected color changes, particularly a green tint. This common problem, especially for blondes who spend time in chlorinated pools, can be frustrating and difficult to manage. Fortunately, there are several easy and natural ways to get green out of blonde hair without causing further damage.
This guide will walk you through the causes, prevention, and best methods for removing green tones from blonde hair.
Why Blonde Hair Turns Green
Understanding why your blonde hair turns green is the first step toward solving the problem. The green hue typically results from exposure to chemicals found in swimming pools, particularly copper. Copper is used in pools to prevent algae growth, and when it oxidizes, it bonds with the proteins in hair, causing that undesirable green tint. Blond hair, especially lighter shades like platinum or ash blonde, is more susceptible to this color change due to its porous nature.
While pool water is the main culprit, other factors like well water, mineral build-up from hard water, and even some hair products can also cause blonde hair to take on a greenish hue.
Materials You’ll Need to Remove Green from Blonde Hair
You don’t need a salon trip to fix this issue. Many effective home remedies can help remove the green tint, and most of them involve everyday items you might already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking soda
- Apple cider vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Clarifying shampoo
- Tomato juice
- Aspirin
- Hair conditioner
- Club soda
How to Get Green Out of Blonde Hair: Step-by-Step Remedies
There are several methods for removing green tones from blonde hair. Below are some of the most effective techniques, each explained step-by-step.
1. Baking Soda and Water Paste
Baking soda is a common household item that’s both safe and effective for removing the green tint from blonde hair. It works by neutralizing the chlorine and copper that cause discoloration.
- How to Use:
Mix 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda with a small amount of water to create a thick paste. Apply the paste to the green areas of your hair, focusing on the ends where the discoloration is often the worst. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Follow up with a hydrating conditioner to restore moisture to your hair.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Apple cider vinegar is another excellent option for restoring blonde hair. Its acidity helps break down the copper deposits and restores the hair’s natural pH balance, leaving it soft and shiny.
- How to Use:
Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture evenly throughout your hair, making sure all green-affected areas are covered. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Use a gentle shampoo to remove any lingering vinegar smell, and follow up with a conditioner.
3. Lemon Juice Treatment
Lemon juice is known for its natural lightening properties, and it’s also effective at removing green tones from blonde hair. The acidity in lemon juice can break down the copper and chlorine buildup, leaving your hair looking bright and fresh.
- How to Use:
Squeeze the juice from two or three lemons and dilute it with a bit of water. Apply the lemon juice to your hair, focusing on the green areas. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water. As lemon juice can be drying, follow up with a deep conditioner or hair mask to keep your hair hydrated.
4. Tomato Juice Method
This might sound strange, but tomato juice or ketchup can effectively counteract the green tint in blonde hair. The red tones in tomato juice neutralize the green tones, bringing your blonde hair back to its original shade.
- How to Use:
Apply tomato juice or ketchup directly to the green areas of your hair. Massage it in and leave it on for 10-20 minutes, depending on the severity of the discoloration. Rinse your hair thoroughly with water and shampoo as usual. Follow up with a conditioner to ensure your hair stays soft and manageable.
5. Aspirin and Water Solution
Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which can help break down the minerals in your hair that cause the green tint. This remedy is particularly useful for those who have access to hard water, which can contribute to discoloration.
- How to Use:
Crush 6-8 aspirin tablets into a powder and dissolve them in a glass of warm water. Pour the solution over your hair, making sure to saturate the areas with the most discoloration. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with water. Shampoo and condition your hair afterward.
6. Club Soda Rinse
Club soda is another simple but effective way to remove green tones from blonde hair. Its carbonation helps lift chlorine and copper deposits from your hair, making it a great rinse option after swimming in a pool.
- How to Use:
Pour club soda over your hair, ensuring it covers all the green areas. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then rinse with water. You can repeat this process as often as needed until the green tint disappears. Be sure to condition your hair afterward to keep it hydrated.
Clarifying Shampoos: A Commercial Solution
If home remedies aren’t giving you the desired results, a clarifying shampoo designed to remove buildup from hair may be the best option. Clarifying shampoos work by stripping away product buildup, hard water minerals, and chemicals like chlorine and copper. While effective, they can also be drying, so it’s essential to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment.
Preventing Green Hair in the Future
Once you’ve removed the green from your blonde hair, it’s essential to take steps to prevent it from returning. Here are some useful tips to protect your hair from future discoloration:
- Use a Swim Cap: One of the easiest ways to prevent green hair is by wearing a swim cap when you swim. This will minimize your hair’s contact with chlorinated water.
- Wet Hair Before Swimming: Rinse your hair with clean, non-chlorinated water before entering the pool. Wet hair absorbs less pool water, reducing the amount of chlorine and copper that can cling to your strands.
- Apply a Leave-in Conditioner or Oil: Coating your hair with a leave-in conditioner or oil before swimming acts as a barrier between your hair and the pool water, further reducing the chances of your hair turning green.
- Rinse Immediately After Swimming: After swimming, rinse your hair immediately with clean water to wash away as much chlorine as possible.
- Use a Chelating Shampoo: For regular swimmers, using a chelating shampoo once a week can help remove chlorine, copper, and other minerals before they have a chance to discolor your hair.
FAQs
1. Can I use lemon juice on blonde hair without making it lighter?
Ans – Lemon juice can lighten hair slightly, especially if you spend time in the sun after using it. To avoid this, limit the time the lemon juice is left in your hair, and always rinse thoroughly.
2. How can I prevent my blonde hair from turning green again after swimming?
Ans – Wear a swim cap, apply a leave-in conditioner, and rinse your hair before and after swimming to reduce the chances of it turning green.
3. Will baking soda damage my blonde hair?
Ans – Baking soda is safe for occasional use but can be drying if used too often. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to maintain healthy hair.
4. Is it necessary to use a clarifying shampoo, or can I stick to natural remedies?
Ans – Clarifying shampoos are effective, but if you prefer natural remedies, options like baking soda, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar can work just as well.
5. How often should I treat green-tinted blonde hair with these remedies?
Ans – Most of these remedies are safe to use once or twice a week until the green tint disappears. However, you should avoid overdoing it, especially with acidic treatments like lemon juice, to prevent hair damage.
6. What should I do if my hair still has a green tint after using these remedies?
Ans – If the green tint persists, try repeating the treatments or consider using a commercial product designed for removing chlorine buildup. In extreme cases, consulting a hair professional may be necessary.
Conclusion
Blonde hair turning green doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. With simple home remedies like baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and even tomato juice, you can restore your hair’s natural color without the need for harsh chemicals or expensive salon treatments.
By following the steps outlined in this guide and taking preventive measures, you can keep your blonde hair looking bright and vibrant, free from unwanted green hues.
