How to Fix and Prevent Blonde Hair From Turning Green

Is your blonde hair turning green? Did you recently swim in a pool? If so, that’s the reason you’re seeing the change of color in your blonde locks.

Copper causes blonde hair to turn green and it just so happens that copper is found in most pools! When the chlorine oxidizes this metal, it sticks to the proteins of your hair strains, causing them to turn a slight shade of green. 

If you are rocking green and blonde hair unwillingly, don’t freak out. There is a way to fix this and prevent it from happening again. We’ll cover this and more, so read on, love! 


1. Don’t Panic 

Here’s the thing – your hair is already green. You swam in the pool without realizing that chlorine causes green hair. Panicking isn’t going to speed up the process of reversing the effects. Therefore, take a deep breath and think with a clear head. 

2. Rinse Out Your Locks

Get all the chlorine-infused pool water out of your hair by rinsing it with cool water and baking soda. Baking soda is known for effectively removing chlorine, among other chemicals for your mane. To make a solution, mix the following: 

  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 cup water 

Wash your mane with this solution and rinse thoroughly with cool water.

3. Use a Clarifying Shampoo (Or Ketchup)

A clarifying shampoo will eliminate the green tint in your blonde locks. How? Well, think about this product as a shampoo on steroids – it cuts through all product buildup, oils, and chlorine. 

If you don’t have a clarifying shampoo, use ketchup. It sounds strange, but the acid found in tomatoes also works wonders in breaking down chlorine and copper. This will fade the green from your hair. 

If you are allergic to tomatoes, don’t try this! Instead, go to the store or stylist and purchase an excellent clarifying shampoo (sometimes referred to as a swimmer’s shampoo). 

4. Trim Your Ends 

At this point, the tips of your hair are probably dry with a hint of green still. You can trim split ends yourself at home to get rid of the green and provide your mane with a healthy growth boost. 

How to Prevent Blonde Hair From Turning Green 

Here are some of the best ways to prevent your blonde hair from turning green: 

Condition Your Locks Before Swimming 

Applying a leave-in conditioner to your hair before jumping in the pool is an excellent way to protect your locks from chlorine. Why? Well, the pool water won’t stick as well to your hair when there’s conditioner on it. 

Moreover, copper doesn’t hang as tightly on your mane when it’s wet. Therefore, wet your hair and condition it at the same time. 

Stop Using Copper Based Algaecides 

In order to kill algae in your pool, you need to use algaecides. Algaecides contain copper, which can cause the hair to turn green. However, if you keep your pool’s chlorine level where it needs to be, you won’t have to use algaecides. 

Wear a Swimming Cap 

Swimmers aren’t the only ones that should be wearing swim caps while in the water. A swim cap protects your tresses from chlorine, copper, and the sun. They’re inexpensive and easy to put on. If you don’t want to wear a swim cap, tie your hair in a ponytail or bun. 

Purchase a Good Clarifying Shampoo 

Just like we mentioned earlier, you want to use a clarifying shampoo right after a swim. This will strip the chlorine from your tresses.

Get a Filter For Your Shower 

The water coming out of your shower may be the issue here. Some hard water contains very high levels of copper. Chlorine is used to kill the copper, which can turn blonde hair green. An easy way to prevent this from happening is by installing a shower filter. 

Keep Your Mane Healthy 

A healthy mane goes beyond wearing a swim cap or installing a shower water filter. You need to care for your hair by giving it a break from hot styling tools every once in a while. Also, keep it covered with a hat when out in the sun for long periods.

Unhealthy locks will have the highest level of green coloration so if you want to prevent this from happening, stay on top of your hair health. 

The Good News 

If your hair looks green, the good news is it’s not permanent. It didn’t change color – all you’re seeing is an oxidized mineral buildup. Don’t think green and blonde hair go together? With the tips above, you’ll get your natural hair back in no time!

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