That moment in the mirror when your beautiful blonde or lightened hair has taken on a distinct greenish tint can be a real shock. Whether it was a dip in the pool or a color treatment that didn’t go as planned, green hair is a surprisingly common issue. The good news is that it’s usually a temporary problem, and you have several effective options for getting your hair back to its beautiful self.
Why Did My Hair Turn Green?
Before we fix it, it helps to know what caused it. The most common culprit is copper. This metal is often found in swimming pool algicides and even some pipes, and it can bind to the protein in your hair. For blondes and those with chemically lightened hair, the porous strands act like a sponge, soaking up the copper and resulting in a green cast. Sometimes, certain hair dyes with blue and yellow undertones can also mix to create an unwanted green hue.
Simple At-Home Remedies to Try First
For a mild case of green hair, you can often find a solution right in your kitchen or bathroom cabinet. A clarifying shampoo is your first line of defense, as it’s designed to strip away mineral and product buildup. Lather up and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. Another popular method is using a paste made from baking soda and water or crushing up aspirin tablets to create a scrub. Both have mild cleansing properties that can help lift the color.
Using a Tomato-Based Treatment
It might sound unusual, but tomato-based products can be very effective. The theory is that the red tones in tomato juice or ketchup can help neutralize the green color on the color wheel. To try this, apply tomato juice or a generous amount of ketchup to damp hair, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 20-30 minutes before shampooing thoroughly. This can work wonders for subtle green tones.
When to Consider a Professional Solution
If the green tint is stubborn or very pronounced, home remedies might not be enough. This is when a visit to your stylist is a great idea. They have access to professional-grade products and color-correcting techniques that can safely remove the green without damaging your hair. They might use a gentle, professional clarifying treatment or a color remover designed specifically for this purpose.
Seeing a green tint in your hair can be frustrating, but it’s a problem with many solutions. Start with the gentlest at-home methods and work your way up if needed. With a little patience, you’ll have your hair looking fresh and green-free again in no time.