That stunning blonde or cool silver hair can sometimes take an unexpected turn towards a murky green. It’s a surprisingly common hiccup, often leaving you wondering where you went wrong. Don’t worry, this color mishap is almost always fixable. The key is understanding why it happened so you can choose the right solution to restore your beautiful hair.
Why Did My Hair Turn Green?
Green tones typically appear in lightened hair for two main reasons. The first is exposure to minerals, especially copper, found in some swimming pools and even tap water. The second culprit is often an underlying pigment issue; when certain blonde dyes or toners fade, they can reveal a brassy or greenish base that was hiding beneath the surface.
Simple At-Home Solutions to Try First
Before you reach for more color, you can often solve the problem with items you have at home. A clarifying shampoo is a great first step, as it helps strip away mineral buildup. For a more targeted approach, many people have success with a natural acid like tomato juice or lemon juice. The theory is that the red tones can help neutralize the green. Applying a paste of baking soda and shampoo can also help lift the color gently.
Using a Color-Correcting Treatment
If home remedies don’t do the trick, it’s time to bring in the color theory. On a color wheel, red is directly opposite green. This means red-based products can cancel out green tones. You can use a red or pink color-depositing conditioner or a diluted semi-permanent red dye. Apply it only to the green areas, leave it on for a few minutes, and rinse. Always do a strand test first to ensure you get the desired result.
When to See a Professional Stylist
For severe or stubborn green tones, or if you’ve tried correcting it yourself without success, a visit to your stylist is your best bet. They have access to professional-grade color removers and the expertise to lift the unwanted pigment without causing further damage to your hair. They can assess the health of your hair and apply a precise corrective color to get you back on track.
Caring for Your Hair After the Green is Gone
Once the green is successfully removed, a little prevention goes a long way. If you’re a swimmer, wet your hair with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner before entering the pool, and always rinse immediately after. Using a shower filter can also help minimize exposure to hard water. Stick to purple or blue shampoos designed for blonde hair to maintain your cool tone without the risk of green.
Seeing green in your hair can be a shock, but it’s usually a temporary problem. With a little patience and the right approach, you can say goodbye to the green and hello to the gorgeous hair color you love.