How To Get Rid Of Green Swimmers' Hair

Fair-headed children and adults with platinum blond highlights are at risk for having their hair turn green over the summer months. Frequent dips in the pool often leads to blue-greenish tresses if the proper steps are not taken to prevent hair from absorbing minerals found in chlorinated pool water. Contrary to popular belief, chlorine has little to do with green hair. Green discoloration is caused by high levels of copper in the pool water, not chlorine, according to a German study published in a 1997 issue of Der Hautarzt.

Step 1

Shampoo hair twice with a clarifying shampoo. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and towel dry.

Step 2

Empty the clarifying treatment packet into a bowl and add 1/4 cup hot water straight from the tap. Stir until the mixture thickens into a gel. Work the product through your hair from the scalp to the ends using your fingers and the palms of your hands. Place a plastic cap on top of your hair, ensuring that all hair is pushed up into the cap.

Step 3

Set the timer for 15 minutes. Set a hair dryer to medium heat and turn it on. Hold the dryer approximately 12 inches from your head and direct the flow of heat over the plastic cap as evenly as possible. Continue applying heat for the entire 15 minutes.

Step 4

Remove the plastic cap and rinse your hair with warm water. Condition and towel dry. Repeat the treatment two to three times per week until all of the green color has been removed from your hair.

Tips and Warnings

If you notice a greenish cast on hair and clothing after swimming, check the copper content of your pool. Many pool stores will do this free of charge, and guide you in your efforts to reduce copper levels. Wear a swim cap at all times if you have blond hair or if your hair is overly porous. Not only do caps protect your hair from pool chemicals, they also make it easier to style your hair after swimming. Your hair acts like a sponge. If you dive into water with dry hair, it will absorb the pool water quickly. Wet down your hair before getting into the pool to minimize the amount of water, minerals and chemicals your hair can absorb while you are swimming.