Jumping into the pool can have an unintended consequence if you have blond hair. While chlorine can dry out all hair types, blond hair may turn green after exposure to chlorine. The green color results when chlorine damages the hair shafts and opens them up to exposure to heavy metals, according to BeyondJane.com. When these metals adhere to the hair, your normally blond hair can turn an unattractive green. Treating your hair before you swim can help you avoid looking like a leprechaun.
Step 1
Wet your hair with chlorine-free water before jumping into the swimming pool. Your hair will absorb the chlorine-free water, leaving less room for chlorinated water, according to FreeBeautyTips.org.
Step 2
Use conditioner after wetting your hair. Leave the conditioner in while you swim for increased protection from chlorine and heavy metals.
Step 3
Wear a bathing cap after rinsing your hair and applying conditioner. Preventing chlorine from reaching the hair is the best method of prevention.
Step 4
Rinse your hair with fresh, chlorine-free water immediately after swimming to reduce the effects of the pool water. FreeBeautyTips.org suggests using club soda to stop the effects of chlorine exposure. Rinsing your hair is an important step, especially if you don't own a bathing cap.
Step 5
Shampoo your hair after rinsing it. Use shampoo specially formulated for swimmers if you're prone to developing green hair. This type of shampoo helps remove chlorine from your hair, which prevents metals from adhering to the hair shafts.
Step 6
Condition your hair every time you shampoo to prevent it from drying out, which is a common side effect of chlorine exposure. Conditioning your hair on a regular basis may offer additional protection from chlorine.
Tips and Warnings
- When your blond hair becomes green despite your efforts, try a few home remedies. Make a paste with baking soda and water, and leaving the paste on your hair for seven minutes before rinsing, recommends BeyondJane.com. Rinse your hair with tomato or lemon juice. Apply conditioner to your hair after using any of these remedies to keep your hair from becoming too dry. Consider alternating swimming in freshwater lakes or ponds with swimming in a chlorinated pool. If at-home prevention methods aren't helping your hair retain its natural color, visit your hair stylist. She may offer suggestions or products that will remove the green from your hair.
Things You'll Need
- Conditioner
- Bathing cap
- Club soda
- Shampoo for swimmers
- Baking soda
- Tomato juice
- Lemon juice
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