Discovering a greenish tint in your natural hair can be alarming. This unexpected color change can occur for various reasons, ranging from environmental factors to chemical reactions. Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for effectively addressing the problem and preventing it from recurring. Let’s explore the common culprits behind green hair and how to restore your hair’s natural beauty.
Decoding the Green Hue: Common Causes
The appearance of green in natural hair is often linked to the presence of certain minerals and chemicals that interact with the hair’s protein structure, particularly in porous hair. This section dives deep into the most frequent reasons behind this unwelcome color shift.
Copper: The Primary Culprit
Copper is the most common offender when it comes to green hair. Copper ions can bind to the protein in your hair, resulting in a greenish discoloration.
Water Sources and Copper Pipes
The most prevalent source of copper is your water supply. Copper pipes, especially in older homes, can leach copper into the water. When you wash your hair, the copper ions in the water deposit onto the hair shaft. Over time, this accumulation can lead to a noticeable green tint, especially in lighter hair shades such as blonde or light brown.
Well Water Considerations
If you rely on well water, you’re also at a higher risk of copper contamination. Well water often contains higher concentrations of various minerals, including copper, due to its direct contact with the earth. Regular testing of your well water can help identify potential issues.
Swimming Pools and Copper-Based Algaecides
Swimming pools treated with copper-based algaecides are another significant source of copper exposure. These algaecides are used to control algae growth, but they release copper ions into the water. Frequent swimmers are particularly vulnerable to developing green hair.
Chlorine: A Contributing Factor
While chlorine itself doesn’t directly turn hair green, it can exacerbate the problem by making hair more porous and susceptible to copper absorption.
Chlorine’s Impact on Hair Porosity
Chlorine is a bleaching agent that can strip the hair of its natural oils and weaken the hair shaft. This damage increases hair porosity, meaning the hair becomes more absorbent. As a result, the hair is more likely to absorb copper and other minerals from the water.
Chlorine and pH Levels
Chlorine can also affect the pH level of your hair, making it more alkaline. Alkaline hair is more prone to mineral absorption. Maintaining a healthy pH balance is essential for hair health.
Mineral Buildup and Oxidation
Besides copper and chlorine, other minerals and their interaction with hair and the environment can also contribute.
Iron and Other Metals
Iron, manganese, and other metals present in your water supply can also contribute to discoloration, although they usually result in different hues like orange, brown, or even reddish tones. However, they can interact with copper to create a more complex discoloration.
Oxidation Processes
When minerals deposit on the hair, they can undergo oxidation, which further alters their color and binding properties. Sunlight and air exposure can accelerate this process, making the green tint more noticeable over time.
Identifying At-Risk Hair Types
Not all hair types are equally susceptible to turning green. Certain hair characteristics make some individuals more prone to this discoloration.
Light-Colored Hair: Blonde, Gray, and Light Brown
Lighter hair shades are more likely to show the effects of copper and other minerals. The contrast between the green tint and the hair color is more pronounced, making the discoloration more noticeable.
Porous Hair: Damaged or Chemically Treated
Porous hair, whether naturally so or due to chemical treatments (bleaching, perming, coloring), absorbs more moisture and minerals. Damaged hair has a compromised cuticle layer, allowing for easier penetration of copper and other substances.
Fine Hair: Increased Surface Area
Fine hair has a larger surface area relative to its volume, which means there’s more area for minerals to deposit. This can make fine hair more prone to discoloration, even with lower levels of copper exposure.
Preventative Measures: Protecting Your Hair
Prevention is always better than cure. Taking proactive steps to minimize your hair’s exposure to copper and other harmful substances can significantly reduce the risk of developing green hair.
Water Filtration Systems
Installing a water filtration system is one of the most effective ways to prevent green hair.
Whole-House Filtration Systems
A whole-house filtration system filters all the water entering your home, removing copper, chlorine, and other contaminants. This is the most comprehensive solution, providing clean water for all your household needs.
Shower Filters
Shower filters are a more targeted and affordable option. They attach directly to your showerhead and filter the water as it passes through, removing copper and chlorine. Choose a filter specifically designed to remove heavy metals.
Pre- and Post-Swim Hair Care
If you’re a frequent swimmer, taking precautions before and after swimming is crucial.
Wetting Hair Before Swimming
Saturating your hair with clean, non-chlorinated water before entering the pool can help prevent it from absorbing as much chlorinated water. Think of it like a sponge – a wet sponge won’t absorb as much water.
Wearing a Swim Cap
A swim cap provides a physical barrier between your hair and the pool water, reducing exposure to chlorine and copper. Choose a tight-fitting cap made of silicone or latex for optimal protection.
Rinsing and Cleansing After Swimming
Immediately after swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water to remove chlorine and copper. Follow up with a clarifying shampoo to remove any remaining residue.
Protective Hair Products
Certain hair products can help protect your hair from mineral buildup and damage.
Chelating Shampoos
Chelating shampoos are specifically formulated to remove mineral buildup from the hair. These shampoos contain ingredients that bind to metals and other minerals, allowing them to be rinsed away. Use a chelating shampoo periodically, but be mindful not to overuse it, as it can be drying.
Leave-In Conditioners and Sealants
Leave-in conditioners and sealants can create a protective barrier on the hair shaft, helping to prevent minerals from penetrating. Look for products that contain silicones or other film-forming ingredients.
Treatment Options: Removing the Green Tint
If your hair has already turned green, don’t despair. Several treatment options can help remove the green tint and restore your hair’s natural color.
Clarifying Shampoos with EDTA
Clarifying shampoos that contain EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) are effective at removing mineral buildup. EDTA is a chelating agent that binds to metal ions, allowing them to be washed away. Use these shampoos sparingly, as they can be drying.
DIY Remedies: Kitchen Solutions
Several DIY remedies can help remove green tones, although their effectiveness may vary depending on the severity of the discoloration.
Tomato Juice or Paste
The acidity in tomatoes can help neutralize the alkalinity caused by chlorine and copper. Apply tomato juice or paste to your hair, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another acidic remedy that can help remove mineral buildup. Dilute lemon juice with water and apply it to your hair. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Be cautious with lemon juice, as it can lighten your hair color.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda has mild abrasive properties that can help remove mineral deposits. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste and apply it to your hair. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Baking soda can be drying, so follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.
Professional Treatments: Salon Options
For stubborn green tones or if you’re hesitant to try DIY remedies, professional salon treatments are a reliable option.
Chelating Treatments
Salons offer professional chelating treatments that are more potent than over-the-counter chelating shampoos. These treatments use stronger chelating agents to effectively remove mineral buildup.
Color Correction
If the green tint is severe or uneven, a color correction service may be necessary. A professional colorist can use toners and other color-correcting products to neutralize the green tones and restore your hair’s natural color.
Maintaining Healthy Hair: Long-Term Care
Once you’ve addressed the green tint, maintaining healthy hair is essential to prevent future discoloration.
Regular Deep Conditioning
Deep conditioning treatments help to replenish moisture and strengthen the hair shaft, making it less prone to damage and mineral absorption. Use a deep conditioner once or twice a week.
Gentle Hair Care Practices
Avoid harsh chemicals and excessive heat styling, which can damage the hair and increase porosity. Use sulfate-free shampoos and avoid over-processing your hair with chemical treatments.
Regular Trims
Regular trims help to remove split ends and prevent breakage, keeping your hair healthy and strong. Aim for a trim every 6-8 weeks.
By understanding the causes of green hair, taking preventative measures, and implementing effective treatment options, you can restore your hair’s natural beauty and prevent future discoloration. Remember, consistency and proper hair care are key to maintaining healthy, vibrant hair.
Why does natural hair sometimes turn green?
The most common culprit behind green hair in natural hair is exposure to chlorine. Chlorine, found in swimming pools and some tap water, bonds to the protein in hair. If the hair is already porous or damaged, it absorbs more chlorine. Over time, this chlorine reacts with metals present in the water, particularly copper, and deposits these metals onto the hair shaft. The copper oxidizes, resulting in a greenish tint.
Other factors can contribute as well. Hard water, which is rich in minerals like copper and iron, can also deposit these metals onto the hair, leading to a green hue. Certain hair products, such as some shampoos or conditioners, might contain ingredients that react with minerals or chlorine in the water, exacerbating the problem. The degree of greenness is often more pronounced on lighter hair shades, as the discoloration is more easily visible.
Is green hair damage permanent?
The green discoloration itself isn’t permanent damage in the sense that it fundamentally alters the hair’s structure. However, the underlying reasons for the discoloration, like porosity from chemical treatments or heat styling, can contribute to long-term hair damage. The green tint primarily affects the appearance of the hair rather than its integrity.
The metals that cause the green hue bind to the hair’s outer layer (cuticle). Removal of these metals will typically restore the hair’s original color. However, repeated exposure to chlorine or hard water without proper protection can lead to ongoing buildup, potentially making the hair more susceptible to breakage or dryness over time. So, while the green isn’t permanent, addressing the cause and protecting the hair are vital for its overall health.
How can I prevent my natural hair from turning green when swimming?
The best defense against green hair from swimming is prevention. Wetting your hair with regular, clean water before entering the pool saturates the hair shaft, making it harder for chlorine to be absorbed. Applying a leave-in conditioner or hair oil creates a barrier, further reducing chlorine penetration.
Wearing a tightly fitted swim cap is another crucial step. This physically blocks chlorine from contacting most of your hair. After swimming, immediately rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual chlorine. Follow up with a clarifying shampoo to eliminate any remaining buildup, and then use a deep conditioner to replenish moisture and protein lost during swimming.
What type of shampoo is best for removing green from natural hair?
Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove buildup and minerals, making them effective for removing green discoloration. Look for clarifying shampoos that are sulfate-free, as sulfates can be harsh and drying, especially for natural hair. Chelating shampoos, which contain ingredients like EDTA or citric acid, are even more effective at binding to and removing metals.
It’s crucial to follow the clarifying shampoo with a moisturizing deep conditioner. Clarifying shampoos can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. A deep conditioner will help restore moisture balance and prevent breakage. Avoid using clarifying shampoos too frequently, as overuse can lead to dryness and damage. Once or twice a month is usually sufficient, depending on the frequency of swimming or exposure to hard water.
Are there natural remedies to remove green from natural hair?
Yes, several natural remedies can help remove green discoloration. Tomato juice, rich in citric acid, can help neutralize the copper and lift it from the hair. Apply tomato juice to damp hair, leave it on for 20-30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. A similar method can be used with apple cider vinegar, diluted with water.
Lemon juice, another acidic option, can also be effective. However, lemon juice can be drying and potentially lighten the hair, so it’s essential to use it sparingly and follow with a deep conditioner. A paste made from baking soda and water can also help, but it’s crucial to rinse thoroughly to avoid residue. Remember to perform a strand test before applying any of these remedies to your entire head to ensure you don’t experience any adverse reactions.
Does hair porosity affect how easily hair turns green?
Absolutely, hair porosity plays a significant role. High porosity hair has a more open cuticle structure, allowing for easier absorption of liquids and minerals. This means that chlorine and copper from swimming pools or hard water can penetrate the hair shaft more readily, leading to a quicker and more pronounced green discoloration.
Low porosity hair, on the other hand, has a tightly closed cuticle, making it more resistant to absorbing external elements. While low porosity hair is less prone to turning green quickly, the buildup of minerals can still occur over time with repeated exposure. Regardless of porosity, consistent protection and cleansing are important to prevent green hair.
Can hard water cause green hair even without swimming?
Yes, hard water can indeed cause green hair even without swimming. Hard water contains high levels of minerals, including copper and iron. As you wash your hair with hard water, these minerals can deposit onto the hair shaft, similar to what happens in a chlorinated pool. Over time, the copper can oxidize, resulting in a greenish tint.
The effects of hard water are often gradual, and you might not notice the green discoloration immediately. Other signs of hard water buildup include dull, lifeless hair, difficulty lathering shampoo, and increased tangling. Installing a shower filter that removes minerals can significantly reduce the likelihood of hard water causing green hair. Alternatively, rinsing your hair with distilled water after washing can also help to minimize mineral buildup.