If you’ve got blonde-coloured hair, you’ve probably witnessed it turn green at least once, especially with DIY hair colours! While this can induce panic at first, it is treatable.
In this blog, we look at what causes blonde hair to turn green and what to do if this happens to you.
Why blonde hair can turn green
There are a number of reasons why your blonde hair may have turned green. If you’re using a box colour, or if you’re getting your hair coloured by a professional stylist who isn’t using the proper technique, the cause could be chemical exposure.
If your hair comes into contact with chlorine or other chemicals commonly found in water, oxidization can cause a green tint to emerge. Copper is usually to blame for this as chlorine and copper bond together to form a film that then sticks to the proteins in your hair.
How to fix blonde hair that has turned green
If your hair has turned green, there are some things you can do:
- Swimmers Green – Using a shampoo that will remove chlorine and chemical build ups is a must. We recommend Keune Sun Shield Shampoo used in conjunction with Sun Shield Oil. It is recommended that if you swim more that 2 times per week, this becomes your regular routine.
- Use a purple shampoo such as Keune Silver Savior: This will help tone unwanted colour from your hair and will balance the tone. Apply the product to wet hair and rinse thoroughly after 10 minutes.
- Use a purple conditioner or toner: You can use either of these on top of the shampoo every few washes. These products are also great stand-alone treatments for preventing your hair from turning green in the first place.
- Use a dedicated purple mask: Again, you should incorporate this into your haircare routine once per week to prevent your hair from changing colour.
- Deep Salon Cleanse – come into the salon and we can do a deep cleanse and treatment on your hair, prescribe options for you to maintain your hair and eliminate the green.
It’s important to note that these aren’t immediate fixes – it will take time for your hair to return to normal. The best option is to see a professional hair colourist who will be able to advise on the best course of treatment.
How to prevent green hair
- Use a colour-safe shampoo and conditioner: The most important thing is to choose products designed for blonde hair, as they’re made with ingredients that are less likely to affect the integrity of your colour and hair.
- Use a multi-step treatment: These treatments often contain oil or leave-in conditioners, which can soak into the hair shafts better than the water in regular shampoos and conditioners do.
- Use a toner: If you want some extra protection against green stains (and who doesn’t?), try using a toner after shampooing and conditioning. Just make sure to rinse it off completely (leave it on for 5–10 minutes).
- Wear a swimming hat: If you’re a keen swimmer, make sure to always wear a swim hat in chlorinated water. Never jump into a pool with dry hair either as this is going to suck up the chlorinated water very quickly.
- Install a showerhead filter: Even if your water isn’t hard, copper piping could contribute to mineral deposits, so installing a showerhead filter will help remove these from your water.
See a professional hair colourist for any kind of hair colouring
If you’re not sure how to fix your green hair or you want to prevent this from happening in the first place, it’s best to see a professional hair colourist. They will know exactly what to do and can also advise you on how to prevent your hair from turning green in the future. DIY colour kits may be cheap, but you are putting your hair at risk of uneven tones and colours.
For further advice or to schedule an appointment with one of our professional hair colourists, don’t hesitate to contact us at Strut Hair and Beauty on the Sunshine Coast today.
