Prevent Green Discolouration: How to Get Green Out of Blonde Hair
Fix unwanted green tones fast with practical tips for your blonde hair
Noticed your blonde hair turning a strange shade of green after a swim? You're not alone. This common problem affects many blondes, especially in Calgary where we spend our summers enjoying pools and lakes. The good news? You can fix it. This post will walk you through practical solutions to remove that unwanted green tint and prevent it from coming back.
Understanding Green Hair Discolouration and Its Causes
Green hair discolouration happens when copper and other metals in water bind to the protein in your hair shaft. Blonde hair shows this discolouration more clearly because it lacks the natural pigments that would mask these green tones.
The main culprits behind green hair include:
Chlorine in swimming pools
Copper in water (from pipes or pool chemicals)
Hard water with high mineral content
Algae in lakes and ponds
Chemically treated hair—like highlighted or bleached blonde—is more porous and absorbs these minerals faster than natural hair. This makes it more likely to turn green after swimming.
The Science Behind How to Green Out of Blonde Hair
When copper molecules meet the protein in your hair, they create a chemical bond that's difficult to break with regular shampoo. This reaction happens more easily with blonde hair because the lightening process opens the hair cuticle, making it more receptive to these metals.
The water's pH level also plays a role. Alkaline water (higher pH) opens the hair cuticle further, allowing more copper to attach to your strands. And the longer your hair stays wet with pool water, the more time these metals have to bind to your hair.
Preventative Measures and At-Home Tips
Prevention is always easier than correction. Here's how to protect your blonde hair before it turns green:
Wet your hair with clean water before swimming—saturated hair absorbs less pool water
Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to create a protective barrier
Wear a swim cap for maximum protection
Rinse thoroughly immediately after swimming
Use a clarifying shampoo once weekly during swim season
After swimming, wash your hair with a chelating or clarifying shampoo designed to remove mineral buildup. Follow with a deep conditioner to restore moisture, as clarifying products can be drying.
Essential At-Home Product Recommendations for Canadian Clients
At Salon Bowie, we offer several products specifically formulated to combat green hair:
Evo's Ritual Salvation Care Shampoo and Conditioner to gently remove buildup
La Biosthetique's Anti-Yellow Shampoo, which helps neutralize green tones
Protective hair oils that create a barrier between your hair and pool water
Deep conditioning masks to restore hair health after swimming
These products work together to remove existing green tints and prevent new discolouration. Our product selection is carefully chosen to address the specific needs of Calgary swimmers dealing with our local water conditions.
Professional Salon Services in Calgary
While at-home care is important, professional services provide more thorough solutions for green hair. Our salon services include:
Professional clarifying treatments that remove copper buildup
Colour correction services to neutralize green tones
Customized treatments based on your hair's specific needs
Bond-building treatments to repair damaged hair
Regular salon visits help maintain your blonde's brightness and prevent green discolouration from setting in. Our stylists can assess your hair's condition and recommend a maintenance schedule that works for your lifestyle and swimming habits.
How Our Calgary Salon Can Help You Master "How to Green Out of Blonde Hair"
Our stylists understand the unique challenges Calgary residents face with our water quality and seasonal swimming. We offer personalized consultations to create a hair care plan that addresses your specific needs.
For swimmers with blonde hair, we recommend scheduling a "swimmers' treatment" every 4-6 weeks during pool season. This includes a deep clarifying treatment followed by intensive conditioning to remove mineral buildup before it causes visible green tints.
Our experts can also advise on the best maintenance routine for blonde hair in Calgary's specific climate and water conditions.
Maintenance and Long-Term Hair Care Strategies
Between salon visits, follow these strategies to keep your blonde hair green-free:
Use filtered shower water when possible
Apply a leave-in UV protectant before outdoor swimming
Rinse hair immediately after swimming, even if you can't shampoo right away
Use a weekly chelating treatment during heavy swim seasons
Consider a shower filter if you have copper pipes at home
For those who swim regularly, alternating between protein treatments and moisture treatments helps maintain hair strength while preventing dryness from frequent washing.
And don't forget about proper blonde maintenance in general—healthy hair resists discolouration better than damaged hair.
Home Remedies for Green Hair Emergencies
If you notice a green tint and can't get to the salon immediately, try these temporary solutions:
Tomato juice or ketchup mask (the red neutralizes green)
Baking soda paste with shampoo
Apple cider vinegar rinse (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water)
Aspirin dissolved in water (crush 6-8 tablets in warm water)
These remedies can help in a pinch, but they're not long-term solutions. For persistent green tones, professional treatment is your best option.
Conclusion: Embrace Beautiful Blonde Hair
Green discolouration doesn't have to be the price you pay for enjoying Calgary's pools and lakes. With the right preventative measures, quality products, and professional support, you can maintain bright, beautiful blonde hair all year round.
Understanding how to green out of blonde hair is about creating a comprehensive care routine that includes prevention, regular maintenance, and occasional professional treatments.
Visit us at Salon Bowie to develop a personalized plan for your blonde hair. Our team can recommend the right products and treatments to keep your hair looking its best, no matter how much time you spend in the water. Book a consultation today and say goodbye to green hair for good.
