Why Does Blonde Hair Turn Green After Swimming in a Pool
Why Does Blonde Hair Turn Green After Swimming?
One of the frequent inquiries I get as a pool services expert is regarding a bizarre and annoying phenomenon: why does blonde hair turn green following a dip in the pool? It might seem like some sort of nightmare, but the explanation is rooted in chemistry. Let's dive into the why and the how to preserve that beautiful blonde hair.
The Perpetrator: Copper in the Pool Water
Despite what you may have heard,Chlorine is not the actual cause of the greenish color on blonde hair after a swim. The green color is most likely to be brought about by copper ions present in the pool water. This is why it happens:
1. Sources of Copper: Copper can enter pool water in a number of ways. It is typically found in algaecides, which are chemicals that suppress algae growth. Copper can also leach into the pool from corroded or older copper fittings and pipes, well water or city water.
2. Chemical Reactions: When the copper dissolves in the water, it forms copper ions. These ions can bond to your proteins of hair. This is more noticeable with light-colored hair, such as blonde, because the green is apparent on the light background.
3. Oxidation Process: Chlorine in the pool will not directly give green hair, but it oxidizes the copper, and hence the copper is more prone to bind on hair strands even with properly balance chlorine levels. The copper together with chlorine produces the green color.
Preventive Measures
With the cause now identified, here are some efficient steps to avoid blonde hair turning green:
1. Pre-Swim Hair Care:
- Rinse Prior to Swimming: Pre-rinsing your hair with fresh water prior to swimming also works. The pool water will be absorbed less by the hair since it was already wet.
- Use Leave-In Conditioner: Applying a leave-in conditioner or hair protector forms a barrier that reduces the copper ions' exposure to hair.
2. Swimming Caps: Wearing a swimming cap will protect your hair from direct contact with pool water. Though not always styley, it works best.
3. Pool Maintenance:
What is the Best way not to get green hair from swimming in a pool? Proper chemical bslancing and water health.
- Regular Water Testing: Ensure the chemical levels in your pool are balanced appropriately. If metals or copper are a known to be an issue regularly check the copper level and keep it in the recommended range.
- Employment of Algaecides and metal chelating agents: If using algaecides is not avoidable, employ those that are copper-free to reduce the risk of copper contamination. Dosing chelating agents can help bind and remove copper from the water.
Cures for Green Hair
If prevention does not work and you find your hair has turned green, the following cures can be employed to regain its natural color:
1. Chelating Shampoos: Use a chelating shampoo that works well to extract metals and minerals from the hair. These shampoos may help flush out copper ions easily.
2. Home Remedies:
- Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda and water to create paste, apply it to green-stained spots, leave for a few minutes, then rinse well.
- Lemon Juice or Vinegar Rinse: Acidic content in lemon juice or vinegar can dissolve copper ions. A spoonful of lemon juice or vinegar mixed with four spoonfuls of water for a rinse, apply it to the hair for a while, and then wash it off.
3. Professional Help: If home remedies don’t work, consider seeking help from a professional stylist. They can provide treatments specifically designed to remove metal buildup from hair.
Conclusion
Green blonde hair after swimming is a worrisome but simple problem to fix. With the understanding of the role that copper plays in the water and some preventative measures, swimmers can enjoy playing in the pool without fear of catastrophic hair color destruction. Proper maintenance of the pool and use of hair care chemicals that guard against discoloration can avoid significant loss of blonde color and maintain hair health and vitality.
If you require any personal advice or pool maintenance, don't hesitate to get in touch. Enjoy swimming!