How to Stop Blond Hair From Turning Green in Chlorine

Your blond hair can take on a greenish if you swim frequently in chlorinated pools.

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Good gad! What in the great limey slime has happened to your hair? You've been dipping in the pool without protection, haven't you? That greenish cast could only come from one thing. Your poor, platinum locks didn't stand a chance against the copper and chlorine. The only thing you can do now is take your lumps and figure out a way to keep the green at bay. Lucky for you, keeping your hair from turning green is simple. Never enter the water without protection!

1.

Wet your hair down before jumping in the pool. Really, saturate that mess. Hair acts like a sponge around liquids. If it's already fully saturated, it can't absorb the pool water as well.

2.

Spray your wet hair down with a leave-in spray conditioner or a heavier cream conditioner of your choosing. The type doesn't really matter. The conditioner acts as a barrier of sorts. It won't allow your hair to absorb as much of the chlorine and copper that are responsible for green, slimy hair.

3.

If you know what's good for you, you'll ignore the first two steps and opt to wear a swim cap each and every time you swim. Wearing a swim cap is the only way to prevent swimmer's hair completely for frequent swimmers. Don't worry about making a fashion statement while swimming. No one really cares. And, besides, some of those caps can be pretty darn cute. Still not convinced? You can take a swim cap off after swimming; the green will last for weeks. Eek!

4.

Use a clarifying shampoo every other time you shampoo during swim season. Follow up with a good hydrating conditioner.

Things You'll Need

 

1.Conditioner

3.Clarifying shampoo

2.Swim cap

 

Tips & Tricks

 

If your hair looks a little limey, perform a chelating treatment once a week until it fades away; the treatment removes built-up minerals that contribute to the greenish tint on blond hair. You can purchase a chelating, deep-clarifying treatment at any beauty supply. Mix it up with ¼ cup hot water. Slap it on your freshly shampooed, damp hair and wait 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse it off, then condition and towel dry.

Protect your hair every time you swim, and give your hair the appropriate care after each swim.

 

Related Videos

 

References

 

"Milady's Standard Textbook of Cosmetology"; Milady, Diane Carol Bailey and Margrit Attenburg; 2008

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