Why Your Hair Turns Green in the Pool (And How to Prevent It)

If you’ve ever gone swimming and noticed your hair developing a green tint, you’re not alone. While it can be alarming, green hair from pool water is a common and preventable problem.

Here’s why it happens, who it affects most, and what you can do to keep your hair looking healthy.

The Science Behind Green Hair

The green tint is caused by copper or other metals in the pool water reacting with hair proteins:

1. Copper in the Water

   • Copper can enter pools through:

     • Algaecides containing copper

     • Source water with high copper levels

     • Corrosion of copper pipes or fittings

   • When chlorine oxidizes copper, it forms copper ions, which attach to the hair shaft.

2. Chlorine and pH Levels

   • High chlorine levels and unbalanced pH can strip hair of natural oils, making it more porous.

   • Porous hair absorbs copper more easily, resulting in a green tint.

3. Hair Type Matters

   • Light-colored hair, particularly blonde, silver, or chemically treated hair, is most prone to turning green because copper shows up more visibly.

Why the Green Color Appears

• Copper ions attach to proteins in the hair, causing a visible green tint.

• The effect is cumulative: frequent swimming can make the green more intense.

• It usually occurs after prolonged exposure, especially in pools with poor circulation or high metal content.

How to Prevent Green Hair

1. Rinse Before Swimming
   Wet hair absorbs less copper from the pool water.

2. Use a Swim Cap
   This physically blocks most pool water from contacting hair.

3. Apply Leave-In Conditioner or Oil
   A protective layer can reduce copper absorption.

4. Check Water Chemistry

   • Proper pH, chlorine, and metal levels prevent excess copper ions.

   • Consider metal sequestrants to bind copper and other metals.

5. Shampoo Immediately After Swimming
   Use a clarifying shampoo to remove copper before it oxidizes.

How to Fix Green Hair

• Baking Soda Shampoo: Mix baking soda with your regular shampoo to gently remove copper buildup.

• Chelating Shampoo: Specially formulated to bind and remove metals from hair.

• Professional Treatment: Hair salons can restore hair color and remove stubborn green tints.

Key Takeaway

Green hair is a cosmetic effect of copper and metals in pool water, especially when combined with chlorine and porous hair. Maintaining proper water chemistry, using protective measures, and rinsing after swimming can prevent it.

With the right precautions, you can enjoy your pool without worrying about green-tinted hair!