Dyeing your hair can be a fun and exciting way to express yourself, experiment with your look, and boost your confidence. However, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Instead of the beautiful blonde, vibrant red, or deep brunette you envisioned, you’re staring at a reflection with a distinctly greenish tinge. Don’t panic! Green hair after dyeing isn’t uncommon, and in most cases, it’s a problem you can fix. This comprehensive guide will explain why your hair turned green, how to correct it, and how to prevent it from happening again.
Understanding Why Your Hair Turned Green
The dreaded green hue usually stems from a chemical reaction involving copper. Copper deposits can accumulate in your hair from various sources, including hard water, swimming pools, and even some hair products. When dye, particularly lighteners or toners with blue or ash tones, interacts with this copper, it can result in a greenish tint.
The Culprit: Copper
Copper is the main offender. Hard water, which is water with a high mineral content, is a common source of copper buildup. Over time, showering with hard water can lead to a gradual accumulation of copper in the hair shaft. This is especially true for people with porous hair, as it absorbs minerals more readily.
Swimming pools treated with chlorine often contain copper-based algaecides. These chemicals help keep the pool water clean, but they can also deposit copper onto your hair, especially if you swim frequently. The combination of chlorine and copper is a notorious cause of green hair, particularly for blondes.
Even some hair products, such as shampoos, conditioners, and styling products, can contain copper or other minerals that contribute to the problem. It’s important to read the labels carefully and choose products that are free of harsh chemicals and known copper contributors.
The Dyeing Process and Green Hair
The type of dye you use and the dyeing process itself can also play a role in turning your hair green. Lightening your hair, especially when going from a dark color to a significantly lighter shade, makes it more porous and susceptible to absorbing minerals.
Toners with blue or ash undertones are designed to neutralize brassiness (orange or yellow tones) in blonde hair. However, if your hair already has copper buildup, the blue tones in the toner can react with the copper to create a green hue.
Damaged hair is more porous and absorbent, making it more likely to absorb minerals and react with dye. If your hair is already dry, brittle, or damaged from previous dyeing, heat styling, or chemical treatments, it’s more vulnerable to turning green.
How to Fix Green Hair: Effective Solutions
Fortunately, you don’t have to live with green hair forever. Several effective solutions can neutralize the green tones and restore your hair to its desired color. The best approach depends on the severity of the green and the overall health of your hair.
Tomato Ketchup or Tomato Paste
This might sound strange, but tomato ketchup or tomato paste can actually help neutralize green tones in hair. Tomatoes contain red pigments, which are opposite green on the color wheel. Applying tomato ketchup or paste to your hair can help counteract the green and restore a more natural color.
To use this method, apply a generous amount of tomato ketchup or paste to your damp hair, focusing on the areas that are most green. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. Follow with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. This method works best for mild cases of green hair.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is a natural cleanser and can help remove mineral buildup from your hair. It’s also slightly alkaline, which can help lift the green tint.
To make a baking soda paste, mix baking soda with water until you form a thick paste. Apply the paste to your damp hair, focusing on the green areas. Gently massage the paste into your hair for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. Follow with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Be careful not to overuse this method, as it can be drying.
Lemon Juice Rinse
Lemon juice is a natural acid that can help break down mineral deposits and lighten hair. It can also help neutralize green tones.
To use a lemon juice rinse, mix equal parts lemon juice and water. After shampooing and conditioning your hair, pour the lemon juice mixture over your hair, making sure to saturate all the green areas. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. Be aware that lemon juice can be drying, so follow with a deep conditioner. Avoid this method if your hair is already dry or damaged.
Color Correcting Shampoo
Color correcting shampoos are specifically designed to neutralize unwanted tones in hair. For green hair, look for a shampoo with red or pink pigments. These shampoos work by depositing small amounts of red pigment onto the hair, which cancels out the green.
Follow the instructions on the shampoo bottle. Typically, you’ll apply the shampoo to wet hair, massage it in, and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing. Use a color-safe conditioner afterward to help maintain your hair color.
Professional Color Correction
If the green tint is severe or if you’re uncomfortable trying to fix it yourself, the best option is to consult a professional hair colorist. A colorist can assess the situation, determine the underlying cause of the green hair, and formulate a custom color correction plan.
Professional color correction often involves using toners, fillers, or dyes to neutralize the green and restore your hair to its desired color. This is the most reliable way to achieve the best results without further damaging your hair.
Preventing Green Hair: Proactive Measures
Prevention is always better than cure. Taking proactive steps to prevent copper buildup and protect your hair during the dyeing process can save you from the green hair nightmare.
Install a Shower Filter
A shower filter can remove chlorine, copper, and other minerals from your shower water. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent copper buildup and protect your hair from turning green. Look for a shower filter that is specifically designed to remove copper and chlorine.
Use a Chelating Shampoo
Chelating shampoos are designed to remove mineral buildup from hair. These shampoos contain ingredients that bind to minerals and wash them away. Use a chelating shampoo once or twice a month to prevent copper buildup. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner to replenish moisture.
Protect Your Hair While Swimming
If you’re a frequent swimmer, take steps to protect your hair from chlorine and copper. Wet your hair with clean water before getting into the pool. This will help prevent your hair from absorbing as much chlorine and copper. Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to create a barrier between your hair and the pool water. Wear a swim cap to provide the best protection. Rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water after swimming and use a chelating shampoo to remove any remaining chlorine and copper.
Choose the Right Hair Products
Select hair products that are free of harsh chemicals, sulfates, and parabens. Look for products that are specifically designed for color-treated hair. Avoid products that contain copper or other minerals that can contribute to green hair.
Be Careful with DIY Lightening
Lightening your hair at home can be tricky, especially if you’re going from a dark color to a significantly lighter shade. If you’re not experienced with hair dyeing, it’s best to consult a professional colorist. If you do decide to lighten your hair at home, follow the instructions carefully and use high-quality products. Perform a strand test before applying the lightener to your entire head.
Consider Well Water
If you have well water, have it tested for mineral content. Well water can be high in iron, copper, and other minerals that can affect your hair color. If your well water is high in minerals, consider installing a whole-house water filtration system.
Professional Advice Before Dyeing
Before dyeing your hair, especially if you’re making a significant color change, consult a professional hair colorist. A colorist can assess your hair type, color history, and overall health to determine the best approach and prevent unwanted color changes.
Dealing with green hair after dyeing it can be frustrating, but it’s a problem that can be solved. By understanding the causes of green hair, using the right corrective measures, and taking proactive steps to prevent it, you can keep your hair looking beautiful and vibrant. Remember, consulting a professional hair colorist is always a good option if you’re unsure about how to proceed or if the green tint is severe. With the right knowledge and care, you can achieve the hair color you’ve always dreamed of without the risk of going green.
Why did my hair turn green after dyeing it?
The most common reason for hair turning green after dyeing is the presence of copper in your water. Copper pipes, well water, and even some swimming pool chemicals can deposit copper ions onto your hair. When you then dye your hair, especially if it’s blonde or lightened, the copper reacts with the dye pigments, particularly blues, and results in a greenish tint. This is because blue and yellow make green, and blonde hair already has yellow tones.
Another less frequent cause is the use of dyes with a high concentration of blue pigments, particularly on already damaged or porous hair. Porous hair absorbs pigments unevenly, and the blue tones can dominate, leading to a greenish cast. This is more likely if you are using a blue or ash-toned dye to neutralize brassiness, as these often contain a significant amount of blue pigment. Proper hair care to minimize porosity is crucial to avoid this outcome.
What are some immediate steps I can take to try and fix green hair at home?
Immediately after noticing the green tint, try using a ketchup or tomato sauce treatment. The red pigments in tomatoes can help neutralize the green. Apply ketchup or tomato sauce generously to the affected areas, leave it on for 20-30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. This works best when the green is faint, as it provides a gentle color correction.
Another immediate option is to use a clarifying shampoo. This will help to strip away any buildup of minerals or dye that could be contributing to the green tone. After using the clarifying shampoo, deeply condition your hair, as it can be quite drying. Follow up with a protein treatment to help restore the hair’s strength and elasticity after clarifying.
Will purple shampoo help get rid of green hair?
While purple shampoo is effective for neutralizing yellow tones in blonde hair, it’s not the ideal solution for green hair. Purple is opposite yellow on the color wheel, and the goal of purple shampoo is to cancel out those yellow tones. Green, however, needs to be neutralized with a red-based color. Using purple shampoo on green hair might actually worsen the situation, potentially resulting in a muddy or dull tone.
Instead of purple shampoo, consider using a shampoo with red or pink tones. These are designed to counteract green hues and can be more effective in neutralizing the unwanted color. However, be careful not to overdo it, as using too much red-toned shampoo can leave a pinkish tinge. Start with a small amount and gradually increase the frequency of use as needed.
When should I seek professional help from a hairstylist to fix my green hair?
If your at-home remedies are not yielding satisfactory results after a few attempts, or if the green is very intense and widespread, it’s time to seek professional help. A hairstylist can accurately assess the cause of the green hair and recommend the most appropriate corrective treatments. They also have access to stronger and more specialized products than what are available over-the-counter.
Additionally, if your hair is already damaged from bleaching or previous dyeing, attempting to correct the color yourself can potentially worsen the damage. A professional hairstylist will be able to carefully balance color correction with hair health, minimizing further damage. Seeking their expertise ensures that you receive a customized and safe solution for your specific hair type and condition.
How can I prevent my hair from turning green in the future, especially if I have hard water?
To prevent green hair caused by hard water, invest in a shower filter. Shower filters are designed to remove chlorine, minerals, and other impurities, including copper, from your water supply. This can significantly reduce the amount of copper that deposits on your hair during washing. Look for a shower filter that specifically targets copper removal for best results.
Another preventive measure is to use chelating shampoos regularly. These shampoos are formulated to remove mineral buildup from the hair shaft, preventing the copper from reacting with your hair dye. Use a chelating shampoo once a week or as needed, especially if you notice your hair starting to feel dull or weighed down. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner, as chelating shampoos can be drying.
Are there specific hair dye brands or ingredients that are more likely to cause green hair?
Generally, hair dye brands themselves are not directly responsible for causing green hair. The issue is more commonly due to the interaction between copper and the dye’s pigments, especially blue or ash tones. However, some dyes with a higher concentration of blue pigment might be more prone to causing a greenish cast if your hair is already porous or if you have copper buildup.
When selecting a hair dye, opt for warmer tones if you’re concerned about greening, such as golden blondes or reds, as these are less likely to interact with copper. Avoid ash-toned dyes, especially if you know your water has a high mineral content. Always perform a strand test before applying the dye to your entire head to see how the color reacts with your hair. This can help you catch any potential greening issues before they become widespread.
What are some salon treatments that can effectively remove green tones from hair?
Salons offer various treatments to remove green tones, starting with professional chelating treatments that are more potent than over-the-counter options. These treatments deeply cleanse the hair to remove mineral buildup, effectively addressing the root cause of the green discoloration. They are formulated to be gentle yet effective, minimizing damage to the hair shaft.
Another common salon treatment involves using a color correction technique called color overlay. This involves applying a dye with red or pink tones to neutralize the green. The hairstylist will carefully formulate the dye to achieve the desired color without causing further damage. Additionally, toners can be used to refine the color and ensure even distribution. The key is to consult with a skilled colorist who can assess your hair and determine the best approach.