Some people say that blondes have more fun. You may agree with this statement–that is, until swimming pool water makes your blonde locks turn green. Swimming pool water can damage your light hair and cause it to appear slightly green in color. According to Columbia University, this is due to the hard metals in the water. These metals, such as copper, iron and manganese, react with the water’s chlorine to tint your hair. Protecting and treating your locks may reduce the chance they will turn green.
Shower Before Entering Pool
Wet your hair before entering the swimming pool. Dry hair absorbs water. Soak your hair with regular water to reduce the absorption of pool water.
Slather on Conditioner
Apply a conditioner to your damp hair. Use a rich, deep conditioner that coats the hair shafts while you swim. Smooth this over your hair and comb it through with a wide-toothed comb.
Cover Your Head
Tuck your hair up into a swimming cap, especially if you spend much of your time with your head in the water. A swimming cap can hold conditioner in your hair and eliminate the continual flow of pool water through your hair strands.
Rinse Well
Rinse your hair as soon as you get out of the pool. Don’t allow the swimming pool water to remain in your hair as you lounge around the sides of the pool. Even if you plan to get back into the pool later, a quick rinse can reduce your chances of developing green hair. Quickly remove the minerals and chemicals from your hair and skin by standing under a flow of running water for a few minutes before relaxing in the sunshine.
Special Shampoos
Wash your hair with a shampoo designed for swimmers. These shampoos contain chelating agents, such as ethylenediamene tetracetic acid, or EDTA, and erythorbic acid that remove metals from your hair. Some shampoos designed for swimmers also contain antioxidants. Only use this type of shampoo to restore your natural shades, and then switch back to your regular brand.
Photo Credit
- natural blond hair. image by mdb from Fotolia.com
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