Posted by Lucy Slight on 15 January 2013 - 12:57pm
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Tricks to Naturally Fix 'Green-Tinged' Summer Hair
As the scorching heat of summer approaches we naturally find ourselves heading for the beach or pool in an effort to cool off. And while we’re programmed now to slather ourselves in sunscreen every few hours to protect our skin, there’s very little we think about when it comes to protecting our hair.
As the scorching heat of summer approaches we naturally find ourselves heading for the beach or pool in an effort to cool off. And while we’re programmed now to slather ourselves in sunscreen every few hours to protect our skin, there’s very little we think about when it comes to protecting our hair.
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Yes, sun protection for your locks does exist - products that contain UV filters to prevent colour fade and keep your mane smooth during sun exposure. But blonde babes out there will know that one of the biggest killers when it comes to colour is swimming pools!
Ever noticed a slight green tinge to your hair after you’ve spent a day wallowing in the local pools? While public pools are packed with chlorine to keep them clean, the green tint doesn’t actually come from the chlorine itself, but from copper, which is commonly found in algicides.
There are plenty of shampoos on the market for blondes that can help neutralize the green, but if you’re after a cheaper, more natural alternative - I suggest giving these tried and tested tips a whirl!
First up, KETCHUP! Oh yes, you heard me - plain old, deliciously summery tomato sauce. When blonde hair turns green, a red colour is needed to neutralize the slimy tinge and you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who didn’t have a bottle of the Watties or Heinz banging about in the fridge.
Simply coat the green parts of your hair in as much ketchup as you can before it gets drippy, wrap your hair in cling film or a plastic bag and leave it on for around 30 - 45 minutes before shampooing. You may find you need to do this a couple of times if the green is really built up - but I can promise you, it works!
Another alternative for stripping out unwanted colour is Vitamin C powder - or if you don’t have powder, simply use a pestle and mortar to crush up some tablets. You want to get a good heaped tablespoon.
Take your regular shampoo and squeeze it into a bowl, mixing in the Vitamin C powder to form a paste. Then on ever-so-slightly damp hair, coat the strands with the paste and again, wrap your hair up so it doesn’t drip, leaving the mixture on for around 20 - 30 minutes.
Once you’ve shampooed your hair it does pay to use a really good, thick conditioning mask on your hair afterwards, as the Vitamin C can leave your hair feeling a little dry.
Although these green-blitzing treatments may seem a little bizarre, I can tell you they do work. I mean, we’re all about green living here, but when it comes to green hair... not so much!
Now take those beautiful locks outside and enjoy the sunshine,
Lucy x
I've tried the tomato sauce trick and it actually made quite a big difference. Haven't heard of using vitamin C so will give this a try next time. Thank you, always love the posts
Hi Alex, glad it worked. And let us know how you find the vitamin C next time! Happy summer x
Cheers! I also find that lemon juice can work to help lighten it from that green look to a more clear blond again. Just squeeze lemon juice straight onto your hair and then sit in the sun. Just thought I'd share as I know how much of a pain it is when your hair gets ruined by summer ha ha! :)
Thank you so much for sharing this tip Kelsey! Hope you're having an amazing summer x