Can water cause hair to turn green?
Blond hair can turn a greenish color after contact with the high chlorine dosages used in pools and spas. The cause is usually a reaction between copper in the water and chlorine. The green color is actually caused by copper. Copper sulfate is sometimes used in pools to control algae and this can also cause this problem. Using special shampoos designed for swimmers may be helpful.
The most common cause of “green hair” is a chemical reaction that occurs when copper leaches into water from copper plumbing within your home, and these copper compounds react with blond hair. “Green hair” may also occur when blond hair has contact with the high chlorine dosages or copper sulfate used in pools and spas for algae control. Hair tints, dyes, and permanents can significantly alter the chemical structure of hair and cause it to react adversely with other chemicals such as chlorine. Using special shampoos designed for swimmers or for color-treated or permed hair may be helpful.
