One day, your child's head of hair is perfectly normal. And then suddenly… something is off. You notice there is a slight green tint. Maybe it looks dull, or feels a little brittle.
You aren’t the only one who has picked up on this after days at the pool. And no, it's not only chlorine.
What Actually Causes Green Pool Hair?
The most popular misconception is that chlorine is responsible for turning hair green. But it's not the chlorine itself that's the actual culprit.
Green pool hair happens when chlorine combines with metals like copper, iron and manganese in the water. These metals attach to the hair and oxidize which leaves behind that unwanted green color.
Because chlorine strips natural oils that protect the hair, this causes the hair to become more porous, allowing an even greater absorption of those metals over time.
This is why you will see the green more pronounced in lighter hair colors like blonde, grey or light brown.
Why It Gets Worse Over Time
It usually isn't just from a single swim that green hair occurs. It builds.
Once your kid swims, more chlorine, sea salt, and minerals sit on the hair. And regular shampoo and conditioner simply are not designed to remove that buildup completely.
Over time, this can lead to:
- A visible green tint
- Hair that feels dry or rough
- More tangles and harder brushing
- Hair that looks more dull or less manageable
Even it gets unnoticed by most of the parents initially. This is typically seen during mid-summer, once there has been enough time for the buildup to occur.
Is Green Pool Hair Permanent?
The good news is, no. Green hair is not permanent, but it does need to be removed correctly.
Left untreated, buildup lays on the hair and can harden over a period of time and become problematic. Which is why using the right products early is so important.
How to Fix Green Pool Hair
The secret is much more than just hair washing. It is removing what is sitting on it.
Using a kids swim shampoo or chlorine removal shampoo helps in breaking down and removing excess chlorine, minerals, and buildup that regular shampoo may not remove.
Follow up with a kids swim conditioner to replenish water, softness once that buildup is gone.
And finish with a leave-in conditioner to detangle and give support for summer-dry locks.
The combination helps restore hair to being clean, soft and more manageable again.
How to Prevent Green Hair Before It Starts
Once you know why green hair occurs, prevention is fairly simple.
Here are some small habits that can make a big difference:
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After Swimming, rinse your children's hair with clean water
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Swim season is on, use kids' swim shampoo and conditioner generally
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Moisture support and detangling with a leave-in conditioner
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Consistency is key, so be sure to do this every week (especially weeks with a lot of pool use).
Most importantly, switch from a regular routine to one designed for summer hair and buildup.
What to Look for in the Right Products
Not all shampoos are created equal when it comes to handling chlorine removal. When picking a product to tackle the green pool hair problem, make sure you go with:
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Pool top kids shampoo specifically for removing chlorine
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A build-up-removing formula without drying hair out
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A conditioner that restores softness and manageability
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A soft, kids-friendly formula for regular purpose use
If you want a comprehensive breakdown of what to look out for, read our guide here!
One of the Best Hair Hacks for Summer Time
Green pool hair, not so random, means that there is a buildup on the hair.
The thing is, you can get rid of it, prevent it (yes, even in summer), and have your child's hair looking and feeling the way it should all summer with the right routine!
Because pool days should end with clean, soft, manageable hair and not color changes that took you by surprise.
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