Why Does My Blonde Hair Turn Green From Swimming? Answers From a Chicago Hair Salon by a Chicago Blonde Specialist

Blonde hair is gorgeous and can be a real confidence booster for many people. However, there's one thing that can turn blonde hair green: swimming in a pool. Have you ever wondered why your blonde locks suddenly have a greenish tint after a dip in the pool? In this blog, we'll explore why this happens and what you can do to prevent it.

The primary reason why blonde hair turns green in the pool is due to the presence of chlorine. Chlorine is a chemical that is commonly used to keep swimming pools clean and free of bacteria. Unfortunately, chlorine also has a tendency to bond with certain elements in the water, such as copper and iron. When this happens, it can create a greenish tint that can be especially noticeable on blonde hair.

But why does chlorine bond with copper and iron in the first place? The answer to that question lies in the pipes that transport water to swimming pools. Many of these pipes are made from copper or contain small amounts of copper. Over time, the chlorine in the water can erode these pipes, causing copper to seep into the pool water. When this happens, the chlorine can bond with the copper and create a greenish hue.

Interestingly, the same process is what caused the Statue of Liberty to turn green. The statue is made primarily of copper, and over time, exposure to the elements caused the copper to oxidize, creating a greenish patina. While the cause of the green color on the Statue of Liberty is different from the cause of green hair in the pool, both involve copper oxidation.

So, what can you do to prevent your blonde hair from turning green in the pool? One solution is to wear a swimming cap to keep your hair from coming into contact with the pool water. Another option is to rinse your hair with fresh water before and after swimming. This can help remove any residual chlorine from your hair and prevent it from bonding with copper in the pool water. You can also use a leave-in conditioner or hair mask after swimming to help protect your hair from damage.

All in all, blonde hair can turn green in the pool due to the presence of chlorine and the bonding of the chlorine with copper in the water. By taking some simple precautions, such as wearing a swimming cap or rinsing your hair with fresh water after swimming, you can prevent this from happening and keep your blonde locks looking their best. And now you know why the Statue of Liberty turned green too!