Green hair, whether intentional or the result of a dye job gone wrong, can be a bold and vibrant statement. However, sometimes that statement isn’t quite what you envisioned. Maybe the shade is too intense, or perhaps you’re simply ready for a change. The question then becomes: can you lighten green hair? The answer, thankfully, is yes, but it’s a process that requires understanding, patience, and the right techniques. This article will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully lighten green hair, minimizing damage and maximizing your chances of achieving your desired color.
Understanding Why Your Hair Turned Green
Before diving into lightening methods, it’s crucial to understand why your hair ended up with a green tinge in the first place. The cause will significantly influence the best approach to correct it. There are several potential culprits:
Chlorine Exposure
Swimming pools are a common source of green hair, especially for those with blonde or lightened hair. Chlorine itself isn’t responsible for the green hue. The real culprit is copper. Copper pipes are often used in pool plumbing, and when chlorine corrodes these pipes, copper ions are released into the water. These ions bind to the protein in hair, resulting in a greenish discoloration. This is more prevalent in lighter hair colors as they lack the darker pigments that can mask the copper.
Dyeing Over Unsuitable Base Colors
Perhaps you attempted to dye your hair a cool-toned color, like ash blonde or a pastel shade, over a base that was too warm or yellow. Cool-toned dyes often contain blue pigments. When blue and yellow combine, they create green. This is a common mistake in DIY hair coloring, and it’s crucial to neutralize underlying warm tones before applying cool-toned dyes.
Faded Blue Hair Dye
If you previously dyed your hair blue and it’s now fading, you might notice a greenish tinge. This is because blue dye often contains green undertones. As the blue fades faster than the green, the underlying green pigment becomes more prominent, resulting in a greenish hue.
Product Buildup
Certain hair products, especially those containing copper or iron, can contribute to a greenish buildup on the hair. This is less common than the other causes, but it’s worth considering if you’re experiencing a gradual greening of your hair.
Assessing Your Hair’s Condition
Before attempting any lightening or toning process, it’s essential to assess the overall health and condition of your hair. Lightening processes can be damaging, and if your hair is already weak or brittle, you risk further damage and breakage.
Porosity Test
Hair porosity refers to its ability to absorb and retain moisture. High porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly but also loses it rapidly, while low porosity hair struggles to absorb moisture but retains it well once it does. A simple porosity test involves placing a strand of clean, dry hair in a glass of water.
- If the hair floats on top, it has low porosity.
- If the hair sinks slowly, it has normal porosity.
- If the hair sinks quickly, it has high porosity.
Knowing your hair’s porosity will help you choose the right products and techniques for lightening and toning. High porosity hair is more susceptible to damage and requires extra care.
Elasticity Test
Hair elasticity refers to its ability to stretch and return to its original length without breaking. Healthy hair has good elasticity. To test elasticity, gently stretch a wet strand of hair.
- If the hair stretches significantly and returns to its original length, it has good elasticity.
- If the hair barely stretches and breaks easily, it has low elasticity.
Low elasticity is a sign of damaged hair and indicates that you need to proceed with caution when lightening.
Overall Hair Health
Look closely at your hair for signs of damage, such as split ends, dryness, frizz, and breakage. If your hair is severely damaged, it’s best to consult with a professional hairstylist before attempting any further chemical processes. They can assess your hair’s condition and recommend the safest and most effective course of action.
Methods for Lightening Green Hair
Once you’ve identified the cause of the green and assessed your hair’s condition, you can explore various methods for lightening or neutralizing the green hue. The best approach will depend on the severity of the green and your desired outcome.
Toning with Red or Pink
Since red is directly opposite green on the color wheel, it can effectively neutralize green tones. This is often the gentlest approach, especially if the green is mild.
Red or Pink Shampoo/Conditioner: These products deposit small amounts of red or pink pigment onto the hair, gradually neutralizing the green. Look for products specifically designed for color correction or toning.
Direct Dye: For more stubborn green tones, you can use a direct dye in a red or pink shade. Choose a semi-permanent or demi-permanent dye to minimize damage. Dilute the dye with conditioner to create a lighter tint and prevent the hair from turning pink or red. Perform a strand test before applying the dye to your entire head to ensure you achieve the desired result.
Tomato Paste or Ketchup
This might sound strange, but the red pigments in tomato paste or ketchup can help neutralize green tones, especially those caused by chlorine. Apply the tomato paste or ketchup to the affected areas, leave it on for 20-30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. This method is best for minor green discoloration and may not be effective for more intense green hues.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help lift the green pigment from the hair. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste, apply it to the affected areas, and gently massage it into the hair. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Baking soda can be drying, so follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that can help lighten green hair, especially when combined with sunlight. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water, apply it to the hair, and sit in the sun for 30-60 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner. Lemon juice can be drying and damaging, so use it sparingly and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
Color Remover
If the green is due to a hair dye, a color remover can help lift the artificial pigment from the hair. Color removers are generally less damaging than bleach, but they can still be drying. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and perform a strand test before applying the remover to your entire head.
Bleach
Bleach is the most effective method for lightening green hair, but it’s also the most damaging. Use bleach as a last resort if other methods have failed. Bleach works by oxidizing the hair’s melanin, which lightens the hair color. It also lifts artificial pigment from dyed hair.
Choose the right developer volume: The developer volume determines the lifting power of the bleach. A lower volume developer (10 or 20) is less damaging but provides less lift, while a higher volume developer (30 or 40) provides more lift but is also more damaging. Start with a lower volume developer and increase it only if necessary.
Protect your hair: Before bleaching, apply a hair mask or deep conditioner to protect your hair from damage. You can also add a bond builder like Olaplex or Briogeo B. Well to the bleach mixture to help strengthen the hair.
Perform a strand test: Always perform a strand test before bleaching your entire head to assess how your hair will react to the bleach.
Apply the bleach carefully: Apply the bleach evenly to the affected areas, avoiding the scalp. Process the bleach for the recommended time, checking the hair frequently.
Rinse and condition: Rinse the bleach thoroughly and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Once you’ve lightened or neutralized the green in your hair, it’s essential to take steps to maintain the color and health of your hair.
Use Color-Safe Products
Color-safe shampoos and conditioners are formulated to be gentle on colored hair and prevent the color from fading. Avoid sulfates, which can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause the color to fade more quickly.
Deep Condition Regularly
Lightening processes can dry out the hair, so it’s important to deep condition regularly to restore moisture and elasticity. Use a moisturizing hair mask once or twice a week.
Minimize Heat Styling
Heat styling can further damage already processed hair. Minimize the use of heat styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners. When you do use heat styling tools, use a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun
Sun exposure can cause hair color to fade and damage the hair. Wear a hat or scarf when spending extended periods in the sun.
Consider a Professional
If you’re unsure about any of the steps involved in lightening or toning green hair, it’s always best to consult with a professional hairstylist. They can assess your hair’s condition, recommend the best course of action, and help you achieve your desired result without causing further damage. Corrective color can be tricky, and a professional will have the expertise to navigate the process safely and effectively.
Lightening green hair is achievable, but it requires a careful approach. Understanding the cause of the green, assessing your hair’s condition, and choosing the right methods are crucial for success. Remember to prioritize the health of your hair and consult with a professional if needed. With patience and the right techniques, you can say goodbye to green hair and hello to your desired color.
Why did my hair turn green after bleaching?
Green hair after bleaching is a common occurrence, especially if your hair already had underlying cool tones or has been exposed to certain elements. The bleach lifts the existing pigment, revealing those underlying cool tones, which can include blue. When these blue tones mix with the yellow tones naturally present in bleached hair, the result is often a greenish hue.
Furthermore, hard water, swimming pool chemicals (chlorine), and even certain medications can contribute to green discoloration. These elements contain copper, which readily binds to protein in the hair, especially after bleaching has made it more porous and susceptible to absorption. This absorbed copper then oxidizes, resulting in that unwanted green tint.
Can I lighten green hair at home?
Yes, you can attempt to lighten green hair at home, but it’s crucial to proceed with caution and manage your expectations. Begin with less aggressive methods like clarifying shampoos and DIY toning treatments, such as tomato juice or ketchup, which contain red pigments to neutralize the green. These are gentle approaches that won’t cause significant damage if done carefully.
However, if the green is stubborn or deep, you might consider a color remover specifically designed for removing unnatural hair colors. Follow the product instructions meticulously and perform a strand test first to assess the results and prevent any further damage. Remember that lightening green hair at home carries a risk of uneven results and potential hair damage, so professional help is often the safest bet.
What is the best toner to use for green hair?
The best toner for green hair is one with a red or pink base to neutralize the green tones. Look for toners specifically formulated for counteracting green, often labeled as anti-green or color-correcting. The strength of the toner will depend on the intensity of the green in your hair; a lighter green might only need a diluted toner, while a more intense green will require a stronger one.
Before applying any toner, perform a strand test to determine how your hair will react and avoid over-toning, which can result in a pink or reddish hue. Carefully follow the instructions on the toner packaging, paying attention to the development time. Always prioritize using a good quality toner from a reputable brand to minimize the risk of damage and achieve the desired results.
Will purple shampoo help with green hair?
Purple shampoo is designed to neutralize yellow tones in blonde hair, not green tones. While it might slightly reduce a very faint greenish tinge, it’s generally not effective for addressing noticeable green hair. Using purple shampoo on green hair could even make the green appear duller or more ashy.
The color wheel shows that red is the opposite of green, and therefore the correct color to neutralize it. Purple is the opposite of yellow. Therefore, a product with red pigments will be more effective at canceling out green in your hair.
How can I prevent my hair from turning green in the first place?
Preventing green hair discoloration primarily involves protecting your hair from copper exposure. If you swim frequently, wear a swimming cap to minimize contact with chlorinated water. Rinse your hair immediately after swimming with a clarifying shampoo to remove any chlorine residue.
If you have hard water at home, consider installing a shower filter to remove copper and other minerals that can contribute to greening. Additionally, be mindful of the hair products you use, as some may contain ingredients that interact negatively with your hair color. Using color-safe shampoos and conditioners can also help protect your hair’s integrity and prevent discoloration.
How long does it take to tone down green hair?
The time it takes to tone down green hair depends on several factors, including the intensity of the green, the chosen method, and your hair’s porosity. Gentle methods like using tomato juice or clarifying shampoo might require multiple applications over several days or even weeks to see a noticeable difference.
Stronger methods, such as color removers or toners with red pigments, can provide more immediate results, often within 30-60 minutes, but they also come with a higher risk of damage. Be patient and avoid rushing the process, especially if you’re using chemical treatments. Always prioritize the health of your hair and consider consulting a professional stylist for personalized advice and treatment plans.
When should I see a professional about my green hair?
You should consider seeing a professional about your green hair if the DIY methods are not working, the green is very intense or uneven, or if you are concerned about causing further damage to your hair. A professional colorist has the expertise and products to safely and effectively correct the color without compromising your hair’s health.
Attempting multiple home remedies or harsh chemical treatments can lead to breakage, dryness, and further discoloration. A colorist can assess the condition of your hair, determine the cause of the green discoloration, and create a customized treatment plan to achieve your desired color while minimizing damage. They can also offer advice on maintaining your hair color and preventing future discoloration.