Swimmers hair is the faint green color deposited on light colored hair after a day of swimming in a chemically treated pool. The chlorine that is used to keep the pool clean reacts with trace amounts of metals and this interaction is what causes the faint green color of swimmers hair. Usually only those with fine, very light hair are effected, and while it can be a bit embarrassing to have a bit of green in your hair, swimmers hair is completely harmless. It is simple to treat with a specially blended swimmers hair shampoo or a variety of home remedies.
If your hair is chemically treated with hair dyes, curling treatments or one of several other treatments, it is best to avoid chlorine treated pools for at least a few days after having your hair treated. If you have un-treated or color treated hair that is particularly light in color, it is better to use a bit of prevention in order to avoid the dreadful green color all together. This can be achieved with a head covering or making sure that your hair is well conditioned before swimming the chlorinated pool water. While a head covering may not be the best looking of preventive protection from swimmers hair, it does work. If you are not up for wearing a head covering , a good quality hair conditioner will most likely do the job. When applying the conditioner, make sure to wet the hair with regular, non-treated water and apply conditioner liberally, making sure to cover your hair from roots to tips. If you intend to swim for an extended time, repeat the application of conditioner several times.
If you already have swimmers hair there are a few swimmers hair treatments that can help to rid your hair of the green color. I would recommend visiting a beauty supply shop and inquiring about specific swimmers hair products. There are typically clarifying shampoos that can be effective as a swimmers hair treatment. If using a shampoo, add a tablespoon of baking soda to the shampoo. Shampoo as usual and be certain to rinse well. The baking soda will act as a neutralizing agent and help to rid your hair of the green color.
If all else has failed, as a last resort swimmers hair treatment, you can use about 1/4 cup of aspirin that have dissolved in regular tap water. This aspirin concoction will be very gritty and leave your hair dry, and possibly brittle. It should be used sparingly, and only as a last resort. Be sure to follow up with a specially blended conditioning hair treatment in order to avoid further damage to your hair.
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