Why Green Happens in Grey/Relaxed Hair
* Copper in Water: This is the most common culprit. Copper pipes in your plumbing can leach into the water, especially in older buildings. When this copper reacts with chemicals in your hair (especially lightened or relaxed hair), it can deposit as a green hue.
* Chlorine: Pools, hot tubs, and even chlorinated tap water can contribute.
* Medications: Certain medications, especially those containing metals, can sometimes affect hair color.
* Hard Water: Minerals in hard water can also contribute to buildup and discoloration.
* Product Buildup: Some hair products, especially those with natural ingredients, can contribute to buildup that reacts with copper in water.
Important Considerations Before You Start
* Relaxed Hair is Delicate: Relaxing permanently alters the structure of your hair. Anything you do to remove the green needs to be done with extreme caution to avoid breakage and further damage.
* Porosity Matters: Grey hair tends to be more porous (has more holes in the hair shaft), meaning it absorbs and releases things easily. Relaxed hair *also* tends to be more porous. This means the green is likely embedded in the hair shaft.
* Strand Test: ALWAYS do a strand test on a small, inconspicuous area of your hair before applying any product to your entire head. This allows you to see how your hair reacts and prevent a disaster. Use hair collected from your brush, if possible.
* Professional Help: If you're unsure or the green is significant, consider consulting a professional colorist experienced with grey and relaxed hair. They can assess the situation and recommend the safest course of action. This is especially true if your hair is already damaged.
Treatment Options (From Gentle to More Aggressive - Start with the gentlest and work your way up only if necessary)
1. Chelating Shampoo:
* How it works: Chelating shampoos are designed to remove mineral buildup, including copper.
* Look for: Shampoos that specifically mention removing mineral buildup, chlorine, or hard water deposits. Ingredients like EDTA, phytic acid, or citric acid are chelating agents.
* How to use: Follow the product instructions carefully. Usually involves leaving the shampoo on for a few minutes before rinsing. Don't use too often. Chelating shampoos can be drying, so follow with a deep conditioner.
* Frequency: Use only when needed, not as your regular shampoo. Once a week or less is usually sufficient.
2. Tomato Juice/Ketchup (DIY - Use with CAUTION):
* How it works: The acidity and red pigment in tomato juice or ketchup can help neutralize the green.
* How to use:
* Apply liberally to the affected areas.
* Leave on for 15-30 minutes.
* Rinse thoroughly.
* Follow with a deep conditioner.
* Why caution is needed: The acidity could potentially damage already fragile relaxed hair. Do a strand test first. This method is more effective on lighter green tints.
* Smell: Be prepared for the tomato smell!
3. Baking Soda Paste (DIY - Use with EXTREME CAUTION):
* How it works: Baking soda is a mild abrasive and alkaline, which can help lift some of the green tint.
* How to use:
* Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste.
* Apply to the affected areas ONLY.
* Gently massage for a very short time (seconds, not minutes).
* Rinse IMMEDIATELY and thoroughly.
* Follow with a deep conditioner.
* Why extreme caution is needed: Baking soda is very drying and can be damaging, especially to relaxed hair. STRAND TEST IS ESSENTIAL. Use this as a LAST RESORT. DO NOT leave on for more than a few seconds. Monitor your hair carefully during the application.
* Neutralizing: After rinsing the baking soda, you might want to follow with a very diluted apple cider vinegar rinse to help restore the pH balance of your hair. Rinse the vinegar out thoroughly as well.
4. Color Remover (Professional Application Recommended):
* How it works: Color removers are designed to lift artificial color pigments from the hair.
* Important: This is best left to a professional. Over-the-counter color removers can be harsh and damaging. A colorist can choose the right type of remover and apply it safely.
* Note: Color removers might not be completely effective on mineral deposits, but they can sometimes help.
5. Toner (Professional Application Recommended):
* How it works: A toner deposits a small amount of color to neutralize unwanted tones.
* Important: This is also best left to a professional. A colorist can select the right toner shade to neutralize the green without causing further damage or unwanted colors.
* How it works: Often a red or pink toned toner will help neutralize the green tones.
Prevention is Key
* Shower Filter: Invest in a shower filter that removes chlorine and copper. This is the most effective long-term solution. Make sure it's rated to remove copper.
* Bottled Water Rinse: For the final rinse after washing your hair, use distilled or bottled water.
* Avoid Chlorine: Wear a swim cap when swimming in chlorinated pools. Rinse your hair immediately after swimming.
* Clarify Regularly (But Gently): Use a clarifying shampoo (not a chelating shampoo) every few weeks to remove product buildup. Look for sulfate-free options.
* Deep Condition: Regularly deep condition your hair to maintain moisture and strength.
* Avoid Over-Processing: Minimize heat styling and chemical treatments.
When to See a Professional:
* If you're unsure how to proceed.
* If the green tint is very stubborn.
* If your hair is already damaged or weak.
* If you're considering using a color remover or toner.
Important Reminders:
* Moisturize! All of these treatments can be drying, so deep conditioning is essential.
* Be Patient: It may take several treatments to remove the green, especially if it's been there for a while.
* Listen to Your Hair: If your hair starts to feel dry, brittle, or damaged, stop the treatment and focus on moisturizing and strengthening it.
Good luck! Remember, gentleness and patience are key to protecting your relaxed hair.