If you have light, colored, or damaged hair then you are probably already aware of the consequences that come with swimming in chlorine. Summer is soon approaching and a lot of the activities we all love doing come with being exposed to chlorine. Even though we all enjoy a nice swim in the pool, some of you may have to suffer with the aftermath of chlorine, green hair. Most people believe that chlorine is responsible for the green in their hair at the end of summer, but truthfully there are other causes to this unfortunate side effect that we'd like to share with you!

There are several metals that are found in water such as copper and megnesium. Both of these metals are oxidized by the chlorine found in pool water, and when you go for a quick swim in the pool they are absorbed into your hair giving you that greenish tint that we all love to hate. If you have dark hair it is also absorbed it's just more noticeable on lighter or blonde hair. The side effects copper can have on brunettes is dull and flat hair.

How To Prevent This From Happening To You:

To remove the green tint from your hair you need to start using a toner. Toners will neutralize the color in your hair if you use a color from the opposite side of the color wheel to bring your hair back to its normal shade.

**If you have ever gotten your hair professionally highlighted or bleached your hair stylist might have told you to invest in a purple shampoo and conditioner. This will benefit your hair because using a purple or blue tone product on your hair prevents it from looking brassy (yellow or orange).

So, when your hair starts to turn green from too much time spent in the pool you want to neutralize it with a red tone. Finding a red toner that won't color your hair can be tricky so we have done some research and found a DIY toner that's not only inexpensive but will take that green right out!

Ketchup, yes this condiment tastes great with burgers and fries but it also works wonders on your hair! The vinegar that is in tomato sauce stops the chemical reaction from occurring on your hair. The color of the ketchup helps by neutralizing with the green to bring your hair back to its blonde shade!

Lets Get Started:

To start this DIY toner you want to first rinse your hair, making sure to squeeze out all of the excess water after. Then, apply the ketchup directly to your hair (this may get a little messy so we recommend wearing an old T-shirt) focusing mainly on the ends or wherever you see the most green. Leave the ketchup in your hair for 10-20 minutes and don't worry your hair will not turn red! We recommend checking as you go, if you have a lot of green you are going to want to leave it on for longer time. When you feel that it's ready rinse it out following up with a regular shampoo and condition. After, if you still feel your hair isn't fully back to its normal condition you can apply the toner a second time!

How To Avoid Green When Swimming:

• Rinse your hair with fresh water before jumping in the pool! If you soak your hair before swimming your hair won't be able to absorb the pool water resulting in less green!
• Rinse your hair once you get out of the pool. You do not need to shampoo and condition your hair immediately but rinsing your hair once you get out of the pool will also prevent the green tone.
• Wearing a swim cap is obvious but it will always protect your hair from the pool water.
• Another alternative to removing green is using a clarifying shampoo, but ketchup seems to work the best and it's gentler on your hair.