Dealing with green hair after a bleaching or dyeing mishap can be incredibly frustrating. That unwanted green hue can appear for various reasons, and understanding how to correct it is crucial for achieving your desired hair color. Toner is a powerful tool in hair coloring, but choosing the right one is essential for successfully neutralizing the green. This article delves into the reasons behind green hair, the color theory involved in correction, and how to select and use the appropriate toner to restore your hair’s intended color.
Understanding Why Hair Turns Green
Before you can effectively correct green hair, it’s important to understand the underlying causes. Several factors can contribute to this undesirable color change.
Chlorine Exposure: The Swimming Pool Culprit
One of the most common culprits behind green hair is chlorine found in swimming pools. Chlorine itself isn’t the direct cause; rather, it’s the copper often present in pool water. Copper is added to control algae and bacteria. When chlorine oxidizes copper, it binds to the proteins in your hair. This copper buildup manifests as a greenish tint, especially noticeable in blonde or lightened hair.
Hard Water: Mineral Deposits and Hair Color
Hard water, rich in minerals like copper, iron, and calcium, can also lead to green hair. These minerals deposit on the hair shaft, gradually building up over time. Similar to chlorine, copper in hard water oxidizes and imparts a greenish cast, while iron can cause a reddish or orange tinge.
Improper Hair Dye Application: Underlying Tones
Sometimes, green hair can result from improper hair dye application, particularly when bleaching or using ashy tones on hair that wasn’t properly prepped. If your hair has underlying warm tones (red, orange, or yellow) and you apply a cool-toned dye (containing blue or green pigments), the resulting color can turn muddy or even green. This happens because the cool and warm tones interact, creating an undesirable mix.
Certain Hair Products: Build-up and Discoloration
Certain hair products, especially those containing dyes or metallic salts, can contribute to green hair. Over time, these ingredients can build up on the hair shaft, leading to discoloration. This is more likely to occur with products used frequently and not thoroughly rinsed out.
Color Theory: Neutralizing Green with Red
The foundation of correcting green hair lies in understanding basic color theory. Color theory dictates that colors opposite each other on the color wheel neutralize each other. For green, the opposite color is red. Therefore, to effectively counteract green tones in hair, you need to introduce red pigments. This is where toners come into play.
The Color Wheel: Your Guide to Color Correction
The color wheel is a visual representation of color relationships. By identifying the unwanted color (green) on the wheel, you can easily determine its complementary color (red). This simple principle is the key to successful color correction.
Red-Based Toners: The Solution for Green Hair
Red-based toners contain red pigments designed to neutralize green. The amount of red pigment needed will depend on the intensity of the green tones in your hair. Light green may only require a subtle red toner, while more vibrant green may need a more potent formula.
Understanding Toner Levels and Undertones
Toners come in different levels, ranging from light to dark. When selecting a toner, consider your desired final hair color and your hair’s current level. Also, be mindful of any underlying warm tones in your hair, as these can interact with the red toner and potentially create unwanted results.
Choosing the Right Toner for Green Hair
Selecting the correct toner is crucial for achieving the desired outcome. Several factors influence the choice, including the severity of the green, your hair’s base color, and your desired final shade.
Assessing the Green: Light, Medium, or Dark
The first step is to assess the intensity of the green tones. Is it a faint greenish cast, a noticeable green hue, or a deep, vibrant green? This assessment will help you determine the strength of the red toner needed. Light green might only require a diluted red toner, while darker green will need a more concentrated formula.
Your Hair’s Base Color: Blonde, Brown, or Dark
The base color of your hair significantly impacts the toner selection. Blonde hair is more susceptible to green tones and may require a gentler toner approach. Brown or dark hair may need a stronger toner or pre-toning treatment to effectively neutralize the green.
Desired Final Shade: Achieving Your Goal Color
Consider your desired final hair color. Do you want to maintain your current shade but without the green, or are you aiming for a different color altogether? This will influence the choice of toner level and the overall coloring process.
Toner Types: Demi-Permanent vs. Semi-Permanent
Toners come in demi-permanent and semi-permanent formulations. Demi-permanent toners deposit color and slightly lift the hair’s cuticle, providing longer-lasting results. Semi-permanent toners only deposit color and wash out gradually over time. For correcting green hair, a demi-permanent toner is often preferred for its greater staying power.
Applying Toner to Correct Green Hair: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying toner requires careful preparation and execution to ensure even coverage and avoid further damage to your hair. Following a step-by-step guide can help you achieve professional-looking results at home.
Preparation: Gathering Supplies and Protecting Your Skin
Before you begin, gather all the necessary supplies: toner, developer (if using a demi-permanent toner), mixing bowl, applicator brush, gloves, old towel, and a timer. Protect your skin by applying petroleum jelly along your hairline and ears.
Mixing the Toner: Following Product Instructions Carefully
Carefully follow the product instructions for mixing the toner and developer (if required). Use the correct ratio of toner to developer to ensure optimal results and avoid damaging your hair.
Application: Sectioning Hair and Ensuring Even Coverage
Section your hair into manageable parts. Apply the toner evenly, starting at the roots and working your way to the ends. Make sure to saturate all strands to achieve uniform color correction.
Processing Time: Monitoring Color Change and Preventing Over-Processing
Monitor the color change closely during the processing time. Check a small strand of hair periodically to assess the progress. Do not exceed the recommended processing time, as over-processing can damage your hair.
Rinsing and Conditioning: Sealing the Hair Cuticle
Once the processing time is complete, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Follow with a deep conditioner to replenish moisture and seal the hair cuticle.
Preventing Green Hair: Proactive Measures
Preventing green hair is often easier than correcting it. Taking proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of unwanted green tones.
Swimming Pool Precautions: Protective Products and Post-Swim Care
If you swim frequently, protect your hair by applying a swim cap or using a hair product specifically designed to shield against chlorine. After swimming, rinse your hair immediately with fresh water and use a clarifying shampoo to remove any chlorine or copper residue.
Water Filtration: Reducing Mineral Content in Hard Water
If you have hard water, consider installing a water filtration system in your shower. This can significantly reduce the mineral content in your water and prevent mineral buildup on your hair.
Hair Product Awareness: Choosing Safe and Suitable Products
Be mindful of the hair products you use. Avoid products containing metallic salts or dyes that can contribute to discoloration. Choose products specifically formulated for your hair type and color.
Regular Hair Maintenance: Preventing Buildup and Maintaining Color
Regular hair maintenance, including clarifying shampoos and deep conditioning treatments, can help prevent product buildup and maintain your hair color. Consider using a chelating shampoo periodically to remove mineral deposits.
When to Seek Professional Help: Knowing Your Limits
While correcting green hair at home is possible, there are situations where seeking professional help is advisable. If you’re unsure about the process, have severely damaged hair, or are attempting a drastic color change, consult a professional colorist. They can assess your hair’s condition, recommend the appropriate treatment, and minimize the risk of further damage. A professional can formulate a custom toner blend to address the specific needs of your hair. They have the experience and expertise to achieve the desired results safely and effectively.
Correcting green hair requires a basic understanding of color theory, careful product selection, and precise application. By understanding the causes of green hair and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively neutralize unwanted green tones and restore your hair’s intended color. Remember, prevention is key, so take proactive measures to protect your hair from chlorine, hard water, and damaging hair products. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek professional help to ensure the health and beauty of your hair.
What causes green tones in hair after bleaching or dyeing?
The primary culprit for green hair is the presence of copper in your water supply. Copper pipes, well water, and even some shampoos can deposit copper onto hair, particularly porous, lightened strands. When combined with chlorine, often found in swimming pools, or certain hair products, this copper oxidizes, creating a green hue.
Additionally, direct dyes containing blue pigments can sometimes fade unevenly, leaving behind a green tint. This is more common with fashion colors like turquoise or teal. Lightened hair is highly susceptible to absorbing these pigments, and if the dye application wasn’t perfectly even, the blue may linger longer in some areas than others.
What is a toner and how does it work to neutralize green tones?
A toner is a demi-permanent hair color product designed to neutralize unwanted undertones in hair, primarily after bleaching or lightening. Toners contain pigments that counteract the undesirable color; in the case of green, a toner with red or pink pigments will be used. The principle relies on the color wheel, where red is opposite green, effectively cancelling it out.
The toner deposits these corrective pigments onto the hair shaft, refining the overall color without significantly lifting the existing base color. The result is a more balanced and natural-looking shade. The effectiveness of a toner depends on the intensity of the green tones and the chosen toner’s pigment strength.
What type of toner should I use to fix green hair?
For correcting green tones, a toner with a red or pink base is ideal. Look for toners specifically labeled as “red-based” or “pink-based” toners. Avoid toners with blue or ash tones, as these will only exacerbate the greenness. The specific shade of red or pink will depend on the intensity of the green you’re trying to neutralize.
For very light green tones, a pastel pink toner might suffice. For more pronounced green, a stronger red-based toner might be necessary. It’s crucial to choose the correct volume developer to mix with the toner. Lower volume developers (like 10 volume) are generally recommended to deposit color without lifting.
How do I apply toner to fix green hair?
Always perform a strand test before applying toner to your entire head. This will allow you to gauge the effectiveness of the toner and ensure you achieve the desired result without unwanted surprises. Mix the toner with the appropriate developer volume according to the product instructions.
Apply the toner evenly to your damp, towel-dried hair, focusing on the areas with the most prominent green tones. Leave the toner on for the recommended processing time, usually between 10-20 minutes, but refer to the product instructions. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and follow with a color-safe conditioner.
Can I use ketchup or tomato juice to remove green tones from my hair?
Yes, ketchup and tomato juice can sometimes help neutralize mild green tones in hair due to their red pigment. The acidity in tomatoes might also help loosen the copper bond from the hair. This method is considered a home remedy and may not be as effective as professional toners.
Apply ketchup or tomato juice liberally to damp hair, focusing on the green areas. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. Follow with shampoo and conditioner. While not a guaranteed fix, it’s a gentle option that might provide some improvement, especially for subtle green hues.
How can I prevent green hair in the future?
Investing in a shower filter that removes chlorine and copper can significantly reduce the risk of green hair. These filters attach directly to your showerhead and are readily available. Also consider using a clarifying shampoo regularly to remove mineral buildup.
Using swim caps when swimming in chlorinated pools is crucial. After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water to remove any chlorine residue. Additionally, use hair products formulated for color-treated hair, which often contain ingredients to help protect against mineral buildup and color fading.
When should I seek professional help to fix my green hair?
If the green tones are very stubborn, uneven, or significantly different from your desired color, it’s best to consult a professional hairstylist. Attempting to correct severe color issues yourself could potentially damage your hair or result in further unwanted tones.
A stylist has access to a wider range of professional-grade toners and corrective techniques. They can accurately assess the underlying cause of the green and formulate a personalized plan to achieve the desired color while minimizing damage to your hair. They can also advise on the best long-term maintenance strategies.