Bleaching your hair can sometimes lead to unexpected results, like green tones appearing in your lightened strands. This happens when your hair reacts with leftover dye, minerals in the water, or the wrong toner. The good news? Using safe, proven methods, you can fix green hair at home or with professional help. Here’s how.
Use a Red-Based Toner or Color-Correcting Product
The easiest way to neutralize green hair is to apply red-based tones, as red cancels out green on the color wheel. Color-accumulating conditioners or toners designed to correct ash tones are widely available. These products help restore warmth and balance to your hair without causing further damage. Use them as directed and repeat as needed until the green tone is gone.
Try Tomato-Based Home Remedies
Yes, tomato juice or ketchup can actually help fix green hair. The natural red pigments in these products temporarily counteract green tones. Apply a generous amount to dry or damp hair, leave it on for 10-20 minutes, and rinse thoroughly. While it may take some effort, this DIY method is gentle and effective in many cases.
Apply a Color-Correcting Hair Mask
If you’re looking for something simple and nourishing, color-correcting masks are a great solution. Look for masks that specifically target ashy or green tones, which are often labeled as red or warm tones. Not only do they help to cleanse the color, they also hydrate and repair your hair—especially important after bleaching.
Use Clarifying Shampoo to Remove Mineral Buildup
Green tones sometimes come from minerals in hard water or chlorine from pools. A clarifying shampoo can help remove this residue and refresh your hair color. Use it once a week to avoid overdrying, and always follow with a conditioner to lock in moisture.
Visit a Professional for Custom Toner
If the greens are strong or won’t fade, going to the salon is the safest bet. A colorist can assess your hair and apply a toner that neutralizes the green based on your exact hair shade. This option ensures results without the risk of further damage from at-home trial and error.
Bonus: Understand Hair Color Theory
Understanding which tones cancel each other out helps prevent color mistakes. If you’re dealing with other unwanted shades, you might find it helpful to know which color cancels out blue—a useful guide for future color correction.
