Call or Text (410) 429-4959

Ensor Plumbing in Owings Mill, MD
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • TESTIMONIALS
    • DIAMOND CLUB
  • WATER TREATMENT
    • Chemical Feeder Pump Systems
    • City Carbon Softeners
    • Neutralizers
    • Nitrate Units
    • Reverse Osmosis
    • Ultraviolet (UV) Light Systems
    • Water Softeners
  • SERVICES
    • Residential Plumbing
    • Well Systems
    • Water Heaters
    • Gas Work
    • Hydronic Heating
    • Leak Protection Systems
    • SPECIALS
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT
  • CAREERS
  • SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • TESTIMONIALS
    • DIAMOND CLUB
  • WATER TREATMENT
    • Chemical Feeder Pump Systems
    • City Carbon Softeners
    • Neutralizers
    • Nitrate Units
    • Reverse Osmosis
    • Ultraviolet (UV) Light Systems
    • Water Softeners
  • SERVICES
    • Residential Plumbing
    • Well Systems
    • Water Heaters
    • Gas Work
    • Hydronic Heating
    • Leak Protection Systems
    • SPECIALS
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT
  • CAREERS
  • SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT

Green Hair Sabotage?! (Don’t Blame Your Hairdresser!)

a top-down view of several aging copper pipes that are part of a residential plumbing system

You hop out of the shower, towel wrapped around your head, and as you start drying your hair you catch a glimpse in the mirror. Something looks… off. Instead of your usual shade, there’s a strange green tint shining back at you. Cue the panic: “What on earth did my hairdresser do?!”

Before you rush to make an angry phone call, let’s hit pause. The real culprit might not be your stylist at all—it could be your plumbing.

The Copper Connection

Most homes built in the last few decades have copper pipes running behind the walls. They’re reliable and long-lasting, but they’re not immune to chemistry. Over time, copper can actually dissolve into your water supply. This process—called leaching—happens when:

  • Your water is more acidic than it should be.
  • The copper content in your supply is already on the high side (common with both city water and wells).

When that water makes its way to your shower, the copper doesn’t just vanish down the drain. Instead, it can settle onto surfaces—including your hair.

Why Hair Turns Green

Here’s the tricky part: hair isn’t all created equal. Blonde and lightened hair is especially porous, which means it soaks up minerals like a sponge. Chemically treated hair can be just as vulnerable. Once copper bonds to those strands, it oxidizes and leaves behind that all-too-familiar green tint.

And if you’re a swimmer? That “chlorine green” you’ve heard about is usually copper’s fault too. Chlorine doesn’t dye hair green on its own—it reacts with copper already in the water, making the effect more noticeable.

What You Can Do

The good news: you don’t have to live with mystery-colored hair or corroding pipes. Here are a few steps that really help:

  • Test Your Water – Simple kits or a professional inspection can reveal your copper levels and pH balance.
  • Add Protection – A whole-home filter or water softener can reduce metals and stabilize acidity.
  • Stay on Top of Maintenance – Healthy pipes mean less corrosion and fewer surprises.
  • Guard Your Hair – Swimmers use sprays, leave-in conditioners, and clarifying shampoos for a reason. Even at home, these can reduce buildup.

When to Call in the Experts

If you’re noticing green streaks in your hair, or even stains on your sinks and tubs, it’s a warning sign that your plumbing may need attention. Left unchecked, copper corrosion can shorten the lifespan of your pipes and lead to expensive repairs down the road.

At Ensor Plumbing, we don’t just fix leaks—we help homeowners understand what’s going on behind the scenes. If your water is leaving more than just a bad taste, give us a call. We’ll test, troubleshoot, and find a solution that protects both your plumbing and your peace of mind.

The takeaway: Green hair isn’t a hairdresser problem—it’s a water problem. The fix starts with your pipes, and Ensor Plumbing is here to help you tackle it head-on.

copper leaching home plumbing tips neutralizers ph testing residential plumbing water treamtent

Leave your comment Cancel Reply

(will not be shared)

Latest Posts

  • a top-down view of several aging copper pipes that are part of a residential plumbing system
    Green Hair Sabotage?! (Don’t Blame Your Hairdresser!) Friday, 3, Oct
  • A woman in a yellow shirt stands in her kitchen while discussing urgent plumbing issues with a repair service regarding a leaky sink that needs immediate attention.
    Stop Plumbing Problems Before They Start: What Every Homeowner Should Know Wednesday, 3, Sep
  • Vibrant outdoor water playground featuring colorful sprinklers and play structures, perfect for summer fun and family activities. High quality photo
    Water Parks and Interactive Splash Pads – How Safe Is That Water? Monday, 28, Jul
  • Technician plumber using a wrench to repair a water pipe under the sink. Concept of maintenance, fix water plumbing leaks, replace the kitchen sink drain, cleaning clogged pipes is dirty or rusty.
    Clanging, Banging, and Other Noises in Your Plumbing System Monday, 14, Jul
  • Plumbing Permit Icons. Flat icon set of residential plumbing permits: bathroom layout, water heater diagram,
    Buying a House? Before You Sign, Check BEYOND the Sewer Line! Wednesday, 18, Jun

ABOUT US

Located at 16925 York Rd. Suite#B Monkton, Maryland 21111. Ensor Plumbing has local plumbers throughout the Baltimore area, ready to help when you need it. We can take care of your plumbing, water treatment systems, well system repairs, water heater installations and services for hydronic heating systems.

State of Maryland License: #7565
Baltimore County License: #MP17A
Carroll County License: #P-01-31-MG
Harford County License #00001475-P
Howard County License #00001475-P

Privacy Policy

Cookies Policy

FACEBOOK

AFFILIATIONS

© 2019 Ensor Plumbing

CALL NOW: (410) 429-4959