Copper in Green Hair: A Quantitative Investigation by Electron Probe X-Ray Microanalysis

January 1980 in “ Ultrastructural pathology ”

Godfried M. Roomans, B Forslind

TLDR Green hair has high copper levels due to contaminated water and damaged hair cuticles.

The study investigated 11 cases of green hair using electron probe x-ray microanalysis and found significant copper concentrations (0.2-1.8% w/w) compared to normal hair, which had copper levels below 0.02% w/w. A concentration gradient was observed from the periphery to the center of hair cross sections, suggesting contamination from external sources. Elevated copper levels in patients' tapwater, along with aggressive water properties (improper pH, high nitrate, heavy chlorination), were identified. Transmission electron microscopy revealed endocuticula damage. Experimental treatments showed that copper binding to hair increased significantly when the cuticula was damaged by chlorinated water, indicating that aggressive water conditions could lead to higher copper concentrations in hair.

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