GREEN HAIR

Green hair is an unusual dermatologic condition usually due to the dep osition of copper from exogenous sources. We report the cases of two p atients who presented to our clinic with a green discoloration of thei r hair. This pigmentation of hair has generally been reported in patie nts with blond hair as a consequence of increased concentrations of co pper in domestic or swimming pool water. Although an increased copper content of the affected hair seems to be a prerequisite, other predisp osing factors have to be present for this situation to occur. These in clude previous hair damage (mechanical, sun exposure, bleaching, dyein g, waving), frequent contact with chlorinated water, or use of alkalin e shampoos. Several options for treatment have been described for this problem, including application of hot vegetable oil, hydrogen peroxid e, edetic acid- or D-penicillamine-containing shampoos, or hydroxyethy l diphosphonic acid.