Are you accidentally stuck with a piece of chewing gum in your hair? If you're considering cutting off your beautiful hair just to remove the stubborn gum, stop.
Removing chewing gum from your hair is not an easy feat. However, do not worry, for here’s help.
Listed below is a wide range of simple yet effective methods to remove chewing gum from your hair without the need to visit your hairstylist. More importantly, most of these remedies involve usage of easily available kitchen ingredients and household items. So, scroll down to know more.
Highlights:
13 Ways To Remove Chewing Gum From Hair Without Getting A Haircut
Getting stuck with a piece of stubborn gum in your hair can be troublesome. In most cases, a pair of scissors may seem like the only good solution. However, there are few commonly available ingredients and items you can use to avoid a haircut.
1. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is an oily, thick compound with hydrophobic attributes. Applying a little amount of peanut butter on the gum can minimize its adhesive property, making it simpler to remove from your hair. As both chewing gum and peanut butter are hydrophobic in nature, it is common for them to attach to each other than to attach to your hair.
How to use:
A. Apply peanut butter evenly on the affected section of your hair.
B. With the help of your fingertips, work the butter through the affected section of hair and leave it for a few minutes.
C. This will make the gum stiff, making it easier to remove from your tresses.
2. Cooking Oils
Cooking oils are also hydrophobic in nature. When you mix water and oil in a bowl, they separate to form distinct layers. The chemical components present in these oils break down the adhesive bond in the chewing gum. Hence, these oils can be used in removing gum from your hair as they don’t cause any damage.
Cooking oils which can be used for this purpose include coconut oil [1], olive oil, canola oil and groundnut oil.
How to use:
A. Apply the cooking oil onto the affected area and rub the section of hair gently.
B. Using a comb or your fingertips, remove the gum gently.
3. Ice Cubes
If you want to avoid using cooking oil due to its stickiness, you may use ice cubes to remove the gum from your hair. Freezing off the gum may minimize its adhesiveness, which makes it easier to remove.
How to use:
A. Keep an ice pack on top of the chewing gum for 10-15 minutes. This will harden the gum.
B. Alternatively, you may wrap a cloth containing a few ice cubes around the affected section of hair for immediate action.
C. Please note that this remedy is effective only when a small piece of gum is stuck in your hair.
4. Vinegar
This is also an effective solution wherein the natural solvent [2] helps break down the bond between the chewing gum and your hair. However, the solvent leaves behind a strong odour after usage.
How to use:
A. Firstly, saturate the affected section of your hair with a small amount of vinegar.
B. You can either soak your hair with a cloth dipped in vinegar or immerse it in a glass of vinegar.
C. When you soak your hair in vinegar for a long duration, it becomes easier for the gum to come off.
D. You may also use lukewarm vinegar for immediate action.
E. The time required for the removal of the chewing gum depends on the size of the chewing gum adhered to your hair. Once the gum starts to become mushy, comb your hair with a wide-tooth hair comb.
5. Petroleum Jelly
An easily available household item, petroleum jelly such as Vaseline, is an effective remedy for removing chewing gum from your hair. A non-abrasive, safe lubricant, petroleum jelly is also suggested for removing other aggressive compounds such as tar.
How to use:
A. Dry your hair thoroughly.
B. Take a small amount of petroleum jelly on your fingertips and work on the affected section of your hair.
C. Continue to rub the lubricant gently until the gum comes off.
D. Rinse your hair with a mild shampoo after the gum is removed as the lubricant makes your hair sticky and oily.
6. Oil-based Cleansers
Face cleansers work on chewing gum in the same way as peanut butter does. These are primarily used to remove specific types of face lotions and makeup. Several ointments, creams, and moisturizers contain liquid paraffin, which is a refined mineral oil. It is primarily made up of saturated hydrocarbons. Using an oil-based cleanser to remove a chewing gum works effectively as both are non-polar solvents.
How to use:
A. You can evenly apply an oil-based cleanser on the affected section of your hair, especially on the edges of the chewing gum adhering to your hair.
B. Allow it to sit for a few minutes and gently pull it out of your hair with the help of your fingertips.
7. Rubbing Alcohol
If a chewing gum is stuck onto your hair or your delicate fabrics, you can try applying rubbing alcohol [3] on the affected area with a Q-tip, sponge, or cotton ball. This is an isopropyl alcohol that is helpful in dissolving non-polar composites.
Rubbing alcohol easily breaks down the polymers present in the chewing gum. Also, it doesn’t stain or damage any sensitive materials. Therefore, it is commonly used in cleaning polyester or silk fabrics, satin pillowcases, or other materials which need dry cleaning.
How to use:
A. Dab a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto the affected section of your hair and allow it to dry.
B. Once dry, you can gently comb the gum downwards from your hair.
C. Rinse your hair with a mild shampoo afterwards.
8. Baking Soda
Even though not a well-known fact; baking soda [4] can be an effective remedy to remove chewing gum from your hair without causing any damage.
How to use:
A. Take one teaspoon of baking soda and add a small amount of water to make a thick paste.
B. Apply this thick paste on the wad of chewing gum and the section of hair where the gum is stuck.
C. Allow it to dry for a few minutes before combing out the chewing gum.
9. Toothpaste
Easily available in any household, toothpaste can be used as a quick fix and home remedy for many issues. One of the issues being the removal of chewing gum from hair.
How to use:
A. Apply a thick layer of toothpaste onto the wad of chewing gum and the affected section of your hair.
B. Leave it to dry for a few minutes.
C. Once the toothpaste is dry, you may remove the gum with the help of your fingertips.
10. Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise has the same effects on gum as cooking oils do. It is oily and sticky in nature, since it is a high-fat compound.
How to use:
A. Take a moderate amount of mayonnaise and apply it evenly on the section of your hair where the chewing gum is stuck.
B. Also, gently rub it on the edges.
C. Remove the gum gently from your hair and rinse it afterwards to wash off the build-up.
11. Hair Mousse
It is a great tool to remove gum from your hair without any external damage. Hair spray can also be used efficiently to remove the wad of gum.
How to use:
A. Spray hair mousse directly onto the wad of gum or into your hand for application. Avoid getting it into your eyes.
B. Once sprayed or applied, work it gently onto the affected area of your hair.
C. You can easily take out the chewing gum from your hair by using your fingers, a toothbrush or a comb.
12. Lotion
Lotions can help chewing gum to glide easily out of your hair without any fuss.
How to use:
A. Apply a generous amount of body or hand lotion onto the affected area of your hair and gently massage it to spread it evenly.
B. Next, gently comb or pull the chewing gum out of your hair once it loosens up.
13. Conditioner
As it is an excellent lubricant, conditioner works effectively in removing chewing gum from your hair.
How to use:
A. Take a little amount of conditioner and apply it onto the wad of gum and the affected area of your hair with the help of your fingertips.
B. It will create a glossy surface between the gum and your hair.
C. Next, take out the gum by combing your hair.
What Not To Do When You Get Chewing Gum In Your Hair?
While getting gum in your hair can be frustrating, doing the wrong things can spread the gum further and worsen your problem. Here are a few aspects you must consider.
1. Don’t pull at it: Avoid pulling on the wad of chewing gum stuck in your hair with your fingers as it could stretch the chewing gum further into your hair, making your problem worse than before.
2. Stop the spread: Avoid the chewing gum from spreading into your hair by gently separating the affected section from the rest of your hair.
3. Go easy: Always be gentle when taking out the wad of gum from your hair and rinse your hair thoroughly after using any remedy such as cooking oils or petroleum jelly. Choose a shampoo that suits your hair type.
How To Remove Chewing Gum From Your Hair If Nothing Works?
Despite your best efforts in trying to remove gum from hair, there may be times when nothing works. If you’re left with no choice but getting a haircut, then make the best of this opportunity. There are many ways to chop the chewing gum free from your hair and flaunt a new hairstyle! Below are a few recommendations based on where the chewing gum is stuck in your hair.
1. If you have the chewing gum stuck on the ends of your hair length, then try a V or U shape hairstyle which suits the shape of your face. Both options primarily aim to create a layered style at the end. This way you can avoid losing the length of your hair.
2. If the chewing gum is stuck on the mid-length of your hair, then you can choose a medium-layered hairstyle. While you may have to reduce your hair-length, you won’t have to cut off your entire mane! A layered cut will help hide the affected area of your hair without losing the hair length.
3. If you have chewing gum stuck near the roots of your hair, then try getting a pixie cut to remove the stubborn wad. This can be a drastic makeover if you love your long locks. However, if you can muster your courage, you can pull off this hairstyle with elan!
The Last Word
Getting chewing gum accidentally stuck in your hair can be a reason of worry and anxiety. However, this problem is a treatable one. You can always choose safe home remedies and household products to take out the wad of gum rather than visiting your hair stylist for a quick fix.
By using a few natural, simple ingredients and no extra effort, your lustrous hair will be back to its former glory in no time.
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