4 Quick & Easy Ways to Get Gum Out of Hair Without Cutting It Out
If you have managed to somehow get gum into your hair or your child has somehow managed to create this sticky mess, you’re probably teetering on the edge of grabbing scissors to cut it out. –But not so fast! The good news is that you may not have to pull out those scissors just yet. With the right information and resources at your disposal, you can remove that gum.
How to Get Gum Out of Hair
Tools Do You Need to Get Started?
Depending on the method you decide to use, you will need to grab a few household items to prepare the region of hair that is tangled in the gum.
- Olive, vegetable or Coconut Oil (Method-dependent) or;
- Creamy Peanut butter with high oil content (Method-dependent)
- Ice (Method-dependent)
- Blow Dryer (Method-dependent)
- Mayonnaise (Method-dependent)
- Vaseline (Method-dependent)
- A toothbrush or a wide-tooth comb
- Time
- Patience
How to Remove the Gum from Hair
There are a number of methods that may be used to remove gum from one’s hair with the intervention of scissors. Here are our four top picks!
1. The Oil, Mayonnaise or Peanut Butter Method
To begin the process of removing the gum from the hair, apply the oil of choice or creamy butter to the affected area of hair. Massage oil or creamy peanut butter or mayonnaise into the hair and over the gum liberally. Yes, you will probably make a mess, but you want to be generous with the oil during this process. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes so that the oil has time to be absorbed by the affected area.
After you have given your chosen oil or peanut butter time to take action on the gum, using the toothbrush or comb, begin to carefully remove the gum from the hair. If the gum is widespread, slow down and take your time to remove the gum from your hair by moving over one section at a time. Treat this process as if it is a delicate operation of sorts to save every strand of hair possible. Remember, the goal is to not have to pull out those dreaded scissors.
Upon completion of the initial portion of the task, you will want to wash the hair with a good shampoo and conditioner to remove the oil and possible remnants of the gum.
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Important Note Regarding Use of Creamy Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is especially popular because it possesses the properties that enable it to break down the chemicals found in gum, making it soft and easier to remove. However, it is important to note that if the individual trying to remove the gum or with the gum in his or her hair has a peanut allergy, you will want to avoid the peanut butter option and stick with one of the oils.
2. The Ice to Gum Method
Oil and/or creamy peanut butter are thought to work best but ice is another option for removing gum but if you are looking to avoid the messiness of toying with either of these substances. This method works best when the amount of gum in the hair is in a small quantity versus being widely distributed within a large mass of hair.
To begin the ice to gum method, place an ice cube over the gum and rub it for a few minutes until the gum becomes a solid substance. You can apply the ice directly to the hair or for less of a mess, place the ice cube in a Ziploc bag.
Once the gum has hardened, break the pieces of gum away from your hair. This will not be a one shot attempt as you will need to proceed with caution.
There is a risk in using this method as it could still lead to hair damage that results in trying to break the gum away from your hair. Small pieces could easily get caught in your hair during the process, leading to some breakage.
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3. The Vinegar Method
Application of white vinegar is another option to remove gum from hair. To begin, fill a cup with vinegar and soak the hair with the gum in it for several minutes. If your hair is short in length, you can also soak a t-shirt or old towel in the solution and cover the gum-ridden area. The gum will eventually soften and slide out of the hair with the aid of a wide tooth comb. Remember, patience will be critical for this process to work as well.
Upon completion of the initial portion of the task, you will want to wash the hair with a good shampoo and conditioner.
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4. The Blow Dryer Method
In some instances, a bit of steady heat from a blow dryer may help to melt the gum and assist you in your efforts to remove the gum.
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These are the top four ways to get gum out of hair without scissors. Remember, there’s no need to panic if you get gum in your hair. You now have four new methods to try to spare your hair!
