It happens in an instant. A fun, slimy craft session turns into a moment of panic when a glob of sticky, gooey slime finds its way deep into your child’s hair (or maybe even your own!). Your first instinct might be to pull it out, but that’s a surefire way to create a bigger, more tangled mess. Before you reach for the scissors, take a deep breath. Getting slime out of hair is entirely possible with a little patience and the right technique.
The Best First Step: A Spoonful of Patience
Resist the urge to pull or comb the slime out immediately. This will only spread the sticky substance and push it deeper into the hair strands, creating one giant, solid knot. Instead, gently try to pull the large chunk of slime away from the hair with your fingers, being careful not to tug on the strands attached to it.
Using Common Household Items to Your Advantage
If the slime is stubbornly stuck, it’s time to break out the secret weapons you likely already have at home. The goal is to break down the slime’s bonds without damaging the hair.
White Vinegar: This is often the most effective solution. Soak a cloth or cotton ball in white vinegar and gently dab and saturate the slime-covered hair. The acetic acid in the vinegar helps to dissolve the slime’s sticky polymers. After a few minutes, you should be able to gently work the slime apart with your fingers.
Conditioner or Oil: For a gentler approach, coat the affected area generously with a thick, creamy hair conditioner or a common cooking oil like olive or coconut oil. Work it in gently with your fingers. The oils and emulsifiers help to lubricate the hair and loosen the slime’s grip, making it easier to slide out.
How to Work the Slime Out Gently
Once your chosen solution has had a few minutes to work, start at the bottom of the slime-covered section. Use your fingers to slowly and carefully pick the hair out of the slime, piece by piece. Think of it as untangling a very sticky knot. Using a wide-toothed comb can help with the final detangling, but only after most of the slime is already out.
The Final Step: A Thorough Wash
Once the slime is completely out, it’s time for a shampoo. You’ll want to wash the hair thoroughly, possibly twice, to remove all the residue from the vinegar or oil. Follow with a good conditioner to restore moisture and softness, leaving the hair clean, fresh, and slime-free.
While a slime-in-hair incident can be stressful, it doesn’t have to end in a haircut. By staying calm and using simple household items, you can successfully rescue the hair and get back to the fun.