Finding glue tangled in your hair can feel like a mini-crisis. Whether it’s from a craft project, a prank, or a determined child, that sticky situation can be frustrating and a little scary. The first and most important rule is to stay calm. Panicking can lead to rushed decisions that might make the problem worse. With a gentle approach and the right household items, you can usually free the hair without having to reach for the scissors.
Your First Steps When Glue Gets in Hair
Before you do anything, assess the situation. Is the glue still wet or has it already dried? For wet glue, your best bet is to gently wipe away as much as possible with a dry cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the glue. If the glue is dry, you’ll need to move on to a different method. Never try to pull or pick at the glue, as this can painfully pull out hair and potentially damage the hair shaft.
Gentle Removal Methods to Try at Home
For many common glues like white school glue or even some stronger adhesives, oil is your best friend. Start by saturating the glued area with a generous amount of a household oil. Olive oil, coconut oil, or even baby oil work wonderfully. Gently massage the oil into the glue and the hair around it. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to break down the adhesive bonds. After it has soaked, you can often gently work the glue apart with your fingers or use a fine-toothed comb to carefully tease the strands loose.
When to Use a Bit More Power
If oil alone doesn’t do the trick, you can try a mixture of equal parts warm water and white vinegar. Apply this solution to the area, letting it soak for a few minutes before attempting to comb it out. For very stubborn glue, a small amount of a creamy, oil-based product like mayonnaise or peanut butter can provide extra slipping power. Just remember to wash the hair thoroughly with shampoo afterwards to remove all the residue.
Caring for Hair After the Glue is Gone
Once you’ve successfully removed the glue, your hair will need a little extra love. Give it a thorough wash with a clarifying shampoo to ensure all oil and adhesive residue is gone. Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and softness, as the removal process can be drying. Be extra gentle when brushing until any minor tangles are completely gone.
Getting glue out of hair is almost always possible with patience and the right gentle products. By reaching for the oil in your pantry and taking your time, you can solve this sticky problem and keep every strand right where it belongs—on your head.