Finding a sticky wad of gum tangled in your hair is a moment of pure panic. Your first instinct might be to grab the scissors, but hold on! Cutting your hair is almost never the only option. With a calm approach and a few common household items, you can remove the gum without losing your length.
The key is to act calmly and avoid pulling or yanking at the gum, which will only tighten its grip. The goal is to break the gum’s sticky bond, making it easy to slide the strands free. Let’s look at some of the most effective methods to save your hair from this sticky situation.
The Power of Peanut Butter or Oil
One of the most popular and effective ways to remove gum is by using an oily or fatty substance. The oils work to coat the gum, breaking down its stickiness and allowing it to lose its grip on your hair. Smooth a generous glob of creamy peanut butter, mayonnaise, or even coconut or olive oil directly onto the gum and the hair around it.
Gently work the product into the gum with your fingers for a few minutes. You should feel the gum start to soften and become less sticky. Once it loses its adhesion, you can slowly and carefully separate the gum from your hair strands.
Using Ice to Freeze the Gum
If you’d prefer a less messy method, ice is your best friend. Gum becomes hard and brittle when it’s cold. Take an ice cube and hold it directly against the gum wad until it freezes solid. This usually takes a few minutes.
Once the gum is frozen, you can use your fingers to crumble it away from your hair or gently break the large piece into smaller, manageable pieces that you can remove one by one. This method is excellent for preventing the gum from spreading to other sections of hair.
What to Avoid When Removing Gum
While you’re working the gum out, there are a few things you should absolutely avoid. Do not use scissors as a first resort. Do not pull or rip the gum out, as this can damage and break your hair. Avoid using harsh chemicals like nail polish remover, which can dry out and damage your hair and scalp.
Patience is your greatest tool here. Rushing the process will only lead to more frustration and potentially a worse mess.
A Final Rinse and Condition
After you’ve successfully removed all the gum, you’ll want to wash your hair. The oily residue from peanut butter or mayonnaise needs to be thoroughly cleansed. Use your regular shampoo, and you may need to shampoo twice to get all the oil out. Follow with a good conditioner to restore moisture and smoothness to the hair that was just manipulated.
Getting gum in your hair is never fun, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. By staying calm and using one of these gentle methods, you can resolve the sticky problem and keep your hair intact and healthy.