Methods for Removing Chewing Gum from Hair:
Removing chewing gum from hair can be difficult. Some people might resort to cutting off the strand of hair to which the gum is stuck; however, there are several ways to remove it easily. These include:
Peanut Butter: Peanut butter contains oil that can lubricate the hair and break down the gum particles. It is used as follows:
Materials needed: Peanut butter, a hair tie (elastic band), a toothbrush, a comb, a towel (or paper towel), and a spoon. How to remove the gum: Tie off the strand of hair to which the gum is stuck to separate it from the rest of the hair. Apply a sufficient amount of peanut butter to a toothbrush, then place it over the gum and brush downward.
The gum will break apart into larger pieces, which can then be removed from the hair using a comb. You can also place a spoon behind the strand of hair to provide a solid surface. Finally, use a towel to wipe away any residue, and then wash the hair with shampoo. Slippery or Lubricating Substances: Various slippery substances can be used to remove chewing gum, such as cooking oils, petroleum jelly (Vaseline), hair mousse, hair silicone, cold cream, toothpaste, or adhesive remover. They are used as follows:
Materials needed: One of the aforementioned slippery substances, a wide-toothed comb, and a hair tie (elastic band). How to remove chewing gum: Isolate the strand of hair to which the gum is stuck to prevent the situation from worsening. Apply a lubricating substance over the entire affected area. Then, slowly comb out the gum—without pulling—ensuring that the lubricant thoroughly coats both the hair and the gum. Clean the comb periodically to prevent the gum from sticking to it. Once the gum is removed, use a towel to absorb any excess lubricant, then wash the hair with shampoo.
Dissolving agents: Certain substances can dissolve chewing gum, making it easier to remove with your fingers; these include camphor oil, adhesive remover, rubbing alcohol, lemon juice, a baking soda and water paste, mayonnaise, or white vinegar.
Materials needed: One of the aforementioned substances and a towel. How to remove chewing gum: Apply the dissolving agent to the gum and leave it for one minute. After a minute, try to remove the gum using your fingers. If it remains stuck, reapply the substance and leave it on for longer; the gum should break down into smaller pieces that can be removed by hand. After the gum is removed, clean the area with a towel and wash the hair with shampoo. Ice: Ice hardens the chewing gum, allowing it to be broken off or removed from the hair. Note that this method can be the most painful, as it involves pulling the gum away.
Materials needed: An ice cube and a plastic bag. Water. Salt. How to remove chewing gum: Place an ice cube on the gum, then wrap the affected section of hair in a plastic bag for 20 minutes. If the hair is long, it can even be placed inside a freezer; in this case, dampen the hair with salt water to protect it from the low temperature. Once the gum has hardened due to freezing, it becomes brittle and can be removed; if it softens again, simply freeze it once more.
If the gum is stuck very firmly to the hair, you can apply a small amount of cooking oil before freezing it again. Removing Vaseline (petroleum jelly) from hair: Vaseline is one of the most difficult substances to remove from hair. It is sometimes used to suffocate head lice, prevent scarring after surgery, or remove chewing gum—though a child might also accidentally end up with it in their hair! You can use one of the following methods to remove it without having to cut the hair.
Paper towels: Use paper towels to remove excess petroleum jelly before washing your hair. Alternatively, you can warm the petroleum jelly with a hair dryer until it liquefies, making it easier to wipe away with paper towels. You can also comb your hair using a fine-toothed comb to remove the petroleum jelly, wiping the comb clean after each pass; follow this by pressing paper towels against your hair to absorb as much of the petroleum jelly as possible.
Dry substances: Apply cornstarch, baby powder, or baking powder to absorb the petroleum jelly. Pat it on generously to soak up as much of the product as you can, avoiding the need for a second application. Afterward, wash your hair with hot water—avoid cold water, as it can cause the petroleum jelly to solidify on the hair. Wash your hair twice using a clarifying shampoo, then rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the cornstarch, petroleum jelly, and shampoo.
Pat your hair dry with a towel and allow it to air-dry. If any residue remains, you may repeat the cornstarch application after 12–24 hours. To give your hair a break and prevent damage—since both cornstarch and shampoo can strip away its natural oils—you might consider using dish soap. Apply it just as you would regular shampoo, then rinse with warm water; you may repeat the process twice. However, try to keep it away from your scalp, be careful to avoid getting any in your eyes, and be sure to use a conditioner afterward, as dish soap tends to dry out the hair.
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