Regardless of how it may have happened, candle wax is difficult to get rid of when it sticks to the hair; it can remain soft and elusive or harden and solidify near the roots. However, there are several ways to get it out of your hair; you can just try with shampoo and conditioner or use hair dryer. If none of these methods work, you can move on to some home remedies that may be even more effective.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Shampoo and Conditioner
Step 1. Decide if you want to shower or wash your hair in the sink
If the wax has only settled near the tips, you can opt for a shower. If, on the other hand, it has penetrated to the roots, it is better to use the sink, because it allows you to do a more accurate job and to reach the areas to be cleaned in a precise manner.
- To make the correct decision, run your fingers through your hair. Start at the roots and move towards the tips; try to figure out if the wax has spread downwards or if it has remained close to the edges.
- Stand in front of a mirror while doing this; by doing so, if you have difficulty perceiving the wax residues, you can at least see them.
- If you can't figure out what the dirty areas are, ask a friend or family member for help, they can comb your hair and see better.
Step 2. Turn on the hot water in the shower or sink
The higher the temperature, the softer the wax becomes, making it easier to remove. Wet your hair until it is completely soaked. However, be careful not to use water that is so hot that it irritates your skin.
Step 3. Wash your hair with shampoo
Pour the correct amount on your hands and, while bathing your hair with hot water, massage it with the cleanser.
- Start at the roots and work towards the tips. Go slowly and methodically, making sure you touch all of the wax as you wash your hair.
- If you notice traces of wax already peeling off, remove them with your fingers and place them on the edge of the sink or shower. If you drop them down the drain, they clog it up.
Step 4. Apply conditioner as well
First, rinse off any lather and wax still on your hair, then spread an appropriate amount of conditioner and massage it all over your hair.
- Start at the roots and work towards the tips. Make sure your hair is still wet when you apply conditioner, as you need to keep the heat from the water.
- If you feel pieces of wax starting to peel off as you spread the conditioner, remove them with your fingers and place them on the edges of the sink or shower. if you drop them down the drain, they could clog it.
Step 5. Dry your hair with a towel
Get out of the shower or lift your head off the sink. Wrap your head in a clean towel or use paper towels; At first, do not move your hair and let it dry on its own, then rub it with the cloth.
When drying your hair, try not to use the same area of the towel more than once to prevent the wax from peeling off the fabric. You certainly don't want to get the wax out of your hair and then stick it back to somewhere else on your head
Step 6. Run your fingers through the locks
Stand in front of a mirror and "comb" with your fingers trying to remove the wax, which should now be very soft.
- You can also use a comb or brush. At each stroke, check that there are fragments of wax between the bristles or teeth; peel them off before combing your hair again.
- Ask a friend or family member to check your hair, as they may better see any bits of wax that are still hidden.
Step 7. Repeat the procedure several times
If a single wash fails to remove all of the wax, try again. Let your hair rest for at least a couple of hours before washing it again, as washing it several times in a row could damage it.
But don't wait several days without shampooing; the wax slips towards the roots, the more you postpone it the harder it becomes to remove it
Method 2 of 3: Use a Hair Dryer
Step 1. Check if the wax is solid or soft
Use your fingers to feel it on the roots or tips. If it is still mushy, it is best to use the shampoo method. If the wax has hardened, you need to melt it by following the directions below to get rid of it.
You can always ask a friend or family member to check their consistency; Sometimes, it's hard to make an assessment yourself and it's helpful to get a second opinion
Step 2. Wrap the soiled strands of wax with paper towels
Try to place the latter exactly on top of the residues, grabbing the hair to be treated and wrapping it tightly with paper.
- Only do one section at a time, otherwise it becomes difficult to handle the napkins, which at that point may fall out.
- It is advisable to moisten the hair or napkins to improve its adherence.
Step 3. Use the hair dryer
Plug it into the power outlet and turn it on at maximum temperature; test the heat with your hand to make sure it's not too intense, otherwise it could damage the hair follicles.
- Hold the paper towel in place and let the warm air flow over the area; do not bring the spout too close to the paper, as you could burn it.
- Move the hair dryer several times along the lock; you should begin to feel or see the wax melt into the napkin.
- If you are having difficulty at this stage, you can always ask a relative or friend to apply heat while you hold the card in place.
Step 4. Remove the napkins
Press them with your fingers, feeling the wax under the paper layer. As you peel them off, try to hold the wax on them, proceed slowly to remove as much of the sticky substance as possible.
- Run your fingers through the locks. Try to remove as much melted wax as possible; if you can't do it yourself, get someone else to help you.
- Check if the strand is still soiled with wax that needs to be removed or if it is relatively clean.
Step 5. Get a new paper towel
If you are going to treat the next section of the hair or want to clean the first one better, apply new clean napkins. Repeat the above steps several times, until the sticky substance has been almost completely removed.
Take a few breaks between attempts; if you heat your hair for too long, you may damage it
Step 6. Wet your hair with warm water
Open the sink faucet and run the water over your hands, you can also use a little soap to create a nice lather. Apply the water or soapy solution to your hair using a brush or comb to spread it evenly; try to remove any residual wax after melting it.
Step 7. Wash your hair with shampoo and apply conditioner
The final step is to wash the hair. Wet it with warm water and treat it first with shampoo, then with conditioner. In between sessions, peel off any bits of wax with your fingers and make sure it doesn't fall down the drain.
Method 3 of 3: Using Home Remedies
Step 1. Dip your hair in very hot water
If the wax is on the tips, this is the simplest method. Stand in front of the sink and lean over it letting your hair fall forward. Open the hot water tap.
- Wait for the sink to fill with water; check that the stopper is inserted or that the stopper is down and let the sink fill.
- Slowly lower the head so that the ends of the hair enter the hot water bath; leave them to soak for a few minutes, raise your head but do not bring it back to the normal position.
- Use a paper towel or clean towel to dry the ends of your hair. Apply some pressure and try to detach the wax while drying the strands; if you can't get it all off on the first try, repeat several times.
Step 2. Place the ice on your hair
This way, you cool and harden the wax until it breaks. You can use melted ice cubes or put them in a plastic bag. Just place them directly on the wax and wait a few minutes; after this time, remove the cold compress and break the hardened wax. Repeat the procedure until you have got rid of all residues; when finished, wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner.
Step 3. Test with oil
If the wax deposits are found near the roots, oil is the simplest and cheapest home remedy. You can use olive, jojoba, baby, and even mineral (they all work the same way). First, wet your hair with warm water and then apply an appropriate dose of oil to your hands and / or small cotton balls.
- Rub the oil between your hands and dab it with cotton balls; then, apply it on all the strands starting from the roots and moving towards the tips.
- Leave the oil to act for a few minutes to soften and melt the wax; use cloths or cotton balls to remove both the oil and the melted wax.
- Rinse the hair with warm water and repeat the procedure if there are other residues.
Step 4. Use petroleum jelly
It works in a very similar way to oil, as it helps melt the wax. Touch your hair to find the areas where the wax has stuck and smear a good amount of petroleum jelly with your hands.
- Let the product work for a few minutes and melt the wax.
- Since the petroleum jelly is difficult to remove, drop a few drops of dish soap onto a wet cloth or napkin and dab the fabric on the places where you smeared the greasy substance.
- Rinse the strands with warm water. If you haven't been able to get rid of all the wax, repeat the process. If you are satisfied with the result, finish the job by washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner. Dish soap can dry out hair follicles, so you need to moisturize them.
Step 5. Buy specific products to remove the wax
These are substances formulated for this purpose and also bring some benefits by softening the scalp and hair follicles; generally, they are available in hairdressing salons or in shops that specialize in hair products. Strictly respect the instructions on the package.
Step 6. Call the hairdresser
If you've tried any remedy or want a second opinion, go to the nearest salon. A professional has experience in this kind of situation and may have chemicals or other agents that can remove the wax.
Advice
- When you apply different substances (oil, petroleum jelly and so on) remember to let them act for a few minutes before removing them.
- Thoroughly massage your hair with shampoo and conditioner; you must not leave any residue of wax or other products used for the treatment.
- If you have to make several attempts, pause between them; in this way, you allow the scalp to replenish the sebum layer that keeps the hair soft and hydrated.
Warnings
- Take into account the allergies you suffer from, sometimes the skin can react negatively to a particular type of oil or cream.
- Read the labels of all products before using them.
- Be careful not to drop any oil, petroleum jelly, shampoo, or conditioner into your eyes or mouth. if this happens, immediately rinse these areas with lukewarm water.
