When chewing gum sticks to your hair, you usually end up going to the hairdresser and getting an unexpected cut. However, there are easier and cheaper ways to remove it. From peanut butter to toothpaste, you can try different techniques to get rid of it quickly and keep your hair intact.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Using Peanut Butter
Step 1. Use natural peanut butter
Many are absolutely convinced of its effectiveness. In fact, peanut oil helps lubricate the hair, while the lumpy texture allows the gum to dissolve.
Peanut butter should contain 80 grams of fat per 100 grams of product
Step 2. Separate the affected section with a rubber band
This way you will avoid getting the rest of your hair dirty.
A small piece of silver paper will also help prevent the product from slipping and spreading over the rest of the head
Step 3. Apply peanut butter using a toothbrush
Start at the top of the gum and work your way down.
- Do long brushes. Since the peanut butter and gum will mix, the gum will dissolve. At some point, it may be necessary to use a comb or your fingers to remove the larger pieces from your hair.
- Place the affected strand on the back of a spoon: you will have a solid base to apply the butter.
Step 4. Clean your hair with a towel
Once the butter has dissolved the gum, wipe it off your hair with a cloth or napkin.
- The peanut butter and comb will remove the larger pieces, but some residue may still remain - wipe them off with a towel.
- To get rid of the hair, peanut butter requires a generous amount of shampoo.
Method 2 of 4: Use a Lubricant
Step 1. Look for a lubricant
Surely you have one at home, in fact many cooking and personal care products contain a lubricating substance that you know well: oil.
Products that contain lubricants include: toothpaste, cooking oil, hair mousse, WD-40, cold cream, petroleum jelly, silicone hair products and adhesive remover
Step 2. Separate the affected hair with a rubber band
If possible, it is preferable to separate the strand to which the gum is attached to avoid soiling the rest of the hair.
A small piece of silver paper will also help prevent slippery products from spreading over the rest of the head
Step 3. Apply the lubricant with your fingers
Almost all lubricants, such as oil, can be poured or squeezed onto the surface. Work the affected area with your fingers, squeezing and rubbing it. Still with your fingers, untangle the entire lock.
Try not to squeeze the gum too hard until the affected area is completely covered with oil. If you try to move it early, you will make the situation worse
Step 4. Complete the process
After rubbing the lube into your hair, a wide-toothed comb should help you get rid of the gum. Clean it frequently, as the gum may stick to your teeth.
Before shampooing the lubricant, soak up and wipe off the oil residue with a soft cloth
Step 5. Shampoo
Some lubricants have a strong odor. After removing the gum from your hair, apply a generous amount of shampoo.
Method 3 of 4: Use a Solvent
Step 1. Look for a solvent
This type of product is less commonly found in the home, but is just as effective for removing gum.
Among the products that have the function of solvent we find eucalyptus oil, isopropyl alcohol, solvent for adhesives, sodium bicarbonate mixed with water, lemon juice, white vinegar and mayonnaise
Step 2. Apply the solvent directly and let it work for at least one minute
At this point, start peeling off the gum with your fingers.
If the gum doesn't come off, apply a little more and let it sit longer. It should dissolve and disintegrate between the fingers
Step 3. Remove debris from the hair
If the solvent has worked, the gum should come off with the help of your fingers. Next, clean the affected area with a towel.
Cleaning the hair with a towel before shampooing is recommended to facilitate washing
Method 4 of 4: Freeze the Gum
Step 1. Try the ice method
It hardens the rubber and allows it to detach from the hair.
This method is notoriously more painful than others, as the gum has to be pulled out of the hair
Step 2. Use ice to harden the gum
If you have very long hair, you can put it in the freezer and close it. If they are short, apply an ice cube to the affected area and wrap it in a plastic bag. Let it sit for 20 minutes.
Before starting, you can also pour salt water on your hair to lower the freezing temperature of the ice
Step 3. Peel the hard gum off the hair
Once it becomes hard and brittle, you can take it off. If it starts to soften, refreeze it.
If the gum has stuck to your hair so much that you can't remove it, you can add some cooking oil and refreeze it
Advice
When shampooing, make sure you use a lot of conditioner. It often contains lubricants that facilitate the removal of residues that may have escaped you
Warnings
- Make sure you do this right away, don't leave the gum sticking to your hair for too long.
- Be careful when using WD-40, as this substance can be harmful or even lethal if ingested. After applying it to your hair, wash your hands.
