Petroleum jelly is one of the most difficult substances to remove from hair as it is not water-soluble. First you have to pat your hair to remove excess petroleum jelly, then you can sprinkle it with a substance that can absorb it, such as cornstarch. At that point you will have to wash them with a purifying shampoo and rinse them thoroughly. If there are still petroleum jelly residues, repeat the process from the beginning and, if not enough, try using one of the home remedies recommended in the second part of the article. Among the substances that can come to your rescue are oils, detergents, solvents to remove glue and dish detergent.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using Corn Starch
Step 1. Blot your hair with paper towels
Press a couple of sheets of paper against petroleum jelly-stained hair. Dab them to remove as much as possible.
- Do not rub the paper on your hair so as not to push the petroleum jelly even deeper. Dab them gently with the paper to absorb it.
- If possible, ask a friend or family member to help you get the petroleum jelly out of your hair in hard-to-reach places, such as the back of your head.
Step 2. Apply cornstarch to towel-dried hair
Alternatively, you can use baking soda or cornmeal. After removing excess petroleum jelly with paper towels, sprinkle your still soiled hair with starch or another suitable substance, such as baking soda or cornmeal. Use a clean paper towel or your fingers to adhere the powder to the petroleum jelly-soiled hair. Make sure they are evenly coated with cornstarch.
Baby powder is not a suitable powder. If you were to accidentally inhale it it could cause breathing problems
Step 3. Wash your hair with warm water and a purifying shampoo
You can also use regular shampoo to remove petroleum jelly from your hair, but it is much better to opt for a purifying one. Its function is precisely to remove the residues of cosmetic products and oils from the hair.
Do not use cold water or the petroleum jelly may thicken and clot
Step 4. Rinse your hair and then wash it again with shampoo
Rinse them with plenty of hot water to remove the shampoo, petroleum jelly and cornstarch, then wash them again. Finally, perform a final thorough rinse.
Keep rinsing your hair until the water is completely clear and you no longer notice any foam
Step 5. Moisturize your hair with conditioner
The purifying shampoo removes both the residues of cosmetic and styling products and the oils that the scalp produces to nourish and protect the hair, which can therefore be dry if you do not apply a moisturizing conditioner. Follow the directions on the bottle to get the best possible result, then rinse your hair one last time with cold water to close the cuticles.
Generally, the conditioner should be carefully massaged into clean hair after having dried it with a towel to absorb excess water, after which it should be left on for a few minutes before rinsing
Step 6. Dab your hair and then comb it
Gently press your hair between the folds of the towel to absorb any excess water. Do not rub or pull them to prevent them from breaking. Comb them with a wide-toothed comb to remove any knots.
Look to see if there are still any petroleum jelly residues on the hair or comb
Step 7. Repeat the process after 12-24 hours if necessary
If your hair still feels greasy and you think there are some petroleum jelly residues left, wait 12-24 hours, then apply the cornstarch again where it is needed. Use the purifying shampoo again, rinse your hair thoroughly and finally apply the conditioner to make it soft.
Dab your clean hair with a towel, comb it to eliminate possible knots and then let it dry naturally in the air
Method 2 of 2: Alternative Home Remedies
Step 1. Massage oil into dirty hair for 10 minutes before shampooing
Use a natural oil that you have at home to increase the effectiveness of the cleansing shampoo in the fight against petroleum jelly. Apply two tablespoons (30 ml) of olive, coconut, almond or jojoba oil to greasy hair. alternatively you can also use an oil formulated for children and babies. After massaging it where you need it for 10 minutes, wash your hair with a purifying shampoo twice in a row.
- Massaging the oil helps it penetrate through the layer of petroleum jelly that surrounds the hair. The purifying shampoo will be able to wash it off your hair with less difficulty.
- If you want to use coconut oil, it is important that it is liquid, so if it has solidified from the cold, heat it in the microwave to melt it. It will take 15-20 seconds.
Step 2. Use a skin-friendly degreasing cleanser
Alternatively, you can use a solvent formulated to remove the glue, as long as it is gentle on your skin and hair. Read carefully the directions on the bottle before applying the selected product and make sure it is not dangerous for the body. There are thinners suitable for dissolving and removing grease and grease from your hands, which in your case can help you remove petroleum jelly from your hair. Pour no more than a teaspoon into the crook of your hand and then rub it where you need it. Then rinse your skin and hair thoroughly with warm water.
Although the bottle states that the product is not harmful to the skin, be very careful to prevent it from coming into contact with your eyes or the inside of your nose and ears
Step 3. Use a degreasing liquid dish detergent to dissolve the petroleum jelly
Pour a couple of tablespoons into the crook of your hand and then rub it thoroughly into your dirty hair. Rinse your hair with hot water and be sure to remove any traces of foam or impurities.
- After using a detergent, solvent or dish detergent it is almost essential to restore hydration and softness to the hair with a good conditioner.
- Protect eyes and mucous membranes from detergent. Turn your hair back when it's time to rinse it off and attach the hand shower to the wall to have your hands free to shield your eyes.
