How to Remove Chewing Gum from Hair

We had a problem a few days ago involving chewing gum. My youngest son had gotten it into his hair and we needed to get it out. That was when it struck me that I had no idea how to remove chewing gum from hair. My husband suggested scrubbing it out with a sponge, but that didn’t work. So I brought out the scissors. Then it occurred to me to search for a solution. I decided to share my findings here for parents who might be struggling with how to remove chewing gum from hair. So here goes.

 

 

Peanut butter

Most people swear by peanut butter because it has been used for generations. Basically you rub peanut butter on the affected area, leave it for a few minutes and then use a tooth brush or damp towel to clean off the chewing gum. If the hair is long, use a rubber band to separate the affected area from the rest of the hair first, before applying the peanut butter. The American Association of Dermatologists recognizes this method.

 

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a lubricant and works really well. Use your fingers to rub the chewing gum, leave it for a few minutes and you can easily pull out the gum. Actually, it seems to just melt away. Once you’re done, wash the hair.

If you don’t have coconut oil, you can try Vaseline or any beauty product that has a lubricant.

 

An ice cube

Ice cubes can also be used to remove chewing gum from hair. Unlike the other methods, using an ice cube hardens the gum instead of softening it. Then you can simply just pull it out of the hair. Note that this method is not as painless as the others though.

 

Dissolvers

You will usually find dissolving agent in your kitchen and these can also be used to remove the gum from the hair. Stuff like baking soda with water, lemon juice, white vinegar and mayonnaise. Apply it to the hair with your fingers and wait a few minutes, then break the gum apart. Use a towel to clean off the rest.

 

So I used the coconut oil option for my son because I had lots of it at home. After a few minutes, I just pulled out what was left of the chewing gum and then gave him a bath. Simple.

Don’t rush to get a scissors if there’s chewing gum on your hair or your child’s hair. Any one of these options can be used to remove the gum from the hair and at least, we have tested coconut oil already.

Want to know what else you can use coconut oil for? check here.