How to Get Gum Out of Hair?

Sticky Situation? A Stress-Free Guide to Getting Gum Out of Hair.

We’ve all been there. A moment of distraction, a misplaced piece of chewing gum, and suddenly you or your little one is sporting a new, very sticky, and very unwelcome hair accessory. Panic starts to set in.

Your first instinct might be to reach for the scissors, but STOP!

Put the scissors down and take a deep breath.

Getting gum out of hair is a fixable problem, and we’re here to guide you through it with minimal fuss and zero haircuts.

The golden rule for any method? Stay calm and be patient.

Rushing or pulling will only make things worse.

Method 1: The Champion – Ice, Ice, Baby.

This is our top-recommended method, especially for large wads of gum. The principle is simple: gum hardens and becomes brittle when cold, making it easy to crack and crumble away.

What You’ll Need:

• A few ice cubes (or a bag of frozen peas)
• A zip-top plastic bag or a thin cloth
• A wide-tooth comb or your fingers
• A towel for the shoulders

Step-by-Step:

1. Protect Clothing: Place a towel over the shoulders to catch any melting ice or gum bits.
2. Ice Pack: Place the ice cubes inside the zip-top bag (or wrap them in a thin cloth). You want a contained cold source, not a dripping mess.
3. Chill the Gum: Hold the ice pack directly onto the gummed-up section of hair. You’ll need to hold it there for 3-5 minutes. Be patient—the goal is to make the gum rock-hard.
4. Crack and Crumble: Once the gum is solid and hard to the touch, gently use your fingers to crack and break the main blob apart.
5. Slide it Out: Use your fingers or the wide-tooth comb to gently slide the remaining frozen pieces out of the hair. The gum should crumble instead of stretching.

Why it Works?

Science! Cold makes the gum’s polymers contract and lose their elasticity.

Method 2: The Kitchen Hero – Oil or Peanut Butter.

If the ice method isn’t doing the trick or you’re dealing with a smaller tangle, this is your go-to. The oils coat the gum, breaking down the sticky bonds and allowing it to slide right out.

What You’ll Need:

• Your choice of lubricant: Cooking Oil (olive, coconut, vegetable),Peanut Butter, or Mayonnaise.
  • Note: Peanut butter works great, but avoid it if there’s a nut allergy. Coconut oil is a fantastic, pleasant-smelling option!
• A comb (a fine-tooth comb can be helpful here)
• Old cloth or paper towels
• Shampoo for the cleanup

Step-by-Step:

1. Apply the Lubricant: Grab a generous glob of your chosen product and work it thoroughly into the gum and the surrounding hair. Make sure every sticky surface is coated. Let it sit for a minute or two.
2. Work it Gently: Using your fingers, start to gently roll and pull the gum away from the hair. You should feel it losing its grip.
3. Comb it Out: Once the bulk is gone, use the comb to carefully work through any remaining residue. Start from the ends of the hair and work your way up to the roots to avoid pulling.
4. The Cleanup: Now you have oily hair, but that’s an easy fix! Wash the hair thoroughly with your regular shampoo. You might need to shampoo twice to get all the oil out.

Why it Works?

The oils are non-polar solvents, which effectively dissolve the non-polar bonds in the gum, neutralizing its stickiness.

Method 3: The Commercial Solution – Goo Gone.

For the toughest, most stubborn gum situations, a product like Goo Gone can be a lifesaver. It’s specifically designed to dissolve sticky residues.

A Word of Caution: Always do a patch test first! Apply a small drop to a hidden section of hair/skin and wait 10 minutes to check for any reaction.

Step-by-Step:

1. Patch Test: This is non-negotiable for safety.
2. Apply Sparingly: Put a small amount of Goo Gone on a cotton ball and dab it onto the gum. Avoid getting it on the scalp as much as possible.
3. Wait and Work: Let it sit for a minute, then gently work the gum out with your fingers.
4. Wash Thoroughly: You must wash the hair with shampoo immediately and vigorously to remove all chemical residue.

What NOT to Do (The Hall of Shame)!

To ensure success, avoid these common mistakes:

• DON’T use scissors. This is the number one rule! You’ll create an uneven chop and instant regret.
• DON’T pull or yank. This can hurt, tear the hair, and spread the gum even further.
• DON’T apply heat (like a hairdryer). Heat will melt the gum, making it runnier and even more of a nightmare.

So, the next time gum and hair have an unfortunate meeting, don’t panic. You’ve got this! Grab some ice or raid the kitchen cupboard, take a deep breath, and remember that a little patience is the best tool in your toolkit.

Got another sticky home dilemma? Let us know in the comments below!