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How to Get Chewing Gum Out of Hair?

by Kasper Lindgren on Feb 08, 2024

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Dorthe Kristensen

Read through by Dorthe Kristensen

Hairdresser and former co-owner of the award-winning hairdressing chain Zoom by Zoom
With many years of experience in the hairdressing industry, Dorthe has advised many customers about hair and hair care. Dorthe has read through this blog entry to ensure high quality and professionalism. This blog post is professionally updated on August 18, 2024.

Table of contents

How to Get Chewing Gum Out of Hair? Effective Remedies to Save Your Precious Locks

Chewing gum offers several benefits like improved memory and decreased stress. Available in tasty flavors, they are a favorite snack for children, adolescents, and adults. Kids often enjoy blowing gum and popping it and so, gum getting stuck in hair is a common problem. If this has happened to you, you know what a nightmare it can be. So, are you wondering how to get chewing gum out of hair without spoiling the look of your hair?

When it comes to removing chewing gum from hair, internet is full of tips for removing gum without cutting hair. Unfortunately, not all tips are equally effective and some can have adverse effects. So, today we will solve this mystery to help you keep your beautiful hair intact.

Why is chewing gum so sticky?

Before learning how to get chewing gum out of hair, let’s find out why it’s so difficult to get rid of chewing gum from hair.

Resins and synthetic rubbers present in gum gives it a sticky and chewy texture. That explains why the gum stretches when you pull on it. Additionally, gums prepared by most of the leading companies do not get dissolved in water. Because of these qualities, gum easily sticks to human hair, clothes, and shoes. Then you can either cut your hair or explore gum removal home remedies.

Sticky chewing gum

How to get gum out of hair without cutting it?

If there’s gum on their gorgeous hair, most people assume that a haircut is the only solution. What if we told you that there are other ways of dealing with the stubborn gum?

In some cases, removing gum without scissors becomes extremely challenging. But, there’s no harm in trying to bypass cutting by using some simple ingredients available in every home. Intrigued to know how to get chewing gum out of hair on your own? Then scroll down to learn some excellent tricks.

6 best ways to get gum out of your hair

If not removed immediately, gum can be your hair’s greatest enemy. The more it gets tangled, the harder it’ll be to pull it out. So, without further ado, let’s see how to get gum out of hair without cutting it.

1. Ice 

Tried various gum removal treatments but nothing has worked? Then this ice technique gum removal will blow your mind.

The gum will become harder and its stickiness will be gone a few minutes after using ice pack. Now you can take a wide-toothed brush to remove the chewing gum. The best thing about this trick is that it is a child-safe gum removal remedy as toothpaste is devoid of harmful ingredients.

Keep reading as we have shared some other tried-and-tested methods on how to get chewing gum out of hair.

2. Vaseline

Vaseline is an amazing ingredient that can be used in a myriad of ways and chewing gum eradication is one of them. So, how to get gum out of hair without cutting it? Apply petroleum jelly around the area and it’ll do its magic.

3. Vinegar

Now let’s also figure out how to get chewing gum out of hair with vinegar. Vinegar can break the chemical bond of gum. For using vinegar to remove gum, soak the area with some vinegar and within 30 minutes, the gum will become sufficiently loose.

4. Cooking oils

The American Academy of Dermatology opines that using cooking oils is a fantastic remedy to detach gum from hair. But how to get gum out of hair without cutting it? Apply coconut oil or olive oil to select portion of the hair. With this trick, you will be able to take off gum without any hassle.

Coconut oil

5. Toothpaste

We all know that toothpaste is necessary to keep our teeth cavity-free, white, and sparkly. But you will be amazed to know that toothpaste can come to your rescue when there’s gum attached to your hair.

So, how to get chewing gum out of hair with the help of toothpaste? First, take toothpaste on a toothbrush or cotton ball. Next, dab the chewing gum in your hair with the toothpaste carefully and it will come off.

6. Peanut butter

Peanut butter gum removal is yet another solution for someone upset with having gum on their hair. You just have to form a layer over the gum with this yummy condiment. However, you should rinse properly or else the smell of the butter won’t go away.

So, which chewing gum hair treatment did you like the most?

The Bottom Line

We may conclude by saying that having gum on your hair can be frustrating and most people end up using scissors. But now you know how to get chewing gum out of hair safely. So, why not try the above-mentioned techniques for DIY gum removal from hair before you sacrifice your hair?

Why Do Chewing Gum Stick To Hair

Chewing gum sticking to hair can be a sticky situation many have encountered. Whether you are a parent dealing with a child's mishap or you have found yourself in a sticky spot, understanding why gum sticks to hair can help prevent and solve this pesky problem. Let's explore the science behind this phenomenon. We will also deal with how to get chewing gum out of hair.

1. Adhesive Nature of Gum

Chewing gum is designed to be sticky. It contains ingredients like gum base, sweeteners, and softeners that give it its chewy texture and adhesive properties. When gum comes into contact with hair, the sticky nature of its components allows it to cling to the strands.

2. Hair's Porous Structure

Hair is made up of a protein called keratin, which has a porous structure. This means that hair can easily trap substances like chewing gum. The porous nature of hair allows the gum to seep into the hair strands, making it difficult to remove.

3. Temperature and Texture

The temperature and texture of both the gum and the hair play a role in why gum sticks to hair. When gum is warm, it becomes softer and more pliable, making it easier for it to adhere to the hair. Additionally, the texture of hair, which can vary from person to person, can affect how easily gum sticks to it.

4. Electrostatic Forces

Electrostatic forces also play a role in why gum sticks to hair. When two objects with different charges come into contact, they can create a bond. Hair can develop a static charge, especially in dry conditions, which can attract the oppositely charged gum and cause it to stick.

5. Lack of Lubrication

One of the challenges of removing gum from hair is the lack of lubrication. Unlike other surfaces where gum can be easily slid off, hair lacks the slickness needed for easy removal. This makes it more likely for gum to become entangled in the hair strands.

The Final take

All these aspects contribute to why chewing gum sticks to hair. So, if you get chewing gum on your hair, do not panic. You now have the answer to - how to get chewing gum out of hair. If you find yourself in the sticky situation of having gum in your hair, there are several methods you can try to remove it, such as using ice to harden the gum, applying peanut butter, toothpaste or oil to loosen it, or using a commercial gum remover.

How To Get Chewing Gum Out Of Hair With Toothpaste

Stuck in a Sticky Situation with chewing gum in your hair? Don't panic! It happens to the best of us. While reaching for scissors might seem tempting, there are gentler ways to remove the gum without damaging your locks. This guide will show you how to get chewing gum out of hair using a common household item: toothpaste!

Before You Begin applying toothpaste on your hair:

Patience is key! Removing gum from hair can take time. Be gentle and avoid pulling on your hair.

This method works best with fresh gum. If the gum is hardened, try freezing the area for a few minutes to make it more brittle.

How To Get Chewing Gum Out Of Hair With Toothpaste

  • Gather your supplies: Grab a dollop of white toothpaste (avoid gel formulas) and a comb with wide teeth.
  • Apply the toothpaste: Dab the toothpaste directly onto the gum, covering it completely. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
  • Loosen the gum: The toothpaste may help loosen the gum's grip. Gently work at the edges with your fingernail to see if it starts to come off.
  • Comb it out: Use the wide-toothed comb to carefully comb the gum out of your hair, working from the bottom upwards. Be patient and avoid pulling too hard.
  • Repeat if needed: If the gum isn't fully removed, reapply the toothpaste on your hair and comb again. You might need to repeat this process a few times depending on how bad the gum is stuck on your hair.
Toothpaste

    Alternatives to Toothpaste:

    If you find yourself with chewing gum stuck in your hair and don't have any toothpaste handy, there are several alternative methods you can try to remove it. One common method is to use peanut butter or any type of oil, such as coconut or olive oil. Simply apply a small amount of peanut butter or oil to the gum and hair, gently work it in, and then carefully comb out the gum. The oils help break down the gum's stickiness, making it easier to remove without damaging the hair.

    Another alternative is to use ice. Rubbing an ice cube or ice pack on the gum can harden it, making it easier to break apart and remove from the hair. Once the gum is hardened, gently pull it apart or use a comb to lift it out of the hair. This method may take a bit longer than using oils but can be effective and less messy.

    Lemon juice can also help break down the gum's stickiness. Apply fresh lemon juice to the gum and hair, then gently work the gum with your fingers to loosen it. Comb out the gum once it has softened, and you are done. You will have your hair just like before.

    If the above methods don't work, you can try using a commercial gum remover specifically designed for removing gum from hair. These products are available at most drugstores and can be effective in breaking down the gum's stickiness.

    Remember:

    If the gum is large or tightly stuck, it's best to seek professional help from a hairdresser. They have the tools and expertise to remove the gum safely without damaging your hair.

    By following these steps, you should be able to remove chewing gum from your hair without tears (or scissors!). Remember, patience is key, and there are gentle solutions available to get you out of this sticky situation.

    FAQS

    Q. How do you remove chewing gum from hair?

    Ans. What’s the answer to ‘How to get chewing gum out of hair?’ You can rely on home remedies like applying vinegar/ cooking oils/ toothpaste/ peanut butter.

    Q. What dissolves chewing gum?

    Ans. An interesting fact about gum is that no water-based product can dissolve it. So, no matter how long you keep chewing it, it won’t dissolve as your mouth has a lot of saliva. However, it will dissolve if you use oil-based products.

    Q. Will coconut oil get gum out of hair?

    Ans. Yes, you can use coconut oil to bid adieu to chewing gum attached to a person’s hair. Scroll up to have clarity regarding how to get gum out of hair without cutting it but using coconut oil.

    Q. Does toothpaste get gum out of hair?

    Ans. Not sure how to get gum out of hair without cutting it? You can apply toothpaste on the specific area and let it rest for a few minutes. After that, comb out the gum and the paste gently.

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