Gum also stretches and this shows that the chemical bonds between the molecules are difficult to break when stuck on objects. In addition, chewing gum is hydrophobic meaning that they do not dissolve in water. They easily stick to oily surfaces than water. Rather than resorting to chopping off your hair, try some of these hacks from simple household products that can easily help in removing gum without cutting your hair:
Using ice
What you’ll need
Ice cubesPlastic bag
Freezing the gum.
Ice works by hardening the gum which allows out to be easily yanked out of the hair. This method is painful as the gum stuck in the hair is forcefully removed after freezing. If you are not good at handling pain, this method is not for you.
Use an ice wrap to harden the gum
This works best for short hair. Apply the ice cubes to the area with gum and wrap it in a plastic bag up to 20 minutes. For long hair, you can close your hair inside the freezer. Applying salty water beforehand helps to lower the freezing point of ice.
Chip the hardened gum out of your hair
This is done once the gum is hard. If it begins softening, freeze it again. You can add a small amount of cooking oil if the gum is still stuck to your hair and freeze it again.
Using peanut butter
What you’ll need
Smooth peanut butterRubber bandsToothbrushSpoonTowel
Use smooth peanut butter
This classic household product is praised so much due to its effectiveness. Its oil content lubricates the hair while the natural qualities of the peanuts remove the gum from your hair.
Use rubber bands to section the affected area of the hair from the rest
This helps to keep the mess from spreading. A small piece of foil also works to prevent the product from spreading all over your hair.
Apply peanut butter using a toothbrush
Begin from the top going downwards with the toothbrush. As you use long strokes, the peanut butter breaks down the gum while mixed. Use your fingers to get the chunks of gum out of your hair and you may want to go over with a comb to clear the gum completely. The back of a spoon can also be used to spread the peanut butter due to its hard surface.
Use a towel to clean your hair
This helps to work the residue gum and peanut butter out of your hair after washing it with a generous amount of shampoo.
Using coconut oil
What you’ll need
Coconut oilComb
Apply coconut oil generously to the affected area
Refined coconut oil is best to use as it also acts as a conditioner leaving your hair super soft. Rub the oil gently.
Use a comb to remove the gum from your hair
Coconut oil breaks down the stickiness of the gum without damaging your hair which makes it easy to comb out.
Using toothpaste
What you’ll need
ToothpasteCombToothbrush
Steps
Spread toothpaste to remove gum from your hair
This can be done to the affected area using a toothbrush. Leave it for a few minutes. Toothpaste breaks down sugar in the gum as it does while you’re brushing your teeth hence loosening the gum from your hair.
Use a comb to draw the gum out of your hair
Once the toothpaste has dried up, it makes it easier to remove the larger chunks using your fingers then going in with a comb to completely remove the gum residue.
Using coca cola
What you’ll need
Coca-colaShampoo
Steps
Pour cold Coca-cola soda to the section of the hair affected
Ensuring not to pour so much Coca-cola to your hair for its ingredient acids which are harmful to keratin, pour it and leave for a few minutes.
Using your fingers, remove the gum
At this point, the gum has been made firm and not sticky by the Coca-cola. This makes it easy to remove without much effort.
Wash your hair thoroughly
Using mild shampoo, wash the Coca-cola out of your hair to prevent any harmful effects to your hair.
What can dissolve chewing gum?
Dissolvers include a variety of household products. They include:
Eucalyptus oilRubbing alcoholAdhesive removerBaking soda with waterLemon juiceWhite vinegarMayonnaise
What you’ll need
Dissolver of your choiceShampooTowel
Steps
Apply dissolvers directly and let them sit for at least a minute
Begin breaking the gum apart with your fingers. If it does not work, use more dissolver and let it sit a while longer before breaking the gum. Check this too: How to Use a Hair Dryer Diffuser
Clean the residue out of your hair
If the dissolver has worked, the gum should easily come off using your fingers. Clean the area with a towel.
Wash your hair
To remove any residue of the dissolver, washing your hair is recommended.
Conclusion
Gum has its upside and it is beneficial to the mind as it helps to improve concentration and it also exercises the jaws. All the above ways to get gum out of your hair need patience and being gentle. In no time, the gum will be out of your hair and you won’t have to pay the hairdresser a visit for you or your child.
