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Remove chewing gum from hair

Use this for a small piece of chewing gum on reachable lengths. Work slowly while supporting the hair above the sticky area, and stop if it cannot be freed without pulling.

Step by step

  1. A woman supports one length of hair while coating a small gum patch with plain oil.
    STEP 1 OF 3

    Isolate and coat the gum

    • Keep unaffected hair away and place a cloth beneath the patch. Hold the hair above the gum so your movements do not pull at the roots.
    • With your free fingertips, cover the gum with plain vegetable oil. Keep it on the affected lengths, then wait a few minutes.
  2. A woman supports the hair above a small gum patch while easing the loosened gum onto a cloth.
    STEP 2 OF 3

    Ease the gum away in small pieces

    • Support the hair above the patch again. With the other hand, gently work a small edge of the gum away from the strands and onto the cloth.
    • Continue only while the gum releases easily. Do not comb hard through it; stop if it remains stuck, hurts or spreads into a larger tangle.
  3. A woman checks the released length for remaining sticky gum before washing.
    STEP 3 OF 3

    Check for residue and wash normally

    • Look and feel for remaining gum before washing. If a sticky piece will not release gently, stop and seek hands-on help rather than cutting or forcing it.
    • Wash and rinse your hair with your usual routine to remove oil and residue. Follow your products’ directions rather than adding solvents or extra heat.
    • Discard the gum, clean any oily surfaces and wash the cloth and your hands.

One small gum patch plus a brief wait. Normal washing and drying afterward are additional.

Unmeasured editorial handling estimate for the stated scope. Familiarity, access and the item or hair being handled change the time.

You’re done when…

The gum has come away without painful pulling, and normal washing has removed the oil and remaining residue.