Does Ice Actually Help Get Gum Out Of Your Hair?

If you fell asleep chewing gum or you have a sibling, the chances of gum getting in your hair are high. This type of candy is a sweet treat but a terrible problem when it sticks to surfaces. It is notoriously hard to come out. According to Healthline, most gums are hydrophobic. Yes, they are anti-water. That might be why you shouldn't swallow gum. They do not dissolve in water, so the automatic soap and water trick won't work to remove them.

The polymers in gum are what create its elasticity and bind it to hair, according to Style Craze. But there is no need to grab the hair shears. Take a deep breath because the more you panic and move around, the more hair can stick to that wad of gum. You don't have to give yourself an impromptu bob. There are home remedies to remove that sticky gum from your hair strands. So put down the scissors and grab an ice tray.

You shouldn't chew ice, but ice can help remove unwanted chewing gum. Ice is a natural and mess-free way to detach gum from your hair. Healthline reports freezing gum will counteract its stickiness. Once the gum freezes, you should be able to chip it away. It will no longer be elastic and stretch. Simply apply an ice pack to the gum perpetrator until it hardens. This may take at least 5 to 15 minutes. If you don't have an ice pack, you can wrap a few ice cubes in a small towel or use a frozen bottle.

Ice can help remove gum from other surfaces like clothing. Verywell Family suggests putting those items into the freezer. This way, you don't have to deal with melting ice or holding an ice pack. The ice method usually works best with smaller amounts of gum. If your wad falls into the medium-to-large category, the following remedies might be the way to go.

Peanut butter is a pantry staple. It is ideal for healthy snacks and indulgent desserts. It is also great for getting gum out of your hair. This method is messier than using ice, but gum in your hair was messy from the start. You will have to completely cover the stuck-on gum in peanut butter, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The oils in the peanut butter weaken its stickiness. It will take a few minutes for the peanut butter oils to work their magic. Then you can comb out any lingering gum.

Another item to remove gum that you should always have in your home is vinegar. According to The Maids, the acids in vinegar dissolve the bonds between your hair and the gum. Saturate the gum with vinegar and wait until it loosens. It will take around 5 minutes for the vinegar to work. Use a comb to detach the loose gum and repeat the process if necessary. It's a good idea to wash your hair afterward to get rid of the vinegar smell. Ice, oil, or vinegar you'll be gum free, no scissors are required.