Every once in a while, a story hits the news circuit that makes your eyes go wide while mumbling to yourself, “No, no, no, no, no.” Such a story made the rounds not too long ago when a woman used an industrial-strength super glue in her hair and ended up needing to seek medical attention in order to remove it. An arduous four-hour treatment later, and you can bet that she will never make that mistake again.
That doesn’t mean others won’t make the same blunder, however. If you’ve used super glue in your hair, are contemplating the idea, or are currently trying to help someone who’s dealing with a sticky hair situation themselves, we’ve got you covered. Below we’re explaining how to get glue out of hair and outlining the kinds of hair glues that are safe to use.
Is glue always bad for hair?
Let’s just cut to the chase. When in doubt, you should never put glue in your hair. That said, there are instances where approved hair glue is used to install hair extensions or wigs, but this is commonly done by an experienced hairstylist.
Glue should never be applied for styling purposes at home. Instead, seek out professional products that will help you reach that desired look. For example, if you’re trying to get super sleek locks then try something like Matrix Vavoom Hold My Body Forming Hair Gel, a non-sticky liquid gel that delivers maximum hold. Or if you're trying to keep those baby hairs in place, like the woman who used the super glue in her hair, try Mizani Edge Trimming Hair Gel.
The bottom line is that, aside from professional applications of wigs or extensions, you should never use glue in your hair. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself frantically googling, “how to remove glue from hair.”
Good hair day by @ines_lblc.
What happens if you get glue in your hair?
So, you’re in a sticky situation and you want to learn how to get glue out of hair. We hear you. Whether it happened accidentally—or you unknowingly made a mistake—the first step is to not panic. You don’t want to do anything drastic, like cutting your hair off or applying chemicals or other products that haven’t been approved for hair use. The second step is to try a few different tricks, which we’re outlining below.
Good hair day by @sorayahstyles.
What removes glue from hair?
Learning how to remove glue from hair isn’t mission impossible, but it is mission complicated. Start with these techniques:
Apply cold water or ice
Using super cold water can help harden the glue, thereby lessening its stickiness for easier removal. If it’s just a small section of your hair, you can try dipping it in ice water or rubbing an ice cube over the area, then follow up by gently breaking away the glue. If it’s an all-over situation, you’ll likely need professional help or another tactic.
Try a hair oil
In the same way grease can lubricate a baking dish, oil can help loosen up and break sticky glue, allowing it to come out more easily. You could try a DIY solution like coconut oil or olive oil, but these are extremely heavy and can lead to the issue of having to remove oil from your hair. For that reason, we recommend using a professional hair oil, such as Mizani 25 Miracle Nourishing Oil.
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Bring on the deep conditioner
Conditioners are also formulated with rich butters and oils, making them another option. For how to get glue out of hair, apply a generous amount of deep conditioner to the area and let it set for about 15 minutes. Work the area with your fingers to try to break down the glue, then rinse. Aim for an ultra-rich product, such as Biolage SmoothProof Deep Treatment Pack Multi Use Hair Mask.
Lather with a clarifying shampoo
A clarifying shampoo is formulated specifically to break down product build-up, so it can come in handy when you want to remove glue from hair. Try Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo.
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Acidic Bonding Concentrate Sulfate Free Conditioner for Damaged Hair
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See a stylist
If you really want to know how to get glue out of hair, then your best bet is to schedule an appointment with your stylist. Give them a heads up in advance and let them work their magic to get your mane back to normal. In some cases, you might be able to use the above techniques, but if you’re dealing with a lot of glue, matted hair, or a very difficult scenario, then it’s time to see a stylist.
Once you’re in the clear, make sure to pamper your locks. Treat them to a reparative shampoo and conditioning system, such as Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo and Conditioner, and make sure to keep the glue far, far away.
Looking for more expert hair tips? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
Smooth Proof Deep Treatment Pack Multi Use Hair Mask
A deep treatment vegan smoothing hair mask for frizzy or damaged hair.
Acidic Bonding Concentrate Sulfate Free Shampoo for Damaged Hair
All-in-one concentrated shampoo for damaged hair
Acidic Bonding Concentrate Sulfate Free Conditioner for Damaged Hair
All-in-one concentrated conditioner for damaged hair
