Gum, Candy and Tar Stuck in Hair

Punk haircut
Photo: Istockphoto
Previous page
 
Skunks are cute and cuddly-looking creatures, and the coloring of their fur should in no way be replicated on human beings. However, this does occur accidentally when highlights go crazy. If this happens, try to stay calm. You can add a color wash or a toner over the top of your hair. This will add back color to the highlighted areas and make them less apparent.
 
Another way to fix this problem is to have your highlights reshaped, making them smaller and turning some of them into lowlights. Whatever you do, don't get too worked up or that skunk on your head might just spray!
 
Bad Haircut
 
Now, for a bad haircut, such as one where you have been slightly or more than slightly scalped, don't discount wigs. Sometimes, that is the only way to hide a severe case of hair loss. Be sure to get a good wig, though, as a bad wig may be worse than having a bald head. Another thing to try, if the damage is not too severe, is hair extensions.
 
This can be a very costly fix, but it can yield excellent results that will last long enough for your hair to grow out enough to conceal the evidence of the original issue. To prevent a bad haircut that leads to a scalping, be sure to find a stylist that you trust and take a picture, if you have one. Be specific when explaining to them what you want from the haircut.
 
Stuff Stuck in Hair
 
Now, when it comes to things stuck in your hair, you have come to the right place. Let's start with the most obvious: bubble gum and sticky candy. We have all heard of using peanut butter, but what do you do after you get the gunk in your hair? First of all, no crunching allowed. Use only creamy peanut butter and work it slowly into the hair with the gum or candy. Then use a wide-tooth comb, pick, or the tail of a rattail comb to carefully remove the gum and peanut butter.
 
Be sure to work on small sections of the affected hair at a time, and keep in mind that you may need to repeat this process to remove all of the sugary mess. Other food items can also be used, such as Wesson or other salad oils, mayonnaise, and butter, though they do not work as effectively as creamy peanut butter. You can also freeze it out using an ice cube. Once the gum gets hard, the hair is easier to pick out.
 
Girl who is blowing bubble gum
Photo: David Pereiras via Canva
There is a whole group of people out there getting tar stuck in their hair. I'm not sure if they are rolling around in construction zones or what, but it seems to be a problem, so let me tell you what I have learned. Make a tar sandwich using waxed paper, and then heat it with an iron on a low setting. You may need to experiment with heat settings, and it may take more than one attempt to get all of the tar out.
 
If the tar glob is near the scalp, do not use an iron as the heat source, as hot irons and skin do not mix. Instead, use a hair dryer to heat up the tar. So, how exactly does this work? When the tar is heated, it is attracted to the waxed paper, which can then be peeled from the hair in one big glob.
 
Now that the chewing gum is out, the tar is gone, and you have gotten into a tub of Vaseline, when will you learn? Back to the kitchen you go; this time, pass up the peanut butter and grab the cornstarch. Pat the cornstarch onto the greasy spot then add some clarifying shampoo to dry hair. Finish by adding some warm water (cold will make it worse) and lather and rinse.
 
You can also use a mixture of 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with baby shampoo. Pat this onto dry hair and rinse out in the same way as the cornstarch. Following either of these techniques, be sure to use a deep conditioner, as these food remedies can be very drying.
 
Remember that most problems can be solved with food; sit down and have a snack while you are waiting for your salon to answer. Don't worry too much about it; most of these issues can be remedied, and if not, hair does grow back. If it is really, really bad, try out the Sinead O'Connor look for a while and let your hair return to its roots, so to speak, and get healthy. Then, don't worry about spending a few extra dollars to have your hair done properly. It is worth it in the long run, believe me. The bozo look was not a good one for me!
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also: The value of hair
Shop