No need for a teary-eyed trim, on both accounts: We tapped hairstylists for the best ways to get gum out of hair, sans scissors. That said, take a look at your oil arsenal (olive, coconut, jojoba), and work it through those strands. Perhaps do a full hot oil treatment while you’re at it: Oil contains fatty acids1 that can condition your hair and even add shine. When you’ve got your product, simply isolate the hair that’s tangled in the gum, working the nut butter through those strands. Let it sit for a moment—the hydrophobic properties of both the oils and gum will stick to each other. After a few minutes, the gum should stiffen up and become easier to remove from the strands. You may want to proceed with caution here, especially if the gum is stuck close to your scalp: Vinegar has AHA properties that can increase the chance of scalp burns and sun damage. It can also be a bit drying on the hair itself, so if you have especially dry hair, you may want to opt for oil or ice. On the other hand, Stenson mentions thick nut butters might not be best for fine hair, as the oils can weigh down the strands. “You may want to opt for ice or vinegar to avoid this,” he notes. While you are eventually washing out the sandwich spread (no need to go about your day smelling like peanuts), some oily residue might linger and make fine hair feel a bit greasy.
