How To Get Glue Out of Hair Easily? Will Conditioner Remove Hair Glue?
When we attach wigs and hair extensions to our hair, we do it because it beautifies our face and changes our appearance. However, things can turn ugly when you use a wig glue and it gets stuck in your natural hair.
If this has ever happened to you, then you know that it takes one split-second for the glue to make contact with your hair, and you’re in for a struggle. The wrong moves when trying to get the glue out can further damage your hair and scalp
So, what’s the best thing to do when wig glue gets stuck in your hair? This post will guide you through all you should know about removing wig glue residue from your hair.
What Happens If You Get Wig Glue on Your Hair?
“Oops! I’ve got glue stuck on my hair, should I be worried?”
Yes, you most likely should, because wig glue can cause damage to your hair that could either be temporary or permanent.
When you leave glue on your hair without removing it, it can cause problems to your scalp. Likewise, when you use the wrong methods to try to get the glue out, you can ruin your follicles.
So, what does wig glue do to your hair?
Most wig glues contain toxic chemicals in high concentrations that can dry your hair and burn it. Some glues could also cause allergies to some people’s scalps, although some people might not have any reactions.
Wig glue can block the pores of your scalp, cause sore scalp, and destroy your hair follicles, especially those glues that contain soluble latex.
Long-term use of wig glue on an already-irritated scalp and cause permanent damage to your hair and scalp.
How Long Does Glue on Hair Last?
There is no specific timeframe for the glue to last on hair because the timing differs based on the nature of wig glue you use. While some adhesives are temporary, with a short-term hold, some others are ‘permanent’ and will last for a really long time.
Some wig glues will last anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks on your hair, depending on how oily your hair is, and what products you use. Some others will hold for as long as 4 to 6 weeks, especially acrylic-based glues.
Some other adhesives that can hold a wig for 4-6 months could last that long on your hair if you don’t do anything to get it out.
Now, let’s get to what you can do to get glue out of your hair.
How to get wig glue out of hair?
There are several ways to get wig glue out of them, and just so you know, using only water is not an option. Let’s look at some safe and successful ways to remove glue from your hair.
How To Get Wig Glue Out of Hair Using Oil?
Most wig glues are naturally averse to oils, which is why they are applied to dry materials. When they come in contact with oil, they begin to lose their hold. That’s why hair oils are useful in this regard.
Required materials
- Any oil of your choice (coconut oil, almond oil, tea tree oil, or jojoba oil, extra virgin olive oil)
- Comb
- Shampoo and Conditioner
Procedure [Step by Step]
- Apply the oil of your choice to your fingertips and apply a small amount on the affected parts.
- Work the oil through all the parts of your head where there’s glue and coat them properly.
- Put a shower cap over your hair and leave it for 30 minutes.
- Touch your hair to ensure that the glue feels soft to the touch. If it feels soft, then the oil has penetrated. If not, apply more of the oil.
- Once the glue loosens, comb it off gently and pay attention not to break your hair in the process.
- When all the glue has been removed, wash your hair and condition it.
Precautions
Don’t use regular vegetable oil because it won’t yield the results you need. Some persons have also used Vaseline and emollient oil successfully, so it might not be out of place to try that.
Avoid combing the hair if you feel the hair and the glue hasn’t softened. You could lose a great deal of your hair in the process.
How To Get Wig Glue Out of Hair Using Alcohol?
Small quantities of alcohol can remove wig glue from your hair in a few minutes, depending on the kind of wig glue you applied. Some people have even used alcohol-based sanitizers or spirit solvents to get the glue out.
Required materials
- Any alcohol of your choice, or an alcohol-based solvent
- Cotton wool
- Comb
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Paper towel (optional)
Procedure [Step by Step]
- Apply the alcohol to the affected parts of your hair with a ball of cotton wool or your fingers. Ensure that you cover all areas.
- Allow the alcohol to sit on your hair for 5 to 10 minutes to allow it to loosen the glue’s hold.
- Use a fine-tooth comb to brush your hair gently towards your hairline to avoid the glue getting stuck on denser parts of your hair.
- Remove the residue from the comb with a cloth or paper towel, and replace the process if you have to.
- Wipe the alcohol off your hair with a cloth or paper towel.
- Wash your hair with shampoo and cold or lukewarm water, and condition your hair
Precautions
If you attempt to comb the hair and you feel pain or the glue still feels strong, apply more alcohol. If you attempt to continue combing it, you might lose your hair in the process.
If you feel any negative reaction towards the alcohol (which is very rare), wipe it off your hair and consider another method.
If you use alcohol-based solvents without good results, acetone is a good option to try. However, it dries the scalp and could be noxious, so you have to be extra careful and use only a small amount.
How To Get Wig Glue Out of Hair using Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar has proven to be an inexpensive and effective way to remove wig glue from hair. Vinegar’s acidity is what makes it break down the glue easily, allowing it to come out of your hair with ease.
Required materials
Procedure [Step by Step]
- Massage a small amount of apple cider vinegar into the parts of your hair containing glue and leave it to sit for a few minutes. Vinegar breaks the bonds in hair glue in a few minutes.
- Feel the glue and check if it has loosened. If it has loosened, then comb the glue out gently using a detangling comb.
- If there’s still leftover glue, repeat the process until there’s nothing left.
- Once all the glue is out of your hair, wash and condition it with your usual shampoo and conditioner.
Precautions
Avoid brushing your hair too hard. Instead, use as much apple cider vinegar as you need to get the glue out.
How To Get Wig Glue Out of Hair using Dish Soap?
A simple method of removing wig glue from your hair with no expenses or numerous processes is to use dish soap. This is the ultimate DIY tip for removing wig from hair.
Recommended materials
Procedure [Step by Step]
- Gently rub the liquid dish soap on the affected parts of your hair.
- Allow the dish soap to stay on your hair for 1 to 2 hours.
- Rinse your hair with lukewarm water, and then apply shampoo and conditioner.
- The adhesive should come off as you wash your hair.
Precautions
Only use trusted brands of liquid dish soap to avoid using one that has harsh ingredients.
How To Get Wig Glue Out of Hair using Crushed Aspirin?
Aspirin is more than an emergency pain and cold relief. It also comes through when there’s glue stuck in your hair, and you want some simple glue removal process.
Required materials
Procedure [Step by Step]
- Mix 4 tablespoons of witch hazel with 2 tablespoons of shampoo and 10 crushed aspirin tablets.
- Apply the mix on all areas of your hair where there’s glue, and massage it in.
- Allow the mix to sit on your hair for 30 minutes and then use a narrow-toothed comb to comb through the hair.
- Rinse your hair if all the glue is out or continue the process if you still have some glue in the hair.
- Once you get all the glue out, wash your hair with shampoo and use a deep conditioning hydrating mask.
Precautions
Pay close attention to the measurement to avoid making a mixture that will be ineffective.
The deep conditioning mask replenishes all the nutrients that the mixture might have removed from your hair, so it is an important step.
How To Get Wig Glue Out of Hair Using Shampoo and Conditioner?
Shampoo can also come through for you when you have wig glue stuck in your hair, although it is more effective with lighter, short-term glues.
Required materials
Procedure [Step by Step]
- Mix equal amounts of shampoo and conditioner (depending on how much hair you need to cover)
- Get your hair wet and apply the mixture to your hair, while paying attention to the areas that have glue residue. Massage the mixture properly with your fingers.
- Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes before using a narrow-toothed comb to comb out the glue from your hair.
- Repeat the process if necessary, and wash off the shampoo once all the glue comes off.
- Deep condition your hair after this process to restore your hair’s PH levels.
Precaution
Repeating this process multiple times to get the shampoo out can strip your hair of its oils and nutrients. If you discover that the glue isn’t coming off easily, stop this process and consider trying another one.
How To Get Wig Glue Out of Hair Using Hair Glue Remover?
These days, you’ll find many wig glue and hair extension companies making hair glue removers designed to remove glue from wigs and natural hair.
You can also find hair glue removers that can remove any brand of glue. You can find these products online, at salons, or at drug stores.
Recommended materials
Procedure [Step by Step]
- Simply follow the directions you find on the brand of hair glue remover you purchase. There are several hair glue removers on the market.
- Wash your hair afterward, based on the manufacturer’s directions.
Precautions
Always read product reviews if you are shopping for hair glue remover online, or ask a hair specialist to recommend the best and safest hair glue removers for you. The goal is to avoid using a remover that you might be allergic to or might be too harsh on your scalp.
Will Conditioner Remove Hair Glue?
We talked about a mixture of shampoo and conditioner to remove wig glue from your hair, but what if you are big on the no-poo campaign or you don’t want to use shampoo for some reason?
Yes, you can remove wig glue from your hair using only a conditioner and a comb, but of course, it depends on the strength of the glue.
You need a hair conditioner, detangling or wide-toothed comb, and a shower cap.
- Begin by getting your hair wet, and then apply sufficient amounts of conditioner all over your hair, while paying attention to the areas where the glue is applied.
- Massage the conditioner gently using your fingertips.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and allow the conditioner to sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it off your hair
- Rinse the conditioner from your hair.
- Use a detangling or wide-toothed comb to comb through your hair and remove any residual glue.
- Wash your hair with shampoo and condition once you get all the glue out.
Final Words:
Now, you have several ways to handle your hair and remove wig glue safely without damaging your hair.
Bear in mind that what works for one person might not work for the other because the strength and nature of your wig glue could also affect what procedure works for you.
Also, your hair type, texture, and condition could determine what method works for you and what doesn’t.
However, you’ll most likely find a method that works for you amongst the ones we have described. Say goodbye to uncomfortable experiences with wig glue in your hair.
