How to Remove Gum From Skin & Hair

When chewing gum gets onto hair or skin, it creates a sticky mess than can seem almost impossible to remove. In desperation, one might resort to cutting out the offending glob with scissors. However, such drastic measures shouldn't be necessary, since the solution to the sticky problem could be as close as your kitchen cupboards.

Things You'll Need

• Creamy peanut butter
• Hair comb
• Shampoo
• Hand soap

Instructions

1. Apply creamy peanut butter to the gum. Gently rub the peanut butter into the gum and the surrounding hair or skin. If you don't have peanut butter, use another oily product, such as cooking oils or mineral oil.

2. Allow the peanut butter to sit on the gum for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the severity of the mess. Gum is attracted to oils, so the peanut butter should begin to pull the gum away from the hair or skin.

3. Gently pull the gum out of the hair in small pieces. Attempting to pull all of the gum out at once could result in the painful removal of hair strands. If necessary, comb through the affected hair to remove any remaining gum.

4. Repeat steps as needed until all gum is removed. Wash skin or hair thoroughly to remove the peanut butter.

5. Do not try to wash the gum off without peanut butter or another oil-based product. According to Bob Hirshon, of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, most gum is comprised of chemicals that repel water. Attempting to remove the gum with water will not work, and could even make the gum adhere more tightly to the hair or skin.

References

• International Chewing Gum Association
• Science Netlinks
• You Got What in Your Hair?