How to Remove Gum from Hair

The Logic Verdict

My Take: Dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology say to reach for pantry oils instead of scissors. A thick coat of creamy peanut butter (or vegetable oil for brows and lashes) smothers the gum, stiffens the base, and lets you pinch the wad off after a few patient minutes. Finish with a normal shampoo so your kid doesn’t smell like lunch.

The Science

Chewing gum stays sticky because elastomers cling to hair cuticles. Fats from peanut butter or vegetable oil flood the gum and reduce its tackiness by plasticizing the base. The oils also lubricate each strand, so the gum slides down the shaft instead of tearing hair. Shampoo’s surfactants then lift away the leftover oil film.

Step-by-Step Removal

1. Stage the area. Drape a towel over the shoulders and section off the strand with gum so you don’t spread peanut butter elsewhere.
2. Choose your lubricant. Scoop creamy peanut butter for most hair; switch to olive or coconut oil for brows, lashes, or peanut allergies.
3. Coat the gum completely. Use gloved fingers or an old toothbrush to work the peanut butter/oil through the wad until no pink gum is visible.
4. Let it sit 3–5 minutes. The oils need a moment to penetrate the gum base and reduce stickiness.
5. Slide the gum off. Pinch the hair just above the gum and gently pull downward, adding more oil as needed. Use the toothbrush to nudge stubborn bits toward the ends.
6. Wash and condition. Shampoo the treated hair twice to remove oil, then condition and rinse so everything smells normal again.

Parts & Tools

• Jif Creamy Peanut Butter (Amazon) – Matches the dermatologist’s recommendation for a thick, oil-rich spread that stiffens gum.
• California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Amazon) – A gentler option for eyebrows, eyelashes, or peanut allergies.
• Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling Brush (Amazon) – Soft bristles help work lubricated gum toward the ends without yanking.

What NOT To Do

• Don’t grab scissors unless you have to; oil will release the gum without cutting hair.
• Don’t yank or comb dry gum—it tightens knots and breaks strands.
• Don’t skip the post-treatment shampoo, or lingering oil can attract lint and dust.

Resources

• Jif Creamy Peanut Butter (Amazon)
• California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Amazon)
• Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling Brush (Amazon)