Attempt at hair care do not always go as planned. One of such unplanned outcome is getting Vaseline in your hair.
Getting your hair smeared with Vaseline will leave your hair feeling sticky and make you downright unhappy. Getting the Vaseline out is the only way to recover your hair from the stickiness.
The good thing is the process of making your hair grease-free is pretty easy. For that reason, I will give you practical tips on how to remove Vaseline from your hair successfully.
In this blog post, I will discuss different methods to remove Vaseline from your hair and how to go about the process.
How Long Can I Leave Vaseline in My Hair?
You shouldn’t leave Vaseline in your hair for long, except you are required to do so. For example, people with locs sometimes prefer Vaseline in their hair for sheen. Even at that, 24hrs is enough to allow the Vaseline to settle in.
While it can be beneficial for certain skin applications, leaving it in your hair for an extended period can cause issues. Vaseline is a heavy and greasy substance that can weigh down your hair, make it appear greasy, and attract dirt and dust.
Vaseline is not water-soluble, which means it can be challenging to wash out completely. This can result in a buildup of Vaseline residue on your scalp and hair, leading to a less-than-desirable appearance and potential issues with hair health. If you accidentally get Vaseline in your hair, it’s best to address it as soon as possible.
5 Methods to Remove Vaseline from Hair
Here are some quick and easy methods to remove Vaseline from hair:
1. Dry method using cornstarch or baby powder
- Sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch or baby powder onto the affected areas of the hair.
- Gently massage the powder into the hair, focusing on the Vaseline-coated sections.
- Leave it on for a few minutes to allow the powder to absorb the Vaseline.
- Use a comb or brush to carefully remove the powder from the hair, taking the Vaseline with it.
- Repeat the process if necessary until the Vaseline is completely removed.
2. Hot towel method
- Soak a clean towel in hot water and wring out the excess moisture.
- Wrap the hot towel around the Vaseline-coated hair, focusing on the affected sections.
- Leave the towel on for a few minutes to allow the heat to soften the Vaseline.
- Gently wipe away the softened Vaseline with the towel, not spreading it further.
- Repeat the process with a clean section of the towel until the Vaseline is fully removed.
3. Vinegar rinse method
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spritz the solution onto the Vaseline-coated hair, saturating the affected areas.
- Massage the mixture into the hair and let it sit for a few minutes to break down the Vaseline.
- Rinse the hair thoroughly with warm water to remove the Vaseline and vinegar residue.
- Follow up with a mild shampoo and conditioner to eliminate any lingering odor.
4. Fight oil with oil
Indeed, fighting oil with oil can be an effective method for removing Vaseline from hair. Here’s how to use oil to tackle the greasy residue:
- Select a lightweight oil that can help break down the Vaseline. Options like coconut, olive, or baby oil work well for this purpose.
- Apply a small amount of the chosen oil to the Vaseline-coated areas of your hair. Focus on the sections that are most affected by the Vaseline.
- Gently massage the oil into the hair, ensuring it is evenly distributed through the Vaseline-coated strands. Allow the oil to sit on the hair for a few minutes to help dissolve the Vaseline.
- Rinse your hair with warm water, ensuring that all the Vaseline and oil residue are washed away. Continue rinsing until the hair feels clean and free from any oily or greasy residue.
- After rinsing, cleanse your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any remaining traces of Vaseline and oil. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to restore hydration and leave your hair feeling soft and manageable.
5. Use a clarifying shampoo
Here’s a step-by-step guide on using a clarifying shampoo to remove Vaseline from hair:
- Start by wetting your hair thoroughly with warm water. Ensure that the Vaseline-coated areas are completely soaked.
- Take a generous amount of clarifying shampoo in your palm and lather it between your hands.
- Apply the shampoo directly to the Vaseline-affected areas of your hair. Focus on the sections where the Vaseline is present.
- Gently massage the shampoo into your hair, working it into a rich lather. Pay extra attention to the Vaseline-coated strands to ensure thorough cleansing.
- Let the clarifying shampoo sit in your hair for a few minutes. This allows the active ingredients to break down the Vaseline residue effectively.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water, ensuring that all the shampoo and Vaseline are completely washed out.
- Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to replenish hydration and keep your hair soft and manageable. Apply the conditioner to the lengths and ends of your hair, avoiding the roots.
- Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes to allow it to work its magic, then rinse it out with cool water.
- Style your hair as desired once it is clean and free from Vaseline residue.
Does baby powder get Vaseline out of hair?
Yes, baby powder can be effective in helping to remove Vaseline from hair. The talcum powder used in baby powder has a fine texture that helps to soak up excess oil and moisture, including the greasiness caused by Vaseline.
Conclusion
Dealing with Vaseline in your hair can be a frustrating experience, but with the quick and easy methods outlined above, you can effectively remove it and restore the cleanliness and health of your hair.
Whether you opt for the dry method using cornstarch or baby powder, the wet method with dish soap or clarifying shampoo, each approach offers its unique benefits for Vaseline removal.
Taking precautions, such as protecting clothing and surfaces, ensuring thorough rinsing, and following up with moisturizing conditioner, can further enhance the effectiveness of these methods.
