Vaseline in my hair!

[tcheney91]

Yes, I accidentally got vaseline in my hair through a series of unfortunate events. I won't go into specifics, but how does one go about getting it out? I don't want to fry my ends (where it's concentrated), but I need it out! It's sticky and gross. Uhhhggg. Please help me...

[Flynn]

Warm water, shampoo and conditioner might just do it, if you haven't tried it yet.

[RenaBanana]

Oh no!!

I just looked at this website: http://www.creativehomemaking.com/cleaning/removing-vaseline-from-hair.shtml
and apparently soda like Coke, Pepsi, or RC work wonders.

[tcheney91]

I tried shampoo, but it's still there... I don't want to be too rough with it.

ETA: I didn't see your post, RenaBanana. I'll try those soon. Thanks!

[RenaBanana]

let us know if it works!

Oh, and here's another website that seems a little more credible than the last one:
http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip959.htm
You should be able to do it if you have cornstarch or cornmeal powder.

[ArienEllariel]

Oh no! Unfortunately I don't have any advice for you but I hope you're able to get it out alright.

My cousin wanted something to condition her hair back when she was a teenager and my grandmother suggested vaseline (having never tried it herself.. *shakes head*)- keep in mind this woman was not the brightest... It took my cousin a very very long time to get it out of her hair (at least a week) and much overwashing. She never took any of my grandmother's advice again.

[tcheney91]

Well, I might have to wait until Sunday night. I currently live in a dorm, where I don't have any cornstarch or anything. I do have tiny packets of peanut butter... maybe I'll try that later. Hmm...

And goodness, who would use vaseline to condition? It's making my hair feel like horrid coated straw!

[Flynn]

I tried shampoo, but it's still there... I don't want to be too rough with it.

ETA: I didn't see your post, RenaBanana. I'll try those soon. Thanks!


What about a good conditioner soak? You should also be able to thin it with a good heavy oiling and some heat, which might make it easier to get out...

[clichepithet]

What about a good conditioner soak? You should also be able to thin it with a good heavy oiling and some heat, which might make it easier to get out...

I was going to suggest this, too. So hit yourself heavy with the conditioner, let it set for a good while, then rinse (rinse, rinse) and wash+ (?) as usual. Good luck.

[tcheney91]

Sadly, I don't even own a hair dryer to heat it up with. I just CO'ed, and it didn't really do anything. The ends are still gross. I'll have to try the peanut butter or wait until Sunday when I move back home.

[spidermom]

I used Vaseline for a Halloween look once. Nothing would take it out until a woman in my office told me Dawn dishwashing liquid (original formula). PERFECT! Give your hair a deep treatment afterward; it will be fine.

[tcheney91]

Now dishwashing soap I have... got to clean the dorm dishes, ya know...

[spidermom]

If it's not Dawn, it might not work. I tried the dishwashing liquid I had on hand first; it did nothing. I had to go buy Dawn, but it was totally worth it. Vaseline is SO not an attractive look, unless you're being a ghoul for Halloween.

[tcheney91]

I have lemon scented Joy. I'll have to try it, I'm too poor to go out and buy more. Or maybe someone in my hall has some Dawn.

[Flynn]

Sadly, I don't even own a hair dryer to heat it up with. I just CO'ed, and it didn't really do anything. The ends are still gross. I'll have to try the peanut butter or wait until Sunday when I move back home.


Do you have a (mostly) cotton pillowcase and a good amount of rice? (Several cups.) To make a heatpack, put the rice in the pillowcase and tie it off. Heat in the microwave for 2 min. Put whatever you want to soak your hair with in your hair, pile your hair up on the top of your head, and put a plastic bag, clingfilm or a showercap over it. Plonk the heatpack on top, and wrap the whole lot in a towel. As long as the rice hasn't gotten wet, it should be okay to use afterward. I'd keep it separate from the rest of your rice, though, just in case.

I don't own a hairdryer. If I want to do a hot oil treament, this is how I do it.

[spidermom]

Good luck! You might want to put on a good olive or coconut oiling first, have some extra protection. I didn't know about oil when it happened to me, but I swear, my hair was all right afterwards.

[clichepithet]

Sadly, I don't even own a hair dryer to heat it up with. I just CO'ed, and it didn't really do anything. The ends are still gross. I'll have to try the peanut butter or wait until Sunday when I move back home.


You don't need a hair drier. If you wrap your head with a plastic bag (head - not face... ;) ) or two, then a towel and sit around for a couple of hours, your body-heat should be sufficient. I would definitely follow this with shampoo and lots of water.

*ETA: Sorry! While I typed that out there were like, 20 more replies to this thread. Either y'all are way faster'n me or I'm lagging. :D Like I said; Good luck! *backing out now*...

[tcheney91]

Whew, I have plenty of options to try now! I don't have any rice (again, with the dorm life). But I might just keep it all contained in a bun until I move back home. Finals are in full swing anyways.

[Flynn]

Whew, I have plenty of options to try now! I don't have any rice (again, with the dorm life). But I might just keep it all contained in a bun until I move back home. Finals are in full swing anyways.

Really? O.o I practically live on the stuff! Hahahahaha.

[tcheney91]

I love rice, I just don't have the funds or space for a big ol' bag of it! Nor do I have a kitchen...

[Flynn]

I love rice, I just don't have the funds or space for a big ol' bag of it! Nor do I have a kitchen...

Really? O.o Do the college feed you or something?

[tcheney91]

Yes, we have two dining halls. I have a two-a-day meal plan. Mmmm... cafeteria food. Bleh.

[Flynn]

Yes, we have two dining halls. I have a two-a-day meal plan. Mmmm... cafeteria food. Bleh.

Ugh. I couldn't deal with having absolutely no control over what I eat.

[tcheney91]

There are a lot of options, but they rotate. So eventually, it's the same thing. It's alright though. It's a super expensive college (which is one of the reasons I'm transferring), so the food is decent.