Vaseline on hair - good or bad?

[Eolan]

Due to scalp issues I sometimes have to use Salicylic (spelling?) acid vaseline on my scalp. I leave it on over night and then wash it out the next morning. After these treatments I have found that the hair near my scalp gets very silky and smooth, even though I sometimes have to use rather harsh shampoos to get it out. So now I'm thinking that maybee I could use this on my lenghts as well.

Has anyone tried this? Does the vaseline have the same effect as cones? It comes from petroleum, does it not? Or is it the Salicylic acid that does it? Alot of skin products contains this, I think.

The contents of my vaseline are: acidum salicylium 5 g, parrafinum liquidum 5 g, vaselinum album ad 100 g.

All thoughs are appreciated! :flower:

Also, the potion is called "Salicylic adid vaseline APL". Mwahaha, funny! :silly:

[spidermom]

I once used Vaseline in my hair for a Halloween look, and it took Dawn dishwashing liquid to get it out. Shampooing multiple times didn't work. Other dishwashing liquids didn't work.

You would be far better served by using something like olive oil or coconut oil for your hair.

[Eolan]

Ouch, that sounds nasty. I get mine out quite easily acctually, but I don't use tons of it. I normally use Jojoba or Almond oil on my lenghts, I just got curious since I've noticed the niceness I get 'round my scalp hair after doing these anti-icky-scalp treatments.

[pilateschick7]

I applied an entire container to the length of my hair an my sisters when we were toddlers. It took Tide, repeated applications, to remove it. I remember it not helping my hair any:)

[missfortune9335]

I'm inclined to agree with Spidermom, but if you're really curious you could try it on a small section of hair (in the back underneath part so you can hide it if you have to) and see how it goes I guess...

[Sissy]

I don't think petroleum jelly would be good for hair.

[teela1978]

I think if you used it in small amounts it wouldn't be bad... glopping it on would definitely be hard to wash out though.

[kwaniesiam]

Your hair won't absorb anything from it, I don't see how it would really do anything. Stick to oils that are easier to wash out.

[virgo75]

Since the product you're using is supposed to be used on your scalp, then I'm thinking it would be formulated to wash out easier than straight vaseline from a jar.

I agree with missfortune and teela - try a small amount on a small section of hair and see what happens. There are many products for haircare that have vaseline(petrolatum) in them including a hairdressing from V05 that some on here used before.

Here's a link to an old (short) thread on it.
http://www.archive.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=11447

Hope that helps. :flower:

[IcarusBride]

Baaad! I bought what I thought was coconut oil "Coconut Conditioner" and it was coconut scented Petroleum Jelly. It was one of those "please mail this address and in 6-8 weeks we will tell you the ingredients" but it was in the Ethnic Hair section so I thought it would be what I was looking for... NO WAY! I'm not sure if this actually works for "ethnic" hair, but my caucasian hair hated it. If I dunked my hair in melted clear crayons and let it dry, I'd have the same effect!!!

[little_cherry]

I have a feeling that the salicylic acid may be the thing that's making your hair soft...also, hair close to the root is younger than the ends and feels softer.

As for washing out oils/butters grease from hair, I find that a combination of warm water, long soak in conditioner, shampoo then a final conditioner usually does the trick. :)

[lastnite]

Baaad! I bought what I thought was coconut oil "Coconut Conditioner" and it was coconut scented Petroleum Jelly. It was one of those "please mail this address and in 6-8 weeks we will tell you the ingredients" but it was in the Ethnic Hair section so I thought it would be what I was looking for... NO WAY! I'm not sure if this actually works for "ethnic" hair, but my caucasian hair hated it. If I dunked my hair in melted clear crayons and let it dry, I'd have the same effect!!!


similar story here... I tried a African American hair gro product that was petroleum based, and me always thinking more is better, I put half the jar on. I wouldn't wash out with any shampoo or dish-washing liquid (don't think I tried Dawn at the time tho). I went to the hairdressers and they couldn't get it out either and started to talk to me about how I could cut it to hide the greasy look, lol. :oFinally a nice woman that worked in Sally's Beauty Supply called the beauty school she went to and they said try baking soda. It worked! It took a few baking soda washes to get it all out actually, but it saved my hair.

Moral of the story... petroleum isn't meant for most people's hair. Use it with caution.

[virgo75]

similar story here... I tried a African American hair gro product that was petroleum based, and me always thinking more is better, I put half the jar on. I wouldn't wash out with any shampoo or dish-washing liquid (don't think I tried Dawn at the time tho). I went to the hairdressers and they couldn't get it out either and started to talk to me about how I could cut it to hide the greasy look, lol. :oFinally a nice woman that worked in Sally's Beauty Supply called the beauty school she went to and they said try baking soda. It worked! It took a few baking soda washes to get it all out actually, but it saved my hair.

Moral of the story... petroleum isn't meant for most people's hair. Use it with caution.


Half the jar would ruin ANYONE'S hair! :lol:
Even people who use petroleum based products only use about 1/2 a fingernail size dollop at a time. And not thumbsize - more like index or pinky finger. I guess like the size of a pea.

Then you either dip your index finger in it so it's kinda wet with the product and rub your thumb across your fingers so it's spread out - then you apply THAT to the area you want it on. If you need more, you repeat the process. It also helps to work in sections so that you don't have one section with too much and the rest has nothing. From my own experience I separate my hair into 3 or 4 sections and apply whatever I'm going to apply(jojoba oil, coconut oil, etc.).

1/2 a fingernail should cover your whole head.

If you have really long or extremely thick hair, then maybe a whole fingernail, but probably not. Even then you could do the same thing(dip your finger into the product to get a little on it) then rub your finger in the palm of your hand and rub your hands together. You distribute that onto your hair or the ends of hair.

Go lightly and it shouldn't take dishwashing liquid, baking soda, or detergent to remove. ;)

[Henrietta]

I used vaseline on my ends once, overnight, and there was no effect. But my hair reacts slowly, so one application might be too less. But it didn't do anything wrong at least. I cannot recall the list of ingredients and I don't have the box now.

[Eolan]

Since the product you're using is supposed to be used on your scalp, then I'm thinking it would be formulated to wash out easier than straight vaseline from a jar.

Very true.


I have a feeling that the salicylic acid may be the thing that's making your hair soft...

Yes, I'm sort of convinced by that, even more now that I have heard other peoples experiences with straight vaseline.

My hair normally don't like to be slathered in anything, so that was never an option. But, yeah, I think I'll stick to oils for now. :)

[cobblersmaid]

Also, salicylic acid is probably not something you want on you length!

[moominhapa]

I also think salicylic acid is probably what is making your hair feel silky. Once, when I was experimenting with baking soda and ACV washes, I finished by pouring a couple of aspirin (contains salicylic acid) dissolved in a cup of water over my scalp. I was trying to treat my dandruff, but my hair ended up feeling really silky that day. However, I wouldn't do it all the time because I think it would end up being too harsh with regular use. Instead, why don't you try a couple tablespoons of ACV in water as a rinse? If your hair likes acidity, that's a milder alternative.

[Anje]

I imagine vaseline wouldn't actually be bad for hair, unless it ended up sealing out moisture. It's just coating and tends to be hard to get out. If a little tiny dab (like the few drops of oil that lots of us run through our hair) seems to make your hair nice, give it a try and report in on how it goes.

I sometimes use vaseline on my face when my skin is freaking out or being particularly dry. It keeps moisture in much better than the various plant oils I've tried do, perhaps because it is so slow to absorb. I can see it being similar with the hair.

[In2wishin]

Are you somewhat adventurous? You could try pulverizing an aspirin and adding it to coconut oil as a scalp treatment (it would need to be dissolved in some glycerin first). Typical useage as a skin treatment is 1-2% as an active ingredient. This would be easier to wash out and, obviously, the coconut oil is good for the hair.

(disclaimer: this is just an idea and is NOT intended as medical advice)

[Eolan]

I also think salicylic acid is probably what is making your hair feel silky. Once, when I was experimenting with baking soda and ACV washes, I finished by pouring a couple of aspirin (contains salicylic acid) dissolved in a cup of water over my scalp. I was trying to treat my dandruff, but my hair ended up feeling really silky that day. However, I wouldn't do it all the time because I think it would end up being too harsh with regular use. Instead, why don't you try a couple tablespoons of ACV in water as a rinse? If your hair likes acidity, that's a milder alternative.

ACV sounds like a good idea.


I imagine vaseline wouldn't actually be bad for hair, unless it ended up sealing out moisture. It's just coating and tends to be hard to get out. If a little tiny dab (like the few drops of oil that lots of us run through our hair) seems to make your hair nice, give it a try and report in on how it goes.

I sometimes use vaseline on my face when my skin is freaking out or being particularly dry. It keeps moisture in much better than the various plant oils I've tried do, perhaps because it is so slow to absorb. I can see it being similar with the hair.

I'm thinking you have to have some moisture first to lock in, to not have an opposite affect.


Are you somewhat adventurous? You could try pulverizing an aspirin and adding it to coconut oil as a scalp treatment (it would need to be dissolved in some glycerin first). Typical useage as a skin treatment is 1-2% as an active ingredient. This would be easier to wash out and, obviously, the coconut oil is good for the hair.

(disclaimer: this is just an idea and is NOT intended as medical advice)

This sounds like a fun idea! However, at this point I don't feel very adventurous. Just started another thread about how my hair is so thin and frail, so experimenting with it probably isn't the best idea right now. I guess I'm a little desperate to find some miracle product.

[Purdy Bear]

I tried Vaseline on my eyebrows after someone said it was good for hair growth on an Alopecian Forum, it made them fall out, so I would suggest you test it first before putting in on all over.

[Blondie Locks]

I realize this thread is old but perhaps it will help some future readers in their researching.

First of all...

I love Vaseline! :heart:

I have very dry hair that is prone to frizziness. I like to apply a moisturizing product to my hair and then seal it in with Vaseline. I mostly put it on my dry ends but sometimes in my length too. It smooths and softens my hair. I use the moisturizing formula with cocoa butter. Can’t say enough good things about it and it smells like chocolate!

The trick to having success with Vaseline is using it sparingly.

A little of this stuff goes a long way. You don’t go putting glops of this stuff in your hair....that would surely be a recipe for disaster. Just a bit, will give you plenty of benefit. I adore what it does for me.

Because I use it sparingly, I never have any problems at all, with washing it out...even with sulphate-free gentle baby shampoo.

I like to use the real stuff, not the no name brands because Vaseline is triple purified.

Sometimes too, I apply a bit to my scalp to help my dandruff and dryness. The moisturizing formula with cocoa butter really helps my dry scalp and and eliminates the itching associated with dandruff. I use other treatments too but Vaseline is extremely helpful.

All these expensive products out there....not one of them has worked as well for me as inexpensive Vaseline does. Not surprised though. The world has been conned into believing that only fancy expensive products will work...but what we really need to do is to go back to using the simple products our grandmothers used. They are tried, tested and true.

I should add that Vaseline is non-comedogenic, which means it will not clog pores for those wishing to apply it to skin and scalp.

Unlike unpasteurized honey which is a humectant that draws moisture, Vaseline is more of a sealer, not allowing moisture in or out....so it is best to add some good moisture before sealing. However, if you use the cocoa butter formula, you will find it is very moisturizing even by itself.

Another good tip is you can use the double boiler method to warm and melt your Vaseline. I just put a bit in a small dish, then place the dish into a larger bowl filled with hot water from the kettle. It melts very quickly and it’s much more pleasant to work, when it’s in liquid form.

I keep it in my hair throughout the week and it keeps my hair nice and moist for my up-dos. Like I said, I don’t use much so it doesn’t give me the greasy slickster look whatsoever. I apply it to my ends nightly, as they are the most dry and my hair seems to suck it up like it was never there.

Enjoy! :)

[Wildcat Diva]

Aaaaandd. I can’t argue with that.

Scarlet_heart used Vaseline. If it works, it works.

[lapushka]

I use mineral based things too, just baby oil, the regular J&J one. I find it works wonders. I tend to prefer it in the winter and fall, but I have now discovered I had a bottle of neem oil by Dr. Haushka so I'm trying to use that up first.

I use about 10 drops of my mineral oil, and that does the trick; I use it in the rinse-out oil method (link in signature). It's an awesome step in my routine - love it to bits!

I never tried vaseline though, maybe I should. I'll see. The products I'm currently using work just fine for me, so if it ain't broke why fix it, right? ;)

[Blondie Locks]

I use mineral based things too, just baby oil, the regular J&J one. I find it works wonders. I tend to prefer it in the winter and fall, but I have now discovered I had a bottle of neem oil by Dr. Haushka so I'm trying to use that up first.

I use about 10 drops of my mineral oil, and that does the trick; I use it in the rinse-out oil method (link in signature). It's an awesome step in my routine - love it to bits!

I never tried vaseline though, maybe I should. I'll see. The products I'm currently using work just fine for me, so if it ain't broke why fix it, right? ;)

I agree...why fix what isn’t broken. However, if you’re anything like me, you might just enjoy experimenting and trying different things, just to see the results and if works.

Vaseline has become a miracle product for me. Last night, I applied some to my scalp after melting it down. My scalp tends to get dry and then flaky and itchy as a result of the dryness. Anyway, today I woke up and checked my scalp over like I always do after a treatment. It’s looks and feels so soft and moisturized..not one single flake. I just love the results it gives me.

I have neem oil too. In fact, it works wonders for my dandruff too...but it smells like an onion to me. Hahaha! I was at church with my mother this one time, and she leaned over and asked me “why do I smell onions”. :laugh: I nearly died of embarrassment. So now I just use it around the house.

Baby oil is amazing also.

[lapushka]

The neem oil I have is quite nice smelling, as it's an intricate blend with a little neem in it, but fragrance masks it quite well. :)

[Blondie Locks]

The neem oil I have is quite nice smelling, as it's an intricate blend with a little neem in it, but fragrance masks it quite well. :)


Oh ok! That sounds much nicer smelling indeed. What I have is 100% pure organic neem oil and it really smells just like onions. Not a good smell if you’re going out on a date. Hahaha! :laugh:

[Ylva]

I also have 100% pure organic neem oil. The smell is... nutty, in my opinion. Sometimes the lingering smell is a bit annoying, but so far I haven't developed any particular sensitivity to it, unlike I do with many other scents that start out being unpleasant but tolerable and then end up causing me to gag. Good stuff on the scalp. :)

[Blondie Locks]

I also have 100% pure organic neem oil. The smell is... nutty, in my opinion. Sometimes the lingering smell is a bit annoying, but so far I haven't developed any particular sensitivity to it, unlike I do with many other scents that start out being unpleasant but tolerable and then end up causing me to gag. Good stuff on the scalp. :)

Funny how some perceive it as smelling nutty while others smell onions. Lol. They say everyone perceives smells differently though.

Yup, regardless of the scent, it definitely does work wonders for the scalp. I love the little dropper applicator in my bottle too. Makes for simple and convenient application.

[Wildcat Diva]

Neem oil smells like dirt. We use it an an antifungal and a lice deterrent/ treatment. I’m quite thankful for it.

[Blondie Locks]

Neem oil smells like dirt. We use it an an antifungal and a lice deterrent/ treatment. I’m quite thankful for it.


Hahaha...yeah, I’m not fond of the odor...but it does work for treating problematic scalps. For sure.

Not surprised it works for lice because some people in my gardening group use it to smother spider mites on their plants.

[Hairkay]

My family used a tiny bit of vaseline on damp hair in my childhood. A lot of hair greases/leave in conditioners for type 3 & 4 hair were petroleum based. Since many in my family had to worry about allergies and sensitive skin they stuck with vaseline because it was unscented and colour free. Sometimes I used a mix of vaseline with coconut oil. The only reason I no longer use vaseline is because I can no longer use shampoo to wash it out due to my allergies getting worse as puberty hit.

[Blondie Locks]

My family used a tiny bit of vaseline on damp hair in my childhood. A lot of hair greases/leave in conditioners for type 3 & 4 hair were petroleum based. Since many in my family had to worry about allergies and sensitive skin they stuck with vaseline because it was unscented and colour free. Sometimes I used a mix of vaseline with coconut oil. The only reason I no longer use vaseline is because I can no longer use shampoo to wash it out due to my allergies getting worse as puberty hit.

Thanks for sharing, Hairkay. :)

I also like using it to tame flyaways and frizz...as well as to give a smooth sheen to my up-dos. When it’s used sparingly, it can be amazing...but when used generously, it can be a nightmare. Lol.