Finding chewing gum stuck in your favorite wig can feel like a disaster, especially if it’s a high-quality human hair wig. Whether it’s a prank gone wrong, a child’s accident, or an unexpected encounter at a park bench, gum can create a sticky mess that threatens your wig's appearance and longevity. But don’t panic! You don’t have to cut the hair or throw away your wig. With a little patience and the right tools, you can safely remove the gum without damaging the fibers.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to get gum out of both human hair and synthetic wigs, plus share aftercare tips to restore your wig to its original look.
Step 1: Identify Wig Type
Before you begin, it's important to know what kind of wig you’re dealing with:
Human Hair Wig: More durable and can withstand treatments with oils, conditioners, and even heat.
Synthetic Wig: More sensitive to chemicals and heat, so use gentler methods and test everything on a small section first.
Step 2: What You’ll Need
Here are some safe and effective materials you can use to remove gum from a wig:
- ◆Peanut butter (creamy)
- ◆Olive oil or coconut oil
- ◆Ice cubes
- ◆Freezer bag (optional)
- ◆Fine-tooth comb
- ◆Wig shampoo and conditioner
- ◆Soft towel
- ◆Mild dish soap (for synthetic wigs only)
Select one of the following methods based on what you have at home and the type of wig you are using.
Method 1: Ice Cube Trick (Best for Synthetic Wigs)
This is the safest option for synthetic wigs.
How it works:
Freezing the gum makes it hard and brittle so that it can be gently broken off the fibers.
Steps:
Step1: Rub an ice cube directly onto the gum for 5–10 minutes.
Step2: As the gum hardens, try breaking it apart with your fingers or a comb.
Step3: Gently pull the gum away, working from the tips of the hair upward.
Step4: Repeat the icing process if some residue remains.
💡Tip: You can also place the wig in a plastic freezer bag and put it in the freezer for 1 hour if the gum is deeply embedded.
Method 2: Peanut Butter (Works Well on Human Hair Wigs)
Peanut butter contains natural oils that break down the gum’s stickiness.
Steps:
Step1: Use a small amount of creamy peanut butter and apply it directly to the gum.
Step2: Massage it in gently with your fingers for 3–5 minutes.
Step3: Once the gum softens, slide it off the hair gently.
Step4: Use a fine-tooth comb to remove any leftover bits.
Step5: Wash the area thoroughly with wig shampoo and lukewarm water.
💡Note: This method is not recommended for synthetic wigs, as the oils may damage the fibers.
Method 3: Oil-Based Removal (Olive or Coconut Oil)
Natural oils are a great gum remover and are especially safe for human hair wigs.
Steps:
Step1: Soak a cotton ball or soft cloth in olive or coconut oil.
Step2: Dab the oil directly onto the gum and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
Step3: Gently start pulling away the gum using your fingers or a toothpick.
Step4: Use a fine-tooth comb to work through the section.
Step5: Wash thoroughly with wig-safe shampoo to remove oil residue.
💡Caution: Always test oils on a small section first to make sure it doesn’t stain or break down synthetic fibers.
What Not To Do
◆Do not use acetone or alcohol – These can severely damage both synthetic and human hair wigs.
◆Avoid pulling too hard – Tugging on the gum can cause shedding, knotting, or tearing of the lace.
◆Do not use boiling water – High heat can ruin the texture and shape of your wig.
Aftercare: Clean And Restore Your Wig
Once the gum is successfully removed, it’s time to restore the hair to its smooth, natural state.
For Human Hair Wigs:
Use deep conditioner and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Gently rinse and air dry.
Style as desired with low to medium heat.
For Synthetic Wigs:
Use specially formulated wig shampoo and conditioner.
Lay flat on a towel and let it air dry naturally.
Avoid blow drying or brushing while wet.
FAQ About Gum Stuck In Hair Wig
Q: Can I cut the gum out of the wig?
A: Yes. If the gum is deeply embedded and won't come out, carefully trim the affected strands. Try to blend the cut section so it’s less noticeable.
Q: Is it possible to remove gum without washing the entire wig?
A: Yes. Spot-treat the gum area using ice, oil, or alcohol-based solutions. Rinse and gently cleanse only that section instead of washing the entire wig.
Q: What household items help remove gum from wigs?
A: Common options include ice cubes, peanut butter, coconut oil, vinegar, and rubbing alcohol. But you need to test on a small section first to avoid damage.
Q: Will removing gum affect the texture of the wig?
A: It might. Some methods (like oils or alcohol) may alter the wig’s texture. Always follow up with gentle cleansing and conditioning to restore smoothness.
Q: How do I prevent gum from sticking to my wig in the future?
A: Avoid chewing gum while handling or wearing your wig. Also, store your wig properly and away from sticky substances or food.
Q: Can gum permanently ruin a wig?
A: Not necessarily. With the right techniques, most gum can be removed without lasting damage, especially if you act quickly and use gentle methods.
Final Thoughts
Getting gum out of a hair wig may seem like a nightmare, but with the right method—whether it’s ice, oil, or a gentle solvent—it’s completely manageable. Always treat your wig with care to maintain its quality and lifespan.
If you have tried the above methods several times and still cannot remove the gum normally, it is recommended to buy a new wig. SunberHair provides high-quality human wigs that are easy to maintain at an affordable price. It is worth having!
