How to get Vaseline out of Hair: Undo the Mess

Vaseline is a petroleum jelly commonly used for its moisturizing properties.

Some people use it to manage frizz or baby hair and prevent hair dryness, while sometimes, it is just an unfortunate accident to get it in your hair.

But, no matter how it gets there, it is always a challenge to remove it from the hair due to its greasy consistency. 

So, how to get Vaseline out of hair, then?

Read along as we provide a step-by-step guide on effectively and safely getting Vaseline out of your hair.

Removing Vaseline from hair

Since Vaseline is made of waxes and oils, it doesn’t dissolve in water, which makes it a little difficult to remove.

The first thing you must do while trying to get it out of your hair is to gently use an absorbent paper towel to wipe and blot as much of the product from your hair as possible.

Once this is done, you can follow any of the given methods to remove Vaseline from your hair.

Clarifying shampoo

Using a clarifying shampoo is often considered the most convenient and effective method for addressing greasiness in your hair.

They are formulated specifically to remove any buildup and can effectively wash away the greasiness caused by Vaseline.

To use a clarifying shampoo,

• Thoroughly wet your hair with water
• Apply a generous quantity of clarifying shampoo to your hair, focusing on the areas affected by the Vaseline
• Work the shampoo into your hair strands and scalp
• Rinse your hair thoroughly, ensuring that all the shampoo is removed
• Condition your hair with a moisturizing conditioner to restore hydration and softness

Dish soap

Dishwashing liquid is designed to cut through the grease and can be effective in breaking down petroleum jelly.

Follow these steps to use dish wash for removing Vaseline from hair: 

• Start by dampening your hair with warm water. This helps to soften the Vaseline and make it easier to remove
• Apply a generous amount of dishwashing liquid to the affected area
• Gently massage the dishwashing liquid into the hair, focusing on the areas with Vaseline
• Be careful not to tangle or pull the hair excessively
• Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water. Make sure to remove all of the dishwashing liquid
• Repeat, if necessary
• Shampoo and condition your hair to restore moisture and minimize any potential damage from the dishwashing liquid

Vinegar

While vinegar is a commonly suggested household remedy for various purposes, there is limited evidence to support its effectiveness in removing Vaseline from hair. 

However, some individuals have reported success with using vinegar in combination with other methods.

Due to its high acidity, vinegar has the ability to penetrate and dissolve greasy substances such as petroleum jelly effectively.

To utilize vinegar as a potential method for removing Vaseline from hair, you can follow these steps:

• Prepare a mixture with equal parts of vinegar and warm water
• If you have a spray bottle, transfer the mixture into it. Otherwise, you can directly apply the mixture by rinsing it over the affected hair strands
• Saturate the hair completely with this mixture
• Allow the mix to sit in your hair for approximately 10-15 minutes
• Now, gently wipe the hair strands in a downward motion using a paper towel
• Repeat the process of saturating and rinsing the hair strands with the vinegar mixture as needed until you are confident that all excess Vaseline has been removed
• Wash your hair using a clarifying shampoo of your choice to remove any remaining residue, followed by a moisturizing conditioner to restore hydration

Baby oil

Using baby oil may initially seem counterintuitive, but there is science behind its effectiveness. 

Water and oil do not mix well, which can make it challenging to remove petroleum jelly from hair. 

However, baby oil is typically made of mineral oil, which has a lighter consistency than Vaseline. 

It helps to break down and dissolve the Vaseline, making it easier to remove from the hair strands.

Follow these steps to use oil to get Vaseline out of hair.

• Begin by applying a generous amount of baby oil to the affected areas of your hair, focusing on the strands with Vaseline
• Gently massage the baby oil and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes
• Take a few paper towels and carefully blot the affected area, using gentle downward motions to absorb the baby oil and Vaseline from your hair strands
• Repeat, if needed, and follow up by shampooing your hair with a clarifying or deep-cleansing shampoo. This will help to remove the remaining residue, if any
• Condition your hair, as usual, to restore moisture and prevent dryness

Cornstarch or baby powder

These powders work by absorbing the oil from the petroleum jelly.

To use the product,

• Sprinkle a sufficient amount of cornstarch or baby powder directly onto the Vaseline-stained areas of your hair
• Allow the powder to sit on your hair for approximately 10-15 minutes to let it absorb as much oil as possible
• Gently brush or comb through the hair to remove the powder along with the Vaseline
• Rinse your hair with lukewarm water to ensure all residue is removed
• Follow up with your regular shampooing and conditioning routine to restore moisture

Takeaway

Accidentally getting Vaseline in your hair can be a bothersome situation, but with the right approach, it can be resolved safely and effectively. 

Using dishwashing liquid, cornstarch, or baby powder and clarifying shampoo can prove to be helpful for many individuals.

Remember to follow up with a clarifying shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner to avoid any damage because of these products.

However, if none of this help, consult a professional to help you get rid of the Vaseline in your hair.

Frequently Asked Questions