It is a scary moment. Your child was playing with Silly Putty. Now, a colorful, sticky mess is in their hair. You might want to grab the scissors first. But do not worry. This is a common problem. It has an easy fix. You are likely asking, how to get silly putty out of hair without tears? The good news is you can fix this problem. You just need a few common things from your house.
This guide will give you the top three ways to get Silly Putty out of hair. They are fast and safe. We will focus on simple, gentle ways that work. We will also cover the key steps to take before you start. By the end, you will have a clear plan. You will be ready to handle that sticky mess with a sure mind and save the day.
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Why is Silly Putty So Hard to Get Out of Hair?
Before we get to the fixes, it helps to know what you are up against. Silly Putty is not like gum. It is a special material with its own special features. Knowing what it is made of can help you know why some ways work so well.
It is a type of silicone plastic. This gives it its famous stretchy and bouncy feel. But these same features are what make it so hard to get out of hair.
How Does Silly Putty Get Stuck in Hair?
Silly Putty is very good at wrapping around things. When it gets in hair, it does not just sit on top. It works its way around each single hair. The warmth from your head can also make the putty softer and more sticky. This lets it spread and get even more stuck.
This is why just pulling on it is a bad idea. You will end up pulling out hair. It will be very painful. The key is to use something that can break the putty’s sticky grip.
What Makes Silly Putty Different from Other Sticky Stuff?
Silly Putty is a special kind of fluid. This is a fancy way of saying it acts like a liquid over a long time. But it acts like a solid over a short time. This is why you can stretch it slowly but snap it fast.
It is made with silicone. So, it does not dissolve in water. This is why just washing the hair with shampoo and water will not work. You need something that can break down the silicone.
What Should You Do Before You Start?
Before you get your things, take a moment to get ready. A little prep work can make the whole thing go much smoother. It will be less messy. It can also help to keep your child calm and comfy.
These simple first steps are very key.
How Can You Prepare the Area for Easy Cleanup?
This can be a bit messy, especially if you use oils. It is a good idea to put an old towel around your child’s shoulders. This will keep their clothes clean.
You should also have a few other things ready:
- A comb with fine teeth.
- Some paper towels to wipe your hands.
- A hair tie to keep the clean hair away from the putty hair.
Is It Important to Stay Calm?
Yes, this is very key, especially if you are helping a child. Seeing a big blob of putty in their hair can be scary for them. If you are calm and kind, they will feel much calmer too.
Tell them what you are going to do. Tell them it will not hurt. You can even make it a fun little “science game.” A calm mood will make the whole time much better for all.
What Should You Never Use on Hair?
This is a big safety warning. You should never use strong chemicals or things that can catch fire on hair. This includes things like:
- Gasoline or kerosene
- Paint thinner
- Goo Gone or other strong glue removers
These things are very unsafe. They can harm the skin. They are a serious fire risk. The simple, safe ways in this guide are all you need.
The #1 Way: How to Get Silly Putty Out of Hair with Oil
The number one best way to get Silly Putty out of hair is with oil. It is a safe, good, and sure method. The oil works by breaking down the silicone in the putty. This makes the putty lose its stickiness. It then becomes much easier to comb out.
This is the top method for most parents. It is a true lifesaver.
What Kind of Oil Works Best for How to Get Silly Putty Out of Hair?
The great news is that almost any kind of oil will work. You likely have something in your kitchen right now that will do the job. Some of the best choices are:
- Baby Oil: This is a great choice because it is very gentle.
- Coconut Oil or Olive Oil: These common cooking oils work very well.
- Mayonnaise or Peanut Butter: These work because they are full of oil. They can be a bit messy, but they work very well.
- Hair conditioner with oils like argan or coconut oil.
What is the Step-by-Step Process for Using Oil?
- Separate the Hair: Use a hair tie to keep the putty hair away from the clean hair. This will stop the oil and putty from spreading.
- Put on the Oil: Use a lot. Take your oil and work it all through the putty and the hair that is stuck in it.
- Rub it In: Use your fingers to gently rub the oil into the putty. You should start to feel the putty get soft and break down.
- Comb it Out: Take your fine-tooth comb. Start at the bottom of the putty hair and gently comb down. The putty should start to come out in small bits.
- Wipe and Repeat: Use a paper towel to wipe the putty off the comb. Keep combing gently until all the putty is gone. You might need to add a little more oil as you go.
- Wash the Hair: After all the putty is out, you will need to wash the hair with a good shampoo. This will get all the oil out. You might need to shampoo it two or three times.
How Long Does the Oil Method Usually Take?
This way is often quite fast. For a small bit of putty, it might only take five to ten minutes of gentle combing. For a bigger mess, it might take a bit longer. The key is to be patient and gentle.
Method #2: Using Conditioner or Detangling Spray
If you do not want to use a pure oil, a thick hair conditioner or a detangling spray is another great choice. These things are made to make hair very slippery. This can help the Silly Putty slide right off the hair.
This way is a little less messy than using a pure oil.
Is Conditioner a Good Option for How to Get Silly Putty Out of Hair?
Yes, conditioner is a great choice. A thick, creamy conditioner works best. Look for one that has oils in it, like coconut oil or argan oil. The conditioner makes the hair slippery. It also helps to break down the putty.
This is a great choice because you already have it in your bathroom.
What is the Best Way to Apply Conditioner for How to Get Silly Putty Out of Hair?
The steps are very much like the oil method.
- Keep the putty hair separate.
- Put a lot of conditioner on the putty.
- Use your fingers to work the conditioner all through the hair.
- Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Use a fine-tooth comb to gently work the putty out of the hair.
- Wash the hair well with shampoo.
Can a Detangling Spray Speed Up the Process?
Yes, a detangling spray can be a great helper. These sprays are made to give hair extra “slip.” You can use it with the conditioner.
After you have put on the conditioner, you can spray some detangler on the spot. This will make the hair even more slippery. It can make the combing a little bit faster and easier.
Method #3: The Ice Cube Trick for Small Bits
This last way is a bit different. It is best for very small pieces of Silly Putty. It is not for putty that is deep in the hair. This way uses cold instead of oil to take out the putty.
It is a quick and easy trick for a small Silly Putty problem.
When is the Ice Cube Method the Best Choice?
The ice cube method is the best choice when you only have a small, pea-sized bit of putty in the hair. It is not a good choice for a large, sticky mess that is deep in the hair.
For a big mess, you should always start with the oil or conditioner method.
How to Get Silly Putty Out of Hair Using Ice?
The idea here is to make the putty cold and hard.
- Take one or two ice cubes.
- Hold the ice right on the small piece of Silly Putty.
- Keep the ice on it for a few minutes. The putty should feel hard and easy to break.
- Once it is hard, you can use your fingers to gently break the putty into smaller pieces.
- You can then use a comb to carefully take out the small, hard bits from the hair.
What Are the Limitations of This Method?
The main problem is that it only works for small pieces. If you have a big blob of putty, the ice will only make the outside hard. The inside will still be soft and sticky.
Also, it can be a little cold to hold ice on your head for a long time.
What Should You Do After the Silly Putty is Gone?
You did it! The Silly Putty is out. Now there are just a couple of final steps to take. These steps will make sure the hair is clean. They will also make sure you do not have to do this again soon.
A little bit of care after is a good idea.
Why is a Thorough Hair Wash So Important?
If you used the oil or conditioner method, the hair will be very oily. You will need to wash it very well to get all the stuff out.
You might need to shampoo the hair two or three times. Use a good deep-cleaning shampoo if you have one. Make sure you rinse all the shampoo out all the way.
How Can You Check for Any Leftover Bits?
After you have washed and dried the hair, it is a good idea to do one last check. Use your fine-tooth comb to carefully comb through the part of the hair where the putty was.
This will help you find any tiny little bits that you might have missed.
How Can You Prevent This From Happening Again?
The best way to deal with Silly Putty in the hair is to stop it from happening at all.
- Watch During Playtime: Keep a close eye on young kids when they are playing with Silly Putty.
- Tie Up Long Hair: If your child has long hair, it is a great idea to tie it back in a ponytail or a braid before they play.
- Set a “No Silly Putty in the Bedroom” Rule: It is easy for putty to get stuck in hair or on beds during sleepy play time.
What is the Final Verdict on How to Get Silly Putty Out of Hair?
So, how to get silly putty out of hair? The final answer is to stay calm and get the oil. The oil method is the most sure and good way to fix this sticky problem. It is a problem that can be fixed with a little bit of time and some simple home items. There is no need to panic or cut any hair when you know how to get silly putty out of hair.
For How to Get Silly Putty Out of Hair, What is the Most Important Thing to Remember?
The most key thing to remember is to be gentle. Do not pull or yank on the hair. The oil or conditioner will do the hard work for you. You just need to comb it out with care. For more on this, you can look at school resources, like this guide on removing adhesives from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
What is the Best First Step for How to Get Silly Putty Out of Hair?
The best first step is to take a deep breath and get your things. A calm way of doing things will make the whole process easier.
How Can You Turn This into a Positive Experience?
You can turn this into a fun moment. The question of how to get silly putty out of hair can be a chance to teach your child about simple science. You can show them how the oil magically makes the putty go away. With a good mood, you can turn a sticky mess into a good memory.
FAQ – How to Get Silly Putty Out of Hair
What precautions should be taken to prevent Silly Putty from sticking in hair?
To prevent sticking, supervise playtime with Silly Putty, tie back long hair before play, and establish rules to keep the putty away from hair and bedding during rest.
When is the ice cube trick suitable for removing Silly Putty from hair?
The ice cube trick is suitable for small, pea-sized bits of putty that are not deeply embedded, as it makes the putty cold and hard, allowing it to be broken into smaller pieces for removal.
Can conditioner or detangling spray be used to remove Silly Putty from hair?
Yes, thick conditioner or detangling spray can be used as they make the hair slippery, helping the putty slide off more easily and reducing mess.
What is the primary method recommended for removing Silly Putty from hair?
The primary method recommended is using oil, such as baby oil or coconut oil, which breaks down the silicone in the putty, making it easier to comb out.
Why is Silly Putty so difficult to remove from hair?
Silly Putty is difficult to remove because it is made of silicone, which makes it stretchy, bouncy, and resistant to water, causing it to wrap around hair strands and adhere strongly.
