6 Ways to Get Vaseline Out of Your Hair (Without Jeopardizing Your Strands)

Use a Clarifying Shampoo

All three experts agree: clarifying shampoo is your best bet for removing Vaseline from hair. Work it through wet hair while focusing on the areas that have any buildup as well as the petroleum jelly you're trying to remove. Massage your scalp and strands thoroughly with your fingertips. Rinse and repeat as needed. Thompson recommends using DreamGirls Renewing Shampoo. Another option: Olaplex N°.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo.

Once the petroleum jelly is rinsed out, hair may feel dry and brittle. In this case, Ciceron recommends using Oribe Shampoo for Moisture and Control, followed by Oribe Hair Alchemy Strengthening Masque to help restore moisture.

Try a Household Powder

Using household powders like baking soda, baby powder or cornstarch can help get Vaseline out as well, although Ciceron warns it can cause damage to the cuticle of the hair. Here's how to use these products if you do decide to opt for this method:

• Start by blotting your hair with paper towels and focus on the affected areas. Try to be as gentle as you can. Make sure you don't rub in the Vaseline as it may work it deeper into the hair. Then, remove the excess product.
• Coat the hair with the powder of your choice. Use your fingers to lightly pat the powder into the hair, completely covering the affected areas.
• Proceed with shampoo and warm water to clean your hair. Focus on the areas with Vaseline and powder while you scrub your scalp and strands.
• Proceed with a second wash to ensure all Vaseline has been thoroughly removed. Then, condition and air dry.

Spray Apple Cider Vinegar

Any vinegar may work but apple cider vinegar is known to be one of the best kinds for hair.

• Start by blotting as much excess Vaseline as you can by using a regular towel or paper towels.
• Fill up a spray bottle with apple cider vinegar and spritz the affected areas. Gently work the vinegar into the hair and wipe in a downward motion using a clean paper towel each time. Keep going until all traces of petroleum jelly are gone.
• Follow with your regular shampoo and conditioner.

Fight Oil With Oil

As previously noted, petroleum jelly is not water-soluble. It's because it is an oil-based product. Using another oil such as olive, baby, jojoba, coconut or almond oil may help.

• Start by removing any major clumps by hand and blot the hair lightly.
• Apply a small amount of oil to your fingertips. Gently massage it into the Vaseline.
• Let the oil sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
• Use paper towels to blot the hair and gently wipe out the oil and Vaseline in a downward motion.
• Repeat these steps as needed before proceeding with your regular hair wash routine.

Use Eggs as Shampoo

Whisked eggs may be an effective method to remove Vaseline from hair.

• Whisk two or three eggs together.
• Wash your hair with the eggs as you would a regular shampoo. Make sure to focus on the areas with the most product buildup.
• Follow with your regular hair wash routine.

Try Dish Soap

The idea of putting dish soap in hair may not be ideal but it is an efficient product to break down grease. If the above options don't work or if you are looking for immediate relief, swap your usual shampoo for a few squirts of dish soap. Focus on the affected areas before rinsing. Follow up with a moisturizing shampoo and hair mask like Keracare Intensive Restorative Masque or Olaplex N°.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner.