Put the scissors down! How to remove gum from hair with ease: video tutorial

It's that "oh no!" moment. You've got gum stuck in your hair or your child's lovely locks. Nightmare! Worst case scenario -- an emergency haircut and a new hairdo that can take months, or even years, to grow out. However, before taking such drastic action, there are some alternatives you can try. So, put the clippers or scissors down and keep reading for some trauma-free ways to remove gum while keeping hair intact. Oh, and you probably have everything you need in your kitchen already.

Watch this video to learn how to get gum out of your hair without cutting it.

How to get gum out of hair

One gum-removing option is to grab an ice cube from the freezer. Apply it to the gum, which will harden as it cools making it easier to separate from the strands of hair to which it’s attached.

Another possible option might sound strange, but it works! Creamy peanut butter! Cover the hair and the gum in peanut butter. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before starting to remove the gum.

Both of the above might work, but perhaps an easier solution is to use olive oil. Pour some into a small cup or bowl, dip in the hair, and gently pull the gum away.

Other uses for olive oil

Olive oil is a staple in many kitchens, and it can be used in several ways besides cooking.

Consider using olive oil to:

• Make a DIY dusting spray.
• Clean stainless steel appliances.
• Remove sticker residue.
• Make a hydrating hair mask.
• Remove eye makeup.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Put the scissors down! How to remove gum from hair with ease: video tutorial