Toothpaste in hair is a common mishap, whether from a sleepy morning routine or a playful child. While it may feel sticky and look unsightly, toothpaste is water-soluble and can be removed with simple household items. This guide will walk you through safe, effective methods to get toothpaste out of your hair without causing damage.
What You’ll Need
- Warm water
- Wide-tooth comb or your fingers
- Mild shampoo
- Conditioner (optional but recommended)
- Clean towel
- Coconut oil, olive oil, or baby oil (for stubborn residue)
- Baking soda (only if needed)
Step-by-Step
- Assess the situation. Check how much toothpaste is in the hair and whether it has dried. Fresh toothpaste is easier to remove than dried, hardened paste.
- Rinse with warm water. Hold the affected hair under warm (not hot) running water. Warm water helps soften the toothpaste and breaks down the ingredients. Gently work the water through the hair with your fingers.
- Apply shampoo. Squeeze a small amount of mild shampoo onto your palm and apply it directly to the area with toothpaste. Gently massage the shampoo into the hair, working from the roots to the ends. The shampoo helps lift the toothpaste from the hair strands.
- Rinse thoroughly. Rinse the shampoo out with warm water. Check if any toothpaste remains. If you can still see or feel it, repeat the shampoo step once more.
- Condition (optional). After the toothpaste is gone, apply a small amount of conditioner to the affected area to restore moisture. Leave it on for a minute, then rinse thoroughly.
- Dry and comb. Gently pat your hair with a clean towel to remove excess water. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle, starting from the ends and working upward. Do not rub the hair vigorously, as this can cause frizz or breakage.
Common Mistakes
- Using hot water. Hot water can dry out your hair and scalp, making the problem worse. Stick to warm or cool water.
- Scrubbing too hard. Aggressive rubbing can tangle hair and damage the cuticle. Be gentle and patient.
- Using a fine-tooth comb while hair is wet. Wet hair is fragile; a fine-tooth comb can cause breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers.
- Leaving toothpaste to dry. Dried toothpaste is much harder to remove. Act quickly if possible.
- Applying conditioner before removing toothpaste. Conditioner can seal the toothpaste onto the hair, making it harder to wash out. Always shampoo first.
Tips
- If the toothpaste is already dried, apply a small amount of oil (coconut, olive, or baby oil) to the area and let it sit for a few minutes. The oil helps soften the dried paste, making it easier to remove.
- For stubborn residue, make a paste of baking soda and water (about one part baking soda to two parts water) and gently massage it into the affected area. Rinse thoroughly and follow with shampoo.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can use a makeup remover wipe or a damp cloth to wipe away the toothpaste before washing your hair.
- Always test any oil or baking soda on a small, hidden section of hair first to ensure it doesn’t cause irritation or discoloration.
Troubleshooting
If the toothpaste is still not coming out after the initial steps, try the following:
- Use a clarifying shampoo. These are formulated to remove product buildup and can be more effective than regular shampoo. Use it as you would your normal shampoo, but only on the affected area to avoid over-drying the rest of your hair.
- Apply oil and let it sit. Massage a generous amount of oil into the toothpaste-affected hair and leave it for about ten minutes. Then, shampoo and rinse. The oil helps break down the toothpaste’s binding agents.
- Try a warm vinegar rinse. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water and pour it over the affected hair. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and shampoo. The acidity helps dissolve mineral residues in the toothpaste.
- If all else fails, trim the affected hair. If the toothpaste is deeply embedded and nothing seems to work, the safest option is to trim off the small section of hair. This is a last resort, but it’s better than damaging your hair with harsh chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can toothpaste cause permanent damage to my hair?
No, toothpaste is not typically damaging to hair. It can cause dryness or tangling, but with proper washing and conditioning, your hair should return to normal.
Q: What if I don’t have shampoo available?
You can use a mild dish soap diluted in water as a temporary substitute, but it can be drying. Rinse thoroughly and condition afterward. Alternatively, use a baby wipe to remove as much toothpaste as possible before washing with water.
Q: Is it safe to use baking soda on colored hair?
Baking soda can be abrasive and may strip color from dyed hair. If you have colored hair, avoid baking soda and stick to shampoo and oil methods.
Q: How long does it take to remove toothpaste from hair?
Usually, it takes just a few minutes with the shampoo method. If the toothpaste has dried, it may take longer, but with oil pretreatment, it should still be manageable.
Q: Can I use a hairdryer to speed up drying after washing?
It’s best to let your hair air-dry or use a hairdryer on a low heat setting. High heat can dry out your hair, especially after washing.
Q: What if the toothpaste is in my child’s hair?
The same steps apply, but be extra gentle and use a tear-free shampoo to avoid stinging eyes. You can also use a small amount of oil to help loosen the toothpaste before washing.