Let’s face it, hair products can be extremely expensive, so getting the best bang for your buck is a game-changer. However, there’s a product that you probably already own and use which can also provide a variety of benefits for your hair: Vaseline!
This thick, goopy substance is a staple in our lives because of its ability to coat and protect things like minor cuts and scratches. Did you know it’s also an excellent, inexpensive dupe for a plethora of hair products?
Vaseline is simply petroleum jelly – a thick, viscous substance that is a combination of mineral oils and waxes. This ingredient list has essentially stayed the same since its discovery in the 1800s. The only thing that has changed is the number of uses this jelly has!
Uses of Vaseline for Hair
1. Protect, Moisturize, and Style
Vaseline is based on petroleum jelly, which has immense protective properties. This extra layer of protection can be applied to your skin and lock in moisture, helping to combat any itchy, dry ailments on your scalp. This moisture-locking benefit is also great for your hair because it can protect your hair from breakage, and provide a little extra shine while you’re at it!
There are a few ways you can reap the benefits of this protection. Apply a small portion to your scalp for a boost of hydration, coat the dry, frail ends with a thick layer, or slather it from root to tip for a deluxe, ultra-smooth overnight hair mask! Just don’t forget to protect your sheets with a towel.
If you have short hair and are still looking for the perfect pomade, gel, or hairspray then you should save your money and give Vaseline a shot. Its thick consistency mimics pomades well enough to still give your hair some bounce, and life.
2. Frizz, Fly-Aways, and Shine
While it doesn’t have any strengthening or stiffness to it, a dabble of Vaseline on a toothbrush will work wonders to keep fly-aways at bay for your fave sleek hairdo. Because it does have a bit of tackiness to it, you can also use Vaseline as a way to keep your baby hairs in place. Just don’t forget to wash it off thoroughly at the end of the day.
Additionally, if you suffer from frizzy hair on a daily basis, then this could also be a cheap solution to your hair problems. Rub a little bit between your palms and gently tap onto your finished look – frizzies will keep themselves in place. This is a super great cheat whether you live in humidity year-round or just the occasional off-day.
Added bonus? Either way, you use it, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to have a wonderful, sleek, subtle shine.
Related: These Setting Lotions Will Help Reduce Frizz
3. Vaseline for Hair Growth
Some people firmly believe that adding a small amount of Vaseline to their scalp each night helps promote growth, though there isn’t any science to back this claim up.
What’s more likely happening is that the Vaseline is getting massaged into the scalp, and it’s the massage that helps promote hair growth because of the increased circulation of blood to the scalp. Also, vaseline is highly moisturizing. So, it moisturizes your hair and prevents breakage.
4. Vaseline for Dandruff
Due to the moisturizing properties of vaseline, it can also be used as a remedy for dry scalp and dandruff. To get rid of dandruff, take a small amount of vaseline and massage it onto your hair.
5. Bonus Uses
While none of these uses are conventional for Vaseline, there are some even less common but good to know uses for this petroleum jelly variant. If you’re a fan of bubble gum, and it ever gets stuck in your long, luscious locks – don’t fret!
Slather a big glob of Vaseline in and around the hair stuck on the gum and slowly massage it in, working the gum out of the hair. The slickness of this goop will get it out in no time. Not gum that’s stuck? Give it a try if you have candy, plasticine, or any other dough- or sticky-like material.
Vaseline is also a decent option to get rid of lice. It’s a great choice before going for some of the harsh lice-removing shampoos. Vaseline is so thick and that the lice and eggs become suffocated by the viscosity of the petroleum jelly. Repeat this nightly, and not only will you have a good chance of safely ridding your head of lice, but you’ll get the added bonus of an ultra-hydrating, lock-protecting hair mask.
Additionally, if you dye your hair frequently then apply Vaseline around your hairline. Wherever the Vaseline is, the hair dye won’t stain your skin making for a much cleaner application and wash!
How to Get Vaseline Out of Your Hair
While Vaseline has a plethora of uses, it can be quite finicky to remove from your hair. If regular shampoo isn’t doing it for you, then you can try rinsing it out with dish soap or cornstarch. Just be careful — dish soap is harsh for your hair, so you might want to follow it up with an ultra-hydrating or nourishing mask to prevent damage.
Additionally, you could try a clarifying shampoo. These types of shampoos are formulated to specifically remove gunk and residue from our hair products.
You can also use glycerin bar soap to get rid of vaseline from hair. Scrub your hair with the bar soap repeatedly and then wash your hair with hot water. Make sure to condition your locks after that.
Conclusion
Vaseline is a tried-and-true remedy for a variety of ailments, and while it originally was discovered to heal wounds and burns, its uses have become ever-evolving. From nourishing your mane to keeping fly-aways at bay, Vaseline has a plethora of uses for your luscious locks.
Regardless of whether you use this household staple to style or hydrate your hair, or one of the even less conventional uses, it is crucial that you wash it out properly. Petroleum jelly can cause acne, and because of its ability to lock in moisture, it can also lock in sweat and other icky things wherever it’s placed. Basically, it’s a great substance but be cautious to remove it all and you’re good to go!
Money is tight for a lot of people, or you may find that you don’t go through a whole jar of a variety of hair products to make it worth purchasing them over and over again. In any case, Vaseline is a frugal alternative to all sorts of hair care needs and wants. Give it a shot, it’ll probably become your new holy grail hair product.
