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A woman explaining how to remove hair extension glue

How to Remove Hair Extension Glue

Dimples Hair Team
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Don’t you just love the feeling of fresh hair extensions? There’s nothing quite like having cascading, glossy locks to make you feel fab-u-lous! 

But when it comes to taking them out, it’s suddenly… not so glamorous. The hair extension glue is like a party guest that overstays their welcome. You had a fun time for a while, but now it’s really time for them to leave. 

That’s why most people get impatient trying to remove glue in hair extensions and end up damaging their natural hair. But removing extension glue from hair doesn’t have to be an ordeal. In fact, there are a few ways to gently remove glue extensions and keep your precious locks intact. 

Here’s how to remove hair extension glue in a few simple yet effective ways. 

How to Remove Hair Extension Glue 5 Ways

If you’ve ever had glue hair extensions, you’ll know the pain of getting the adhesive out. Removing glue in hair extensions isn’t for the faint-hearted. That stuff could probably stop Superman.

Of course, it’s great when you want your hair extensions to stay locked in place. That glue takes on showers, wind, hair brushing, styling, you name it! But all good things must come to an end. And, when it’s time, you need to know how to dissolve hair extension glue to save yourself from painful tangles and keep your hair in good condition. 

1. Remove Glue in Hair Extensions With Oil

Coconut oil used for removing extension glue from hair

If hair extension glue is as strong as superman, oil is its kryptonite. Here’s a step-by-step on how to remove hair extension glue from hair using oils. 

  • Pick your oil: It could be coconut, olive, or almond oil, whatever you have at home!

  • Gently warm the oil: This helps to improve the oil’s powers of extension glue removal from hair. 

  • Apply the oil: Apply a generous amount of the warmed oil with your fingers or a cotton ball. It may help to gently rub it over the glue.

  • Wait for half an hour: Patience is a virtue. Make a drink and relax for 20 to 30 minutes to let the oil work its magic. 

  • Comb out the glue: Using a wide-tooth comb, slowly and gently remove the glue, starting from the ends and working your way up. 

2. Get Rid Of Hair Extension Glue With Conditioner

Conditioner used for removing extension glue from hair

Sometimes, to remove glue in hair extensions, all it takes is some top-notch conditioner. 

  • Mix conditioner with warm water: Until you get a creamy mixture. 

  • Apply it to the glue: Work the conditioner solution all over the glued areas.

  • Leave it to soak: Wait around 15 to 20 minutes for the conditioner to do its thing.

  • Comb out the glue: Use a wide-tooth comb to gently comb out the glue.

3. Remove Extension Glue From Hair With Rubbing Alcohol

If you have particularly strong glue or you’ve tried everything and you’re just not sure how to get rid of hair extension glue, you might need to use an alcohol-based solution. Rubbing alcohol, or isopropyl, is particularly good at getting the stubborn glue out. 

  • Do a patch test: Rubbing alcohol can irritate sensitive skin, so do a small patch test first to check you won’t have a bad reaction. 

  • Apply to the glue: Dip a cotton ball or a cloth into the rubbing alcohol, then dab it onto the glued areas.

  • Wait a few minutes: We don’t want to wait too long. Five minutes should do the trick. 

  • Wipe away the glue: Using a damp cloth, wipe the glue off.

  • Rinse and condition: Alcohol is very drying, so once all the glue is out, give your hair a rinse and follow up with a hydrating conditioner

4. Use Extension Glue Remover

Sometimes, using a product specifically designed to remove extension glue from hair is the best approach. Ask your hairdresser for their recommendations on what might work best with your extensions. 

Make sure to follow the instructions on the glue remover. It will probably recommend a patch test to ensure you don’t have a nasty reaction. 

5. Ask a Professional to Dissolve the Hair Extension Glue

If you’re worried about damaging your hair, you’ve tried to get the glue out and it hasn’t worked, or you just don’t want to do it yourself, then you can book into the salon. After all, the pros will know best how to remove hair extension glue from hair!

How NOT to Remove Hair Extension Glue

There’s a lot of advice on how to remove hair extension glue out there, but not all of it is the best.

We’d avoid using petroleum jelly, AKA Vaseline, which can be a headache to wash out. You’ll finally get the glue out and be left with another substance in your hair that doesn’t know when it’s time to leave. 

It’s also best to avoid using heat. Using hair straighteners to melt the glue can be damaging to your hair. You’ll still be left with traces of glue and the method is far more time-consuming than the alternatives above.

Tips For Easier Hair Glue Removal

We’ll let you in on a secret: the more you take care of your wig and scalp, the easier it is to remove hair extension glue when the time comes. 

So, when wearing your extensions, make sure you’re using a hydrating protein shampoo specifically formulated for them! A revitalizing hair mist also works wonders in keeping your extensions hydrated, shiny, and detangled for easier future removal.

Hair Glue Remover Aftercare

After removing extension glue from your hair, you’ll want to give your natural locks the TLC they deserve. It’s the perfect time to apply that luxurious leave-in conditioner you’ve been saving for special occasions or to invest in any haircare accessories you’ve been eyeing up. 

In the days following the glue removal, avoid using heat on your hair and embrace natural or low-maintenance styles. Your tresses just need a minute to breathe! You should also use a satin pillowcase to prevent tangles and breakage. 

Shop Glueless Hair Extensions and Wigs

And there you have it! Now you know the best ways to remove your hair extension glue, what to avoid, and how to care for your hair after getting the glue out! 

But if you’d prefer a hassle-free wig, topper, or hair extension application, why not shop our glueless range? Check out the Dimples glueless top extensions range! 


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