How to Get Slime Out of Hair

Safe ways to remove slime from hair without cutting. Step-by-step with shampoo, conditioner, peanut butter, and oil—no scissors required.

Kids are messy and often will get slime stuck in their hair. When kids get slime on their hands then touch their face and head it usually results in a sticky mess of slime and hair.

Many kids will panic when they notice a blob of slime stuck to their head. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to get it out without resorting to cutting it out with scissors – usually using shampoo!

Some kinds of slime are easier to get out than others. Here are the best ways to clean hair without causing any long-term damage.

Recommended Gear

A shower
Shampoo
A powerful shower head (optional but helpful)
Peanut butter (for stubborn slime)
Baking soda
Warm water
White vinegar
Dish soap

If you are out of shampoo and in need of a bottle, we recommend Johnson’s as it is good for kids of all ages.

How to Remove Slime from Hair

The best way to remove slime or silly putty from your hair is by taking a shower and using conditioner and shampoo. A long shower with hot water and a scalp massage should remove all of the slime particles as well as any oil and residue from your hair. Try hot water, white vinegar, and dish soap if normal shampoo and hair conditioner are not effective enough. If that does not work, there are still more steps that don’t involve a haircut.

First, start a hot shower and let your hair soak. Use a hard spray setting to blast off as much of the slime as possible. If there is a lot of slime you may want to get some off before getting in the tub so you don’t clog the pipes.

Second, scrape the slime from your hair and scalp using your nails. Do a few strands at a time, starting at the root of your hair. Make sure to clean out under your fingernails as the slime builds up.

Third, clean your hair and scalp with shampoo. Most brands of shampoo will work well but you may need to scrub to get it all out. Try leaving it in for a few minutes to loosen the stickiest particles.

Next, apply conditioner to remove and finish cleaning your hair. Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out. If there is still slime stuck in your hair, do another round of shampoo to get the rest out.

Still having trouble?

Slime can be tough to remove, especially if it has hardened in multiple spots. For quick removal without hair loss, a detachable high-pressure spray shower head can help blast away every bit of slime better than a standard fixed shower head.

Tips & Tricks

If the above steps did not get the slime out of your hair, don’t worry—there are a few more things you can try before considering a haircut. Some of these tips may sound unconventional but they work on super sticky slime.

Peanut butter

Peanut butter can be used to remove sticky goo from your hair. Start by spreading the peanut butter all over your head and working it into your hair while massaging your scalp. Take a shower once you get the slime out or you will smell like peanut butter and have oily hair. Smooth peanut butter works best but crunchy will also do the trick.

Olive or coconut oil

Olive or coconut oil are another at-home slime removal option. Most families have at least one of these oils in the kitchen. Pour about one cup of oil directly onto the top of your head, then massage it into your hair and scalp—you might need a friend or parent if it is really stuck. After you have removed most of the slime, take a hot shower and shampoo at least twice.

Removing slime from carpet – when slime ends up on the floor instead of hair