How to get fly-paper glue out of your hair.

July 17, 2009 6:21 PM

Seriously... my wife accidentally walked into a hanging roll of fly-paper, and has fly-paper glue all in her hair. I had to remove the roll from her hair, and I can't even get the glue of my hands. But, worse, she can't get the glue out of her hair. Shampoo, soap and washing-up liquid have so far failed. Thoughts, oh, hive mind. And, no, it's not funny... (bites tongue)
posted by blue_wardrobe to Health & Fitness (16 answers total)

Best answer: Apparently peanut butter.

posted by mdonley at 6:23 PM on July 17, 2009

It may be oil-soluble. Try soaking the glue in olive oil for a while (may be hours, depending on the amount of adhesive.)
posted by biggity at 6:23 PM on July 17, 2009

Best answer: Try cooking oil or mineral (baby) oil. This is only a second-hand suggestion because I have no experience with removing the glue personally from human skin. (I had to get it off painted wood once, and whatever I finally used, it can't have been suitable. That is some fierce glue.)
posted by Countess Elena at 6:24 PM on July 17, 2009

Lighter fluid. Goof off. Goo Gone. One of those will work - just avoid contact with skin and be close to the shower so she can wash quickly.

Of the three I'd start with Goo Gone, then lighter fluid. Goof off is nasty, nasty stuff... but it works.
posted by wfrgms at 6:24 PM on July 17, 2009

Best answer: And from an MSDA sheet on one random brand of fly paper here:

IF ON SKIN: Solubilize adhesive in vegetable oil, mineral oil, or waterless hand cleaner, then wash with mild soap and water. Repeat if necessary. Call a physician if irritation persists.

posted by mdonley at 6:25 PM on July 17, 2009

Acetone works well for removing glue.
posted by water bear at 6:28 PM on July 17, 2009

Best answer: If it's the same kind of glue that's in a mouse trap, and I bet it is similar, vegetable oil should do the trick.
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! at 6:34 PM on July 17, 2009

Best answer: Previously.

That was me. The vegetable oil actually worked. Work in a few tablespoons as if it were shampoo, wait a few minutes, and wash it out. Tada!
posted by Schlimmbesserung at 6:41 PM on July 17, 2009 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: I am just mega-impressed with the speed! Vegetable or baby oil it is. Thanks, hive!
posted by blue_wardrobe at 6:53 PM on July 17, 2009

Response by poster: @mdonley: my wife says the only irritation is hers at herself for doing this. She says to think about how I could have married someone normal... :)
posted by blue_wardrobe at 6:55 PM on July 17, 2009

Response by poster: All good suggestions. Think we're going to steer clear of the lighter fluid though. My wife might walk too near one of our uplighters...
posted by blue_wardrobe at 6:57 PM on July 17, 2009

While I haven't used it on hair or flypaper glue, I will swear by the ability of butane/lighter fluid to remove sticky/gummy stuff with remarkable ease. If the various oils don't work, try picking up a bottle - should be very cheap, and it will also come in handy in the future, most likely (removing sticky bits of tape, pricetags, etc.).
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 7:42 PM on July 17, 2009

The same thing happened to me this morning! So gross! Luckily, I shave my head. That's also my answer.
posted by zerokey at 8:22 PM on July 17, 2009

butane/lighter fluid to remove sticky/gummy stuff

Not butane, it's not a liquid. You mean naphtha. But I wouldn't suggest putting naphtha in your hair if vegetable oil will work.
posted by ryanrs at 10:39 PM on July 17, 2009

Try nail polish remover, which is essentially acetone and should remove most adhesives. Strand by strand please, don't use it like shampoo; you don't want this stuff in her eyes.
posted by nax at 5:09 AM on July 18, 2009

i don't know how to answer your question but i extend my deepest sympathies to your wife and her hair.
posted by anthropomorphic at 3:56 PM on July 19, 2009