Hair hacks for DIY disasters: fixes for bubble gum in hair or a wonky fringe

Film hair stylist, Charlotte Hayward, in a video to help give parents one less thing to think about when it comes to kids’ hair and potential mishaps.
Charlotte Hayward19 August 2015

Some of the most common hair disasters can be the most stressful for parents especially at busy times. The frequent fixes I get asked for are when kids take hairdressing into their own hands or when then they get things stuck in their hair that shouldn't be there. Here are my answers to your most common two questions:

Q: My child has cut their own fringe and now it’s wonky – how can I make it look less of a hair disaster?

A: Almost a quarter of children experience a wonky fringe so you’re not alone! If it’s long enough you could simply try pinning it back, though the following trick might help to even it out. Using a triangular shaped piece of paper, comb the dry hair forward and fold it against the fringe, using it as a guide.

Use a pair of scissors to cut up into the paper, to soften and even out the line a little. Always trim fringes when they are dry, wet hair will bounce up shorter once dry.

Q: My child has come home from a party with bubble gum in their hair – help!

A: Firstly – don’t panic! Take an ice pack (alternatively a packet of frozen peas or a frozen wine cooler will work just as well) and hold it against the hair to freeze the gum. Once solid, pick out as much as you can before carefully going in with the scissors.

When you do decide to cut, begin by twisting the hair and then lightly chop into the hair in a downward direction rather than straight across so you are left with less of an obvious tuft.

Charlotte Hayward is a film hair stylist to Emma Watson and Rachel Hudson, among others. Video courtesy of Vosene Kids.

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