How to Use Vaseline on Hair

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: January 9, 2023 References

Vaseline, a brand of petroleum jelly, is an incredibly versatile product that’s commonly used to heal cuts, moisturize dry skin, and remove makeup. While it’s less common, Vaseline can also be used to style and moisturize your hair. In addition, you can apply Vaseline to help treat common hair and scalp issues, or use it on your facial hair to smooth, tame, and protect your hair and skin.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Applying Vaseline to Style and Moisturize

1
Smooth Vaseline down your hair to help lock in moisture. Scoop a pea-sized amount of Vaseline onto your finger. Rub the Vaseline into the roots of your hair first, then smooth it down the length of your hair until you reach the tips. Cover your hair with a towel or wrap and leave the Vaseline treatment on your hair for a few hours or overnight.^{[1]
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- If you have long or thick hair, you may need to scoop more Vaseline out of the container to cover your whole head.
- Get the Vaseline out of your hair by rinsing it with cornstarch or dish soap and a clarifying shampoo.
- Repeat this treatment as needed daily or weekly to keep your hair moisturized and prevent dry, brittle hair.
- Applying Vaseline to your roots and locking in moisture may also help your hair grow faster.^{[2]
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2
Dab on a tiny dot of Vaseline to tame frizz and flyaways. Lightly dip your finger in the Vaseline container to get just a pin-sized amount of product on your finger. Then, dab the Vaseline on top of any frizzy hairs and flyaways to get them to lay down flat.^{[3]
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- Dabbing on a small amount of Vaseline also adds a bit of shine to your hair.
- This is particularly helpful in humid weather that tends to make stray hairs and frizz harder to control.^{[4]
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3
Use Vaseline to style your hair instead of mousse or gel. Swipe a dime-sized amount of Vaseline over your fingers and palms. Then, run your hands through your hair to apply the Vaseline, then move it into place to style it as you usually do.^{[5]
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- Using Vaseline is a great option if you run out of your favorite hair styling product.
4
Rub Vaseline into the ends of your hair to prevent split ends. Starting with a pea-sized amount, rub the Vaseline into the ends of your hair. Scoop out more product as needed to cover all the ends.^{[6]
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Research source} Leave the Vaseline to soak into your hair for a few hours, overnight, or until your next wash.
- The Vaseline nourishes the ends of your hair, protecting against dead ends and breakage.^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Treating Common Issues

1
Work Vaseline into your hair to remove gum. Get a large scoop of Vaseline from the container with your fingers. Apply the Vaseline on and around the gum that’s stuck in your hair. Then, use your fingers to massage the Vaseline in while sliding and pulling the gum from your hair.^{[8]
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- This method can also remove silly putty, play doh, and most other sticky substances from your hair.
2
Massage Vaseline into your scalp to reduce itching. Using a dime-sized amount, massage the Vaseline into the dry areas on your scalp.^{[9]
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Research source} Let the Vaseline soak into your scalp to trap moisture in, which helps heal dryness and reduce itching.
- The Vaseline will likely soak into your hair roots as well, which moisturizes you’re hair and may help it grow faster and healthier.
3
Coat your scalp and hair with Vaseline to get rid of lice. Use your fingers to scoop Vaseline out of the container and rub it into your scalp and hair. Repeat this process until your entire head is covered. Then, cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the Vaseline in overnight.^{[10]
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- Rinse your hair with clarifying shampoo the next morning, then comb through your hair with a lice comb to remove any remaining nits.
- The Vaseline mask generally suffocates any living lice and keeps them from laying more eggs.
- Repeat this treatment after 1 week to ensure all the lice and eggs are gone.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Vaseline on Facial Hair

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Dab Vaseline on your eyebrows to tame and thicken them. Cover your fingers or a clean eyebrow brush with a thin layer of Vaseline. Swipe the Vaseline across your eyebrows to smooth them down and keep them in place.^{[11]
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- Applying Vaseline to your eyebrows before you shower can also help keep shampoo from dripping in your eyes.^{[12]
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- Putting Vaseline on your eyebrows 3 to 4 times per day also helps keep them moisturized, which may help them grow thicker.^{[13]
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2
Put Vaseline on your eyelashes to give them more volume. Using a clean mascara brush, brush a thin layer of Vaseline over your top and bottom lashes. This makes your lashes look full and glossy while keeping your look natural and fresh.^{[14]
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- Applying Vaseline on your eyelashes may also help them grow longer and fuller.^{[15]
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3
Apply Vaseline along your hairline to protect your skin from dye. Before applying dye to your hair, spread a thin layer of Vaseline along your hairline. Then, dye your hair as directed by the instructions.^{[16]
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- The Vaseline keeps the hair dye from getting on your facial skin and can help reduce any potential irritation.