Petroleum jelly, aka vaseline, has actually been a functional ingredient in the skincare and wellness sector since the dawn of time. This product needs no introduction because this brand has widely served in skin recovery, moisturizing chapped lips, eczema treatment, and reviving underlying conditions of hair.

Vaseline has gained tremendous demand after its formulation has marveled in the skincare industry. Also, its emollient properties can directly help out in soothing various skin issues like scalp psoriasis and eczema.

Well, the concept behind it seems logical—if vaseline is able to revive topical skin, then it will surely benefit your tresses in some way. Despite all, there are plenty of products available in markets and salons that offer hair revitalization. But, the point is, they will charge it as a high ticket.

So we can try petroleum jelly as a substitute without spending a penny, and the outcomes will be almost exact. The long-term use of petroleum jelly can eventually lead to parched, dry skin and eyebrows. As petrolatum won’t allow water to penetrate and reach down the skin.

Certain deficient studies which surround us are insufficient and have not yet been able to prove the effectiveness of vaseline in tackling hair problems. For that reason, we will break down every aspect that eventually forces you to add vaseline to your daily kit.

Contrarily, the adverse effects of vaseline and its safety standards will be the second major point of this discussion.

Keep scrolling to delve deeper into the extended functionality of vaseline.

Let’s Find out How Petroleum Jelly was Discovered

Petroleum jelly was initially discovered in 1859 and vended commercially in 1870 with a brand name called vaseline. This product is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons and appears as soft white petrolatum after the sanctification and refining of crude oil.

In petroleum jelly, the number of carbons above 25 can lend a hand in healing skin and as a topical ointment. Consequently, people in the mid of 18s used carbolated petroleum jelly as a first aid due to its antibacterial and healing properties.

Now, the main inquiry is whether petroleum jelly can do some tricks in stimulating hair growth. Don’t fret! We will scrutinize whether vaseline is good for hair growth or not.

Read More: Strip Out Your Coloring Mistakes Using Homemade Hair Dye Removers

Can We Use Petroleum Jelly for Hair Growth? Myth Vs. Reality

There are different mindsets and opinions regarding using petroleum jelly in daily life. But should we use it while having rashes and an itchy scalp? Can we use it as a mask overnight? Is vaseline good for frayed split ends? And what are the side effects of vaseline on hair?

Nowadays, vaseline is extensively found around the globe in moisturizing lotions, lip balms, deodorants, and in cosmetics. This inexpensive product is incredibly safe for all skin types—it doesn’t require any harmful additives and chemicals.

Well, after the exception of personal-based observations, there isn’t much evidence supporting the claim of hair growth after using vaseline. But the thing is, this soothing elixir can prevent hair breakage and rejuvenate brittle cuticles. So it could save many strands without lessening hair volume in the long run.

9 Surprising Ways To Embrace Lustrous Hair Using Vaseline

Let’s consider every step that elaborates how vaseline is scientifically proven as a savor for concerns like frizziness, visible flaking, and rapid moisture loss.

We’ll also figure out the benefits of using vaseline on natural hair. Here’s all you ought to know!

1 . Counter Moisture Loss

The prevention of moisture loss that vaseline offers is exclusive in itself. Due to its oil-based attribute, petroleum jelly makes an oily layer after its application. That shield helps to retain about 98% of the total moisture that could be lost from the epidermal layer of skin.

In this way, our scalp can easily retain the moisture that is already present there. However, there’s no way vaseline could bring out moisture on its own. Surprisingly, this natural blend acts as a sunscreen to shield our hair from UV rays and covers hard water damage from pools.

2 . Prevent Split ends

Refined petrolatum is a multi-use product that offers lifelike rejuvenation to your frayed split ends. Due to its moisture-sealing properties, a pea size of vaseline on the split ends can potentially keep split ends in check. This process further adds an instant shine to your brittle hair.

Its application is quite effortless; all we have to do is to scoop a tiny amount of petroleum jelly. Precisely pat it into the split ends with the help of your palms. Let the vaseline soak into your hair until your next wash. It will be a great alternative for taming flyaways and split ends—predominantly in hard weather.

3 . Treat Rashes and Eczema

The third significant contribution of vaseline is the revival of topical conditions like eczema and rashes. This non-comedogenic product treats eczema by comforting and gently hydrating its flare-ups.

Its antibacterial properties also contribute to and rejuvenate discomfort caused by rashes. It also helps out infants by treating diaper rashes and soothing skin irritation.

4 . Prevent Hair Color Stains

Sometimes we need to dye hair at any moment, but the result might be an upset because of hair dye stains. It can be challenging to blemish the dye stains at that moment. Applying petroleum jelly can efficiently deal with coloring stains by forming an inaccessible barrier.

We can also lift post-dye stains by applying a small amount of vaseline over the hairline or affected area. Rubbing vaseline in a circular motion prevents color from accumulating on the skin of your face.

5 . Prevent & Reduce Hair Breakage

What’s more, the primary breakthrough that vaseline delivers is by reducing the tendency of hair breakage. The reason why hair breaks out is that it lacks moisture and is prone to break when humidity increases. Applying a reasonable amount of petrolatum to your unruly, stray hair can seal in the dermis’s moisture.

Which, in return, physically stood up against unwanted hair breakage. Moreover, its use could lower abrasions in our hair so it won’t tangle and become frizzles.

6 . Remove Gum from Hair

Removing chewing gum from the hair is the most annoying thing due to its sticky texture and chemical bonds in it. And the reason why we prefer vaseline to remove gum is because of its lubricating properties.

Apply a generous amount of vaseline on the gum and over the surrounding hair shafts. But make sure that your hair is fully dry before spreading it. After some rubbing, take a wide-toothed comb to slide the chewing gum out of the hair.

7 . Reduce Itching from Dryness

There are plenty of reasons why we feel irritation and itching on our scalps all day long. Meanwhile, the emollient and anti-inflammatory properties of petroleum jelly treat severe itching and dry skin ailments. We can use vaseline by mixing it up with soothing lotions and various moisturizing creams.

It can be a great tool in fighting pruritus that comes along with eczema. Also, hinders the development of atopic eczema while sparking the process of skin healing.

8 . Kills Lice and Nits

Petroleum jelly has indubitably provided us with its multipurpose services in the medical sector. Ultimately, this obsolete balm has surprisingly been used to suffocate the parasites and their eggs. According to myliceadvice analysis, petroleum jelly nearly killed 62% of head lice if applied directly.

We can opt-in vaseline overnight mask, which in return suffocates the breathing parasites and halts their infestation process. However, this process is not impactful and demands plenty of repetition.

9 . Taming and Thickening Eyebrows & Lashes

Full and bushy eyebrows are trending, and people find them more appealing than ever. Well, the achievement of thick eyebrows and lashes is now feasible with the help of petrolatum. For taming eyebrows, apply a small quantity of vaseline as a styling gel. Use a spoolie brush to style your eyebrows afterward.

One can also dab a small amount of petroleum jelly on eyelids as a moisturizer for dry eye conditions like blepharitis. What’s more, a tiny amount of vaseline on eyebrows could bring luscious shine, a fuller impression, and treat dandruff patches.

FAST FACTS

People suffering from seborrheic dermatitis should oppose using vaseline and oil masks as they can further aggravate this skin disease. Seborrheic dermatitis is a fungal disease that targets the scalp and oily areas and gives rise to red itchy rashes with inflammation. In this case, it is highly recommended to consult your healthcare provider before using any homespun elixir. 

How to Use Vaseline the Right Way

We should have the proper knowledge of science to discern the facts from myths before adding vaseline to our daily usage kits. Due to its oil-based hydrophobic properties, it is insoluble in water. So, it requires great effort as we can’t wash it out easily.

Chances are, if you use vaseline adequately with better know-how of hair texture, you’ll reap out what your hair is deficient at. Applying vaseline over hair masks, moisturizing products, and skin lotions will make a protective barrier while retaining the effects of pre-applied proportions.

Moreover, if you probably reside between fine or thin hair texture, vaseline usage possibly brings greasiness and weighs down your mane. It can be an excellent choice if we apply dime-sized petrolatum before going to shower.

As a Hair Styling Gel

The feel of styling your hair in a lot more affordable way can set one’s heart on. Vaseline is proven to be a substitute for dehydrating hair gels and pomades available in shops. It glams your hairdos while putting right the stray flyaways.

It’s unfortunate for those who desire some hold in their styling because vaseline doesn’t hold back. Also, a pin-sized amount of petrolatum could induce greasiness to thin or fine hair since it is manufactured emollient.

In Moisturizing Hair Mask

The efficiency of petroleum jelly, which makes it a great moisturizer, relies on its occlusive and lubricating properties. One can add vaseline to moisturize, daily hydrating, or any DIY mask to boost its purpose.

These masks are particularly helpful in retaining moisture and nourishing brittle cuticles. This promising product will surely improve the contour of your mane besides lustrous tresses.

How to Remove Vaseline from Hair

The reason why people tend to avoid vaseline use as it causes extra duller and unappealing hair that sticks around. It would wreak havoc if someone applied vaseline without getting to know the washing process.

We should remember that there’s no active ingredient in vaseline that expires on its own. Rather it may require additional efforts to undo it. Initially, try to rub out vaseline to the max using a towel. The method will support you in reaching the clarifying limits.

We must consider our hair texture, length, time availability, and quantity of applied vaseline before removing it. Therefore, one should choose the most appropriate method following the circumstances.

The next step in removing petroleum is making sure you’re using lukewarm water instead of cold water. Consequently, hot water won’t facilitate the petroleum remaining to congeal.

Things we need:

• Any product like oils, baking soda, charcoal, etc
• Paper towels / Absorbant towels
• Clarifying or Cleansing shampoo
• Warm water

Clarifying Shampoo

To overcome the dilemma of vaseline removal, one must try clarifying shampoo to remove excessive build-up. It will surely remove the residuals and greasiness via in-depth cleansing therapy. Use any hydrating conditioner to replenish your hair afterward.

Natural Oils

The oil-based properties of petroleum jelly don’t allow it to solve in water. But, the thing is—natural oils or any essential oil help cleanse vaseline by breaking the chains of hydrocarbons. It can be virgin oil, baby oil (recommended), or coconut oil.

Pour some baby oil into the vaseline-affected area and pat it, so the newly applied oil covers the vaseline. Let the oil sit there for 15-20 minutes. Wipe the product using a paper towel and wash it thoroughly using a clarifying shampoo.

Other ways of removing petrolatum are as follows:

• Baking Soda

• Charcoal Powder

• Dishwashing Soap

• Baby / Talcum Powder

• White Vinegar

• Glycerin Soap

• Cornflour / Cornmeal

• Dry Shampoo / Volume Powder

Side Effects of Vaseline on Hair

Even after exploiting vaseline for different uses, we are still clueless and got stuck in the swamp of myth and unreliable facts based on hearsay. All these amateur and groundless hacks sometimes turn out to be the culprit behind our recently developed concerns after mishandling.

Despite that, USP white petroleum jelly met the safety requirements of the FDA to be used in cosmetics and food items. This gooey jelly is extensively served as OTC with almost no side effects.

Various factors like mishandling, overuse, and reaction to a few skin conditions can lead us to alarming conditions. According to vaseline experts, it is instructed to use vaseline topically to avoid lipid pneumonia, and its use is safe as far as we are not eating it.

First, make sure that the area is cleaned before applying vaseline. Dermatologists advise using the product as it is labeled or how your practitioner allows you.

• It can clog hair follicles: Vaseline sometimes appears as the reason behind issues like clogged pores and even breakouts. Excessive and long-term use of petroleum jelly can give rise to clogged follicles, which further aid in folliculitis and an itchy scalp.

• It may aggravate some skin conditions: Petroleum Jelly is a mixture of mineral oils and waxes. It can be problematic for regular shampoos to wash away the product. Its regular use may aggravate the risk of milia, breakouts, and bacterial infections.

• It may cause hair fall: It is suggested to use vaseline not more than once a week. Overdoing it may harm us more instead of helping out with the hair goals. Applying vaseline on thin hair is unsuitable as it can bring alarming situations like hair loss and unwanted greasiness with tangling.

• It may cause an allergic reaction: Although vaseline is safe to be used on sensitive skin without a prescription. Even people use petroleum jelly on wounds, scalp diseases, and blisters. However, there have been a few cases that relate to some allergies after using petroleum-derived products.

• Too much can make hair greasy: Those who use petrolatum continuously for styling and hydration purposes might feel embarrassed at some point. Because too much of anything can ruin you in the end. Try to be cautious if you’re using vaseline in DIY masks or as a styling gel.

References

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1564142/

https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/petroleum-jelly-peril/

https://myliceadvice.com/vaseline-for-lice/

https://inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics1440.htm

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/528411