How to get baby oil out of your hair

or, How to get baby oil gel out of your hair

On New Year's Day I took a long, lovely bath with baby oil gel in the water. It's a lovely substance for putting on babies after their bath, and it's been a dry winter already; successfully made my skin so nice and soft. And then, because I'm an idiot, I washed my hair in the tub as well. BIG MISTAKE.

I have fine hair, and when I tried to dry my hair discovered that half my head (why only half??) was so oily it refused to dry. At all. Dry shampoo did not help in the slightest. Re-washing over the next days with my regular shampoo did not help. Now desperate, this is what finally worked. I tried the following steps that went, in my mind, from least extreme to most - as I really didn't want to use dishwashing soap if I could help it, but I wanted that oil OUT.

Step 1. Tested out the 'baby powder option' (others say it works to soak up excess oil). Let it sit, brushed it out. No difference.

Step 2. Combed through with fresh, diluted lemon juice*. Let it sit. No difference, although interesting goo happening now because of the baby powder combination.

Step 3. Hopped in shower and rinsed out the goo...no improvement. Drastic step time: dishwashing soap. I worry this may ruin my hair. Lathered up and let it sit for a couple minutes and rinsed. This seemed to help the most; I'm feeling optimistic. Step 4. Put on a generous amount of Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo in hopes of removing all the previous substances. Rinse out: now it is squeaky clean. Yaay!

Step 5: A generous amount of my usual conditioner, let it sit, and rinse. Success! I'm surprised how normal, and just extra clean my hair feels.

So, this is what worked for me. If you're in a hurry, and want to use what's on hand, I'd skip right to the dishwashing soap; but be aware this could dry out your hair. For the safest option, I'd first just try the Neutrogena shampoo. Results may vary based on hair type. Good luck!

*Do not leave lemon juice unrinsed on your hair if you're going out in the sun, as it can bleach it. Also I don't recommend trying lemon juice on colored hair - just in case.