# Gorilla Glue in hair = bad, bad, bad idea **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 9, 2021, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557 "2021-02-09T20:46:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2021, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557/61 "2021-02-10T21:08:12Z")
Before I read the article I thought this was going to be some sad attempt to recreate that old commercial of the construction worker hanging off the rail with his hard hat. This is even sadder than that. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2021, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557/62 "2021-02-10T21:09:43Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > I have a friend that uses super glue for closing small cuts and wounds Oh, and i bought a product that calls itself “liquid skin” and is designed to close small wounds. Hurts like hell to apply, but works pretty well. I’m pretty sure it’s just super glue with some extra solvent to make it easier to spread. It’s especially good for that annoying paper cut that keeps catching on things and getting pulled open. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2021, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557/63 "2021-02-10T21:11:45Z")
> [@Grrr](#): > > Before I read the article I thought this was going to be some sad attempt to recreate that old commercial of the construction worker hanging off the rail with his hard hat. > > This is even sadder than that. Or Tim gluing his head to the table on _Home Improvement_. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2021, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557/64 "2021-02-10T21:11:52Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > I have a friend that uses super glue for closing small cuts and wounds. It’s not unusual to use glue on any wound. > **[The Claim: Super Glue Can Heal Wounds (Published 2007)](https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/04/health/04real.html)** > > Super Glue is credited with saving lives in emergency situations, but should you keep some in the medicine cabinet? (If you are not hearing Tom Jones, I have failed.) ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2021, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557/65 "2021-02-10T21:14:51Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > I’m confused. Why is she going to doctors? I would have thought the the treatment for gorilla glue gluing your hair to your scalp would be to wait until the skin and hair grew out some, and then cut it off. I’m sure it was a momentary lapse of reason for this rocket scientist. It’ll make for a big laugh at the next Rhodes Scholar reunion, though. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2021, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557/66 "2021-02-10T21:27:28Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > Gorilla glue foams and expands as it cures, super glue doesn’t I think it’s important to note that this isn’t Gorilla Glue, It’s Gorilla brand Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive. It’s a craft type product, used for things like photos. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2021, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557/67 "2021-02-10T21:57:13Z")
Doctors sometimes use small amounts of glue but it takes practice to apply and one generally does not use it on the face, scalp or mucous membranes. I’m unaware of a solvent for these. Yes, there may be some irritation and discomfort. I don’t know what the glue smells like, but hair spray has a distinct odour. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2021, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557/68 "2021-02-10T22:12:13Z")
I note everyone seems to be saying ‘Gorilla glue’ is just polyurethane glue and different from cyanoacrylate superglue; that used to be true, but ‘Gorilla’ is now a brand offering a variety of different adhesive products, including a strong duct tape type offering, a two part epoxy, silicone sealants, and several glues that are indeed based on cyanoacrylate. > **[Gorilla Products - Glues, Tapes & Sealants | Gorilla Glue](https://uk.gorillaglue.com/gorilla-products/)** > > We create the strongest glues, tapes & sealants in the UK. So whether you're a builder, DIY-er, or crafter, we'll have the best & right product for your job ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2021, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557/69 "2021-02-10T22:15:47Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > I think it’s important to note that this isn’t Gorilla Glue, It’s Gorilla brand Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive. It’s a craft type product, used for things like photos. Thanks for the correction. I still think it’s odd that doctors are involved in this. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2021, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557/70 "2021-02-10T22:18:25Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > I’m surprised you might confuse them, and can only conclude you don’t use glue all that often. That would be a reasonable conclusion. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2021, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557/71 "2021-02-10T22:22:47Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > > [@k9bfriender](#): > > > > I have a friend that uses super glue for closing small cuts and wounds > > Oh, and i bought a product that calls itself “liquid skin” and is designed to close small wounds. Hurts like hell to apply, but works pretty well. I’m pretty sure it’s just super glue with some extra solvent to make it easier to spread. It’s especially good for that annoying paper cut that keeps catching on things and getting pulled open. 🙂 Nope, that is yet another chemical. Or rather another set of chemicals. There’s [polyvinylpyrrolidone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvinylpyrrolidone), ethyl cellulose, [pyroxylin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyroxylin)/[nitrocellulose](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrocellulose) (I believe that one dates back to the 19th Century), and several others. Yes, they sting. Most of them are formulated with antiseptics, and some also contain alcohol which does not feel good in a wound. Superglue applied to a cut or wound does not sting or hurt, although it might get warm, even uncomfortably so. It’s not the same as “liquid bandage” or “liquid skin”. Superglue comes in “medical grade” which is manufactured to, well, medical standards. The hardware store stuff is not guaranteed sterile and using it on wounds is questionable. Although I have once or twice done so for very minor cuts, but it’s still not really a good thing to do. You are taking some risk doing it. > [@puzzlegal](#): > > I’m confused. Why is she going to doctors? I would have thought the the treatment for gorilla glue gluing your hair to your scalp would be to wait until the skin and hair grew out some, and then cut it off. > > Which is something that should be relatively easy to do at home. No? ER docs have experience with wacky accidents. Industrial accidents, for example, that might result in needing to figure out out to separate someone from an adhesive. It’s not a totally irrational notion. After a month I would have expected the glue skullcap to start loosening, but apparently it wasn’t. Keep in mind, biological processes keep occurring underneath that mess, the sweat, oils, dead skin cells, and growing hair are trapped under mess and could be leading to infection or inflammation that could in fact be quite painful over time. Part of the problem might be that some of the stuff she’s used to soften it up might be allowing it to re-adhere. Also, some of the stuff she’s using, like Goof Off, is also pretty irritating. As I said, if there’s a plastic surgeon out there who is willing to help her I think she should got for it. In addition to maybe knowing of some solvent that could work and also aren’t horribly toxic, he’d be able to administer anesthetic if that’s required for anything painful that needs to be done, treat inflammation, or infection as needed. I hope it’s nothing that bad. ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Negative](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/typo_negative/32/484_2.png) [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2021, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557/72 "2021-02-10T22:35:37Z")
> [@Riemann](#): > > Members of the jury, my client’s hobby was spraying her hair with adhesives. From this label, how could she possibly have known that _this_ adhesive was dangerously unsuitable for her hobby project? We seek damages in the amount $125 for a wig plus $750 million for pain and suffering. We will accept Target gift cards. Good Afternoon, Ladies and Gentleman of the Jury. The defense will show, beyond any doubt, that the plaintiff is an idiot. Stupid. A complete moron. My client did nothing wrong except make a good product that the plaintiff misapplied. Her staggering stupidity should not be rewarded and she deserves no relief from this court. Seriously. She spayed glue on hair and was surprised that it adhered. That it behaved like glue, not hairspray. You know how they have a warning on a Windex bottle that you shouldn’t spay it into your eyes? That’s because of idiots like the plaintiff. Please find for the defense or it will be proof that society is doomed and does not deserve to be saved.’ ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2021, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557/73 "2021-02-10T23:25:41Z")
Every warning and instruction on a product is a result of hard won knowledge based on people doing something unexpected. as Douglas Adams mentioned in some book he wrote (I know.) If you want proof the whole world is insane, look on the side of a box of toothpicks. It’s in the name, but they still need to put instructions and warnings because someone poked one in their ear. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2021, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557/74 "2021-02-11T00:17:11Z")
It’s an almost understandable goof, when you add up - Her usual hair spray brand is “got2b Glued” and they have a product called [Spiking Glue](https://www.schwarzkopf.com/en/brands/hairstyling/got2b/glued-line/spiking-glue.html). - Gorilla Glue makes a spray version of its adhesive. - There’s a line of hair products called [Gorilla Snot](https://www.amazon.com/Moco-Gorilla-Snot-Gel-11-9oz/dp/B00500HMRO), which features a cartoonish gorilla on the label similar to Gorilla Glue’s logo. By now, I’d think the removal process would be to work a “feather” razor (a “safety” version of a straight blade razor) between the glued-together hair and the scalp to cut the hair that’s grown in the past month and then break/cut the glued hair off in small chunks. She will end up temporarily bald, but hopefully a bit wiser. The really incredible part is that she was able to be in an ER anywhere for nearly an entire day during the pandemic with something that’s really not a medical emergency. Or was she waiting for 21 hours since she walked in and wasn’t bleeding or having chest pain? ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2021, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557/75 "2021-02-11T00:58:09Z")
As an doc who spent _years_ working in emergency care in industrial areas, I can tell you that sometimes the solution is time. Not every bullet or foreign body requires immediate removal. Glue in the eye is an emergency which would require immediate care and referral. Glued fingers may require physical separation and stitching some controlled incisions. Glued scalp with some involved hair? Time. Limited haircutting. Scraping off what one might. A non-urgent referral. In Canada, it would take at least a few days to see most plastic surgeons for this. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2021, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557/76 "2021-02-11T01:44:57Z")
I imagine that the plastic surgeon wants some of that Go Fund Me loot. ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2021, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557/77 "2021-02-11T02:41:34Z")
He’s doing it for free. Not everyone is motivated by greed, though I’m sure he’ll (deservedly) get some good PR out of this. ---
**Author:** ![Seanette](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/seanette/32/9139_2.png) [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2021, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557/78 "2021-02-11T03:36:41Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > (I also have Elmer’s, two wood glues, rubber cement, shoe goo, and a couple of expoxies around the house, so maybe I use glue more than most people…) Pretty sure DH and I have at least that far-ranging a collection of adhesives around here ourselves. ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2021, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557/79 "2021-02-11T04:17:37Z")
She clarified today that she never said she was suing anyone and she doesn’t know where that idea came from. She also said she is so over it. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2021, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557/80 "2021-02-11T12:33:53Z")
The doctor removed the glue and she still has her hair. I’m glad she’s ok. She’s certainly learned a painful lesson. > **[‘Gorilla Glue girl’ Tessica Brown undergoes surgery to remove adhesive](https://nypost.com/2021/02/11/tessica-brown-undergoes-surgery-to-remove-adhesive/)** > > Tessica Brown, the Louisiana woman whose use of Gorilla Glue in her hair made national headlines, has undergone a surgical procedure in Beverly Hills to remove the offending gunk, according to repo… > [@](#): > > “When I found out this was a reality, you can only feel compassion and sympathy for Tessica,” Obeng told CBS LA on Tuesday. “The procedure will be to dissolve the polyurethane, which is what Gorilla Glue is made out of.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-glue-in-hair-bad-bad-bad-idea/932557.md?page=5)