It started with a TikTok video that went viral for all the wrong reasons. Tessica Brown, a woman from Louisiana, ran out of her usual hairspray and reached for a can of Gorilla Glue Spray Adhesive. She thought it would just keep her hair in place for a few hours. Instead, her hair stayed exactly like that for over a month. No amount of shampoo, coconut oil, or even rubbing alcohol could budge it. It wasn't just a "bad hair day." It was a medical emergency that required surgery.
People often look for a "strong hold." We want our edges laid and our lace fronts secured. But using gorilla glue for hair is a leap into territory that chemical engineers never intended for human skin.
The Science of Why Industrial Glue Destroys Hair
Let’s be real for a second. Gorilla Glue is an incredible product when you're fixing a broken chair leg or bonding ceramic. It contains polyurethane, which reacts with moisture to create a permanent, rigid bond. Your hair and scalp are full of moisture. When that glue hits your head, it undergoes a chemical reaction that creates an airtight, waterproof seal. It’s not like a gel that sits on top of the hair. It literally fuses the hair fibers together into a solid plastic mass.
Dr. Michael Obeng, the Beverly Hills plastic surgeon who eventually performed the procedure to save Tessica Brown’s hair, explained the chemistry quite simply. He had to create a specialized chemical solvent—a mix of medical-grade adhesive remover, aloe vera, and olive oil—to break down the polyurethane bonds without dissolving the scalp itself.
It took four hours of surgery.
If you put this stuff on your head, you aren't just looking at a haircut. You're looking at potential chemical burns. Polyurethane glues can cause contact dermatitis, which is a fancy way of saying your skin will turn red, blister, and possibly peel off. Because the glue is non-porous, your scalp can't "breathe." Sweat gets trapped underneath. Bacteria start to grow. It’s a recipe for a massive infection that can lead to permanent hair loss, also known as traction or cicatricial alopecia.
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Why Do People Keep Trying This?
Social media creates a weird pressure. We see "hacks" every day. Some are harmless, like using a toothbrush to lay down baby hairs. Others are terrifying. The desire for a "flawless" look often overrides common sense, especially when professional-grade hair products are expensive.
There’s also a misunderstanding of what "waterproof" means in the context of beauty. In the world of wig installations, "waterproof" usually means the adhesive can withstand a bit of sweat or a rainy day. In the world of hardware stores, "waterproof" means it can hold a mailbox onto a post during a hurricane. These are not the same thing.
Professional Alternatives That Actually Work
If you're looking for that "glued" look without the surgical bill, there are actual cosmetic products designed for this. You’ve probably heard of Got2b Glued. Despite the name, it is a water-soluble styling gel. It’s very strong, but it comes off with warm water and a good conditioner.
Then there are lace adhesives like Bold Hold or Ghost Bond. These are formulated by chemists who understand that skin has a pH balance. They are meant to be removed with specific oil-based solvents that don't rip your hair follicles out by the roots.
Honestly, even the strongest hairspray on the market—like those used in high-fashion runway shows—is miles better than reaching for something in the garage. If a product says "Keep off skin" or "Wear gloves while using," it has no business being near your forehead.
The Long-Term Consequences of Industrial Adhesives
The damage from using gorilla glue for hair isn't always immediate. Sure, the "helmet head" happens instantly. But the real trauma is what happens to the follicles. When you have a solid layer of glue covering your pores, you risk Folliculitis. This is when the hair follicles become inflamed. It’s painful. It’s itchy. And if it’s bad enough, the follicle dies. Once a hair follicle dies and turns into scar tissue, hair will never grow there again. Ever.
Let’s talk about the removal process if you’ve already made this mistake.
Don't just pull. If you try to peel polyurethane glue off your skin, you will take the top layers of your dermis with it. This leads to scarring. In the Tessica Brown case, she tried using acetone. Acetone is extremely harsh. It can cause chemical burns if left on the skin for too long, and it's highly flammable.
If you are currently in a situation where you’ve used an industrial adhesive on your body, your first stop should be a dermatologist or an urgent care clinic. Do not try to be a "DIY" chemist in your bathroom. You will likely make the situation worse.
Practical Steps for a Healthy Hair Hold
If you want a hold that lasts all day but won't ruin your life, follow these steps instead of heading to the hardware store:
- Prep the skin: Use a skin protector or a simple toner to remove oils from your hairline before applying hair-safe adhesives. This makes the bond stronger so you don't feel the need for "stronger" glues.
- Use the right solvent: If you use a lace glue, buy the matching remover. Most are oil-based or citrus-based and are designed to break the bond gently.
- Deep condition: Heavy-duty styling products dry out the hair. If you’re using high-hold gels, make sure you’re doing a deep moisture treatment at least once a week.
- Read the labels: If the ingredients list includes things like MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate), put it back on the shelf. That’s for construction, not your curls.
There is no "shortcut" to beauty that is worth the risk of permanent disfigurement. The "Gorilla Glue Girl" story was a viral moment, but for her, it was a months-long nightmare of pain and public ridicule. It served as a massive, global warning: keep the hardware in the toolbox and the beauty products in the vanity.
If you find yourself tempted by a "life hack" that involves industrial chemicals, take a breath. Check the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) online for that product. It will tell you exactly what it does to human tissue. Usually, it’s not pretty.
Stick to products that are dermatologically tested. Your scalp will thank you, and you'll get to keep your hair.
Actionable Next Steps
- Audit your stash: Go through your hair products and throw away anything that doesn't explicitly state it is for cosmetic use.
- Research "Medical Grade" vs. "Industrial Grade": Understand that even if a product is "non-toxic," that doesn't mean it's safe for hair or skin contact over long periods.
- Invest in a high-quality remover: If you wear wigs or use heavy gels, keep a professional-grade adhesive remover like C-22 or a pure jojoba oil on hand to safely break down bonds.
- Consult a professional: If you're struggling to get a specific style to stay in place, talk to a licensed cosmetologist rather than looking for hacks on social media. They have access to professional-grade (but safe) products you won't find at a local pharmacy.