Vaseline has been used for hair care ever since we can remember. Most of us live in homes that have at least one tub of Vaseline that seems to be sitting around forever on a bathroom shelf or in a medicine cabinet.

When we were kids, worried moms wiped globs of it on our mouths to prevent us from getting chapped lips, and sometimes these same moms used it to soothe the dry, calloused skin on their own elbows or feet. They even applied Vaseline for hair treatments when there were no other options on hand at home.

Is Using Vaseline For Hair a Good Idea?

Even though it’s common knowledge that using Vaseline for hair helps control annoying frizzies and flyaways, have you ever wondered about other, less common ways of using it? You might be surprised to learn that using Vaseline helps solves some other haircare problems too.

What Exactly is Vaseline?

Vaseline is a product brand name for a substance known as petroleum jelly, and the words can be used interchangeably. Petroleum jelly is a semi-solid combination of mineral oils and natural waxes that, when blended, form a gooey, sticky ointment that can be easily wiped or spread over any bodily surface.

The reason that the subject of using Vaseline for hair comes up so often is that it’s known for its ability to lock in moisture where you want it locked in, and repel moisture and water where you want it repelled. Because petroleum jelly doesn’t penetrate tissues or cells, it’s not an adequate substitute for moisturizing skin lotions or hair conditioners.

How to Use Vaseline for Hair

Most people are aware that petroleum jelly can be used as a scalp conditioner, hair gel substitute, split end tamer, or as a styling pomade to add shine to your hair. You may have also figured out that using it to coat your ears and hairline will protect your skin from staining when using home hair dye kits.