GORILLA glue hit the headlines recently after a woman used the spray adhesive to smooth her hair – leaving her stuck with the same style for a month.
TikToker Tessica Brown says she later had to cut off her ponytail, but claims her scalp still burned from the glue and attempts to remove it.
Clips of the mishap racked up 15 million views, as Tessica told her followers her hair had been stuck parted to the side in a long braid for over a month, after she used Gorilla Glue to replace her hairspray.
A spokesperson said: "The less aggressive solvent for her hair/scalp would be rubbing alcohol to try and saturate her hair and then gently comb it out and shampoo."
Tessica said hospital staff poured acetone on her scalp, before she tried using 'Goof Off' superglue remover at home.
In a Tweet the company added: "This is a unique situation because this product is not indicated for use in or on hair as it is considered permanent. Our spray adhesive states in the warning label 'do not swallow. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing."
What is gorilla glue?
Gorilla Glue is a strong adhesive which is designed for 'the toughest jobs on the planet', known for its "industrial holding power and versatility".
There are a number of products available, including glue, tape, adhesive, sealant, spray and epoxy.
Describing the spray adhesive which Tessica used, the website says: "Gorilla Spray Adhesive is heavy duty, multi-purpose and easy to use. Gorilla Spray Adhesive forms a clear, permanent bond that is moisture resistant and can be used on projects both indoors and out.
"This spray adhesive is also photo safe. Its wide pad nozzle and controlled, fine mist spray provide an even application on the project you are working on."
What’s the difference between gorilla glue and super glue?
While both produce similar effects, the difference is in the chemical compound.
Products sold as superglue are typically made from cyanoacrylate, while Gorilla Glue contains polyurethane.
But there is some crossover, with Gorilla Glue explaining: "Gorilla Super Glue is a cyanoacrylate adhesive, while Gorilla Glue is a polyurethane."
The website states: "The water activated polyurethane formula expands into materials to form an incredibly strong bond to virtually anything making Gorilla Glue your solution for almost any project or repair."
Both types of glue are better suited to different jobs, so the right product will depend on the materials you're working with.
Typically superglue is fast acting, while Gorilla Glue can take longer to dry and sometimes expands, but can achieve better results on smoother surfaces, such as glass.
What will Gorilla Glue sray adhesive stick to?
The website says: "Gorilla Spray Adhesive is a multi-purpose product that will bond a wide variety of surfaces including fabric, paper, wood,
"Not recommended for use on polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) plastics, vinyl, or any type of rubber with high oil or plasticizer content. Not for use on food contact surfaces.
"Gorilla Spray Adhesive will work well on many types of plastic; however, we do not recommend for use on polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) plastics, vinyl, or any type of rubber with high oil or plasticizer content."
How to remove gorilla glue?
To remove from surfaces, the website says: "To clean surface while adhesive is still wet/uncured, wipe adhesive off the project with a dry cloth.
"Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) may be used according to manufacturer’s instructions.
"Once cured, Gorilla Spray Adhesive may be removed using mechanical means by gently scraping surface, being careful not to damage the surface underneath."
And to remove it from skin, the website continues: "While still wet, Gorilla Spray Adhesive can be removed by wiping adhesive with a dry cloth, and then washing the area with soap and water.
"Once cured, rinse well with water."
If you've accidentally got the glue on your skin, try immediately submerging, or washing, the area with warm soapy water.
If you can't submerge the glue, try soaking the area with a damp cloth instead.
Safety advice for Original Gorilla Glue
- Inhalation: Using proper respiratory protection, immediately move the exposed person to fresh air. Seek medical attention immediately.
- Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Gently wash with plenty of soap and water followed by rinsing with water for at least 15 minutes.
Call a poison center or doctor/physician if you feel unwell. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. - Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Obtain medical attention.
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Immediately call a poison center or doctor/physician.
If it's a small patch, you may be able to pull your skin taut and peel off the glue.
Other options are to use acetone, commonly found in nail varnish remover, to try and loosen the glue, or lemon juice.
If you don't have these to hand, Art Recovery Technologies recommends using some other household ingredients.
They advised: "Make a paste of equal parts coconut oil and baking soda, and let it sit on affected skin for 15 minutes.
"Once the oil softens the glue’s grip on your skin, you should be able to gently peel the glue away.
"If you don’t have coconut oil handy, any other cooking oil, margarine, or butter can be substituted."
Superglue removers can also be bought from shops, but work best on inanimate objects rather than skin.
How to use gorilla Glue spray adhesive
All surfaces should be clean and free of dirt, grease and oil. Protect surrounding areas from overspray to avoid residual adhesive.
- Shake can well before using.
- Hold the can 6 to 8 inches from surfaces to be bonded and spray an even coat of adhesive.
- For Maximum Bond Strength: Spray both surfaces to be joined. Allow to dry to tack (approximately 1 minute) and press surfaces firmly together.
- For Repositionable Bonds: Spray a light even coat on one surface. Allow to dry 1-3 minutes before joining. Repositionable up to 10 minutes depending on surface type, then bond becomes permanent. To remove, gently peel from corner.
- Tip: To avoid possible clogging, turn can away from body, turn upside down and spray a short jet of clear gas after completing the job.
*Not recommended for use on vinyl materials, automotive headliners, polypropylene, polyethylene or similar materials. Do not use for bonding weighted materials.
Potential risks posed by gorilla glue
The original Gorilla Glue hazard sheet states it may cause ‘skin irritation, an allergic skin reaction, eye irritation, be harmful if inhaled and maye cause respiratory irritation’.
They advised people to wash their skin thoroughly after handling the glue, and not to eat, drink or smoke when using the product.
They said: “Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.”
This woman had to go to hospital after using Gorilla Glue as setting spray leaving her hair stuck in one style for a MONTH.
TikToker Tessica Brown who put Gorilla Glue in hair later had her ponytail CUT OFF and claims her ‘scalp still burns’.
While this mum’s at-home hair dye attempt goes SO wrong she has to go to the car wash to rinse it off.
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