Let’s get one thing straight immediately: Gorilla Glue is a chemical adhesive meant for wood, metal, and heavy-duty repairs. It is not hair gel. You’d think that goes without saying, but after the internet-breaking saga of Tessica Brown in 2021, the distinction became a matter of medical emergency. If you are here because you’ve run out of Eco Styler or Got2b Glued and you’re looking at that bottle of polyurethane glue in the garage, stop. Put it down. Seriously.
The confusion often stems from the brand name itself. Gorilla Glue hair gel technically exists—sort of. The company has a line of products, but the one people usually confuse it with is Moco de Gorila (Gorilla Snot), which is a completely different brand from the industrial adhesive company. One is a high-hold styling gel made for human hair; the other is a permanent industrial bond that contains MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate).
If you put the actual industrial glue in your hair, you aren't just getting a "strong hold." You are creating a plastic shell that is literally waterproof and solvent-resistant.
What Actually Happens When You Use Industrial Glue as Hair Gel
When Tessica Brown applied Gorilla Glue Spray Adhesive to her hair because she ran out of her usual product, she expected a sleek look. Instead, her hair stayed in the exact same position for over a month. She washed it fifteen times. Nothing. She used olive oil and tea tree oil. Still nothing.
The chemistry here is brutal. Most industrial adhesives work through a chemical reaction with moisture. Since your hair and scalp contain moisture, the glue cures instantly into a rigid, non-porous layer. This seals off the scalp. Your skin can’t breathe. Your follicles are trapped. Beyond the obvious fact that your hair won't move, you risk severe chemical burns and permanent hair loss (traction alopecia).
The Medical Intervention Required
In the most famous case, it took a specialized plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael Obeng in Los Angeles, to fix the mistake. He had to create a custom chemical solvent using medical-grade adhesive remover, aloe vera, olive oil, and a dash of acetone. This wasn't a DIY project. It was a $12,500 procedure that took four hours under light sedation.
The scalp is incredibly vascular. If you apply a caustic chemical like polyurethane to it, those chemicals can potentially enter your bloodstream or cause an allergic reaction called contact dermatitis. It’s a mess. A painful, expensive, potentially life-altering mess.
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Moco de Gorila vs. Gorilla Glue
People mix these up constantly. Moco de Gorila (Gorilla Snot) is a Mexican hair styling brand that became a cult favorite in the US for its "indestructible" hold. It comes in bright yellow, green, or orange bottles and has names like "Galactic" or "Punk."
- Moco de Gorila Ingredients: Water, Sorbitol, Alcohol, Carbomer, and PVP. These are standard hair gel components. They are water-soluble. You can wash them out with a basic shampoo.
- Gorilla Glue (The Adhesive) Ingredients: Polyurethane prepolymer, Polymeric MDI. These are hazardous if they touch your skin for prolonged periods.
Honestly, the branding doesn't help. Both use a gorilla mascot. Both promise a hold that won't quit. But one belongs in a salon and the other belongs in a toolbox under the sink. If the bottle doesn't explicitly say "Hair Gel" or "Styling Glue," do not let it touch your skin.
The Viral Misconception of "Gorilla Glue Hair Gel"
The internet has a short memory. Since the 2021 incident, "Gorilla Glue hair gel" has become a search term used by people who are actually looking for the styling gel but use the wrong brand name. This is dangerous territory. If you go to a hardware store and ask for "Gorilla Glue," they will point you to the stuff that fixes broken chair legs.
Some people think that the "spray" version of the adhesive is just like a heavy-duty hairspray. It isn't. Adhesive sprays are designed to bond laminates and wood veneers. When that mist hits your hair, it creates a web of plastic. It doesn't flake off. It doesn't brush out.
Why the "Snatched" Look Isn't Worth the Risk
We all want that perfectly sleek ponytail. The "clean girl" aesthetic or the perfect "edges" require a product that stays put. But there is a limit. Real hair gels work by using polymers that coat the hair shaft and "shrink" as the water evaporates, holding the hairs together. They are designed to be temporary.
If you find yourself reaching for industrial products because "nothing else works," you’re likely using the wrong technique, not the wrong product. You need a high-viscosity edge control or a wax stick, not a trip to Home Depot.
What to Do If You've Already Made the Mistake
If you or someone you know has already applied industrial Gorilla Glue to their hair, time is of the essence, but panic is your enemy.
- Do not try to pull it off. You will rip your hair out at the root or tear your scalp skin.
- Soak it immediately. Use 70% isopropyl alcohol if the glue hasn't fully cured yet, but be careful of your eyes.
- Oil is your friend. Saturate the area in olive oil or coconut oil and wrap it in plastic. This can sometimes soften the bond over many hours, though for the spray adhesive, this rarely works.
- Go to the ER. Seriously. Doctors have access to medical-grade solvents like De-Solv-It or specific alkanes that can break down the bond without causing as much damage as a DIY attempt.
Safe Alternatives for an "Indestructible" Hold
If you want the strength people think they’re getting from Gorilla Glue but in a safe format, look for these specific products:
- Got2b Glued Spiking Glue: This is the gold standard for wig installs and gravity-defying hair. It’s basically a high-strength polymer gel that washes out with water.
- Moco de Gorila (The Real One): It's cheap, effective, and actually made for hair.
- Bed Head Hard Head: A hairspray that dries almost instantly and is notoriously difficult to move once set.
- Murray’s Edgewax: For those who need their edges to stay laid in 100% humidity.
It’s easy to laugh at viral stories, but the "Gorilla Glue Girl" incident was a genuine medical crisis that involved skin grafts and months of recovery. The brand itself had to issue a statement reminding the public that their product is "not indicated for use in or on hair as it is considered permanent."
Practical Next Steps for Hair Care
- Check the Label: Ensure any product you buy for hair styling is specifically labeled for cosmetic use. Look for an "Ingredients" list that starts with "Aqua" (water).
- Patch Test: If you’re trying a new, very strong gel (like Moco de Gorila), test a small amount on your wrist first to check for irritation.
- Clarify Regularly: If you use high-hold gels often, use a clarifying shampoo once a week to prevent the buildup that makes people think they need "stronger" (industrial) products.
- Scalp Health: Never leave high-hold gels in for more than a day or two. Your scalp needs to breathe to avoid folliculitis.
Stick to the beauty aisle. Leave the hardware store for your DIY home repairs. Your scalp will thank you.