When I plan to have an open hair day, especially in winter, one thing that immediately comes to my mind is static hair. Yes! You’ve read that right.
An open hair day or slaying with a special hairstyle both sound so dreamy, right? But When your hair seems to have a mind of its own, standing on end or clinging to everything, does it still seem perfect? Nope! I know, I know, how frustrating it can be!
Those irritating flyaways are enough to ruin our mood for the whole day. But no worries. In this article, I will discuss 9 quick fixes and some long-term solutions to keep your hair static-free in winter or all year long. Let’s begin.
What is Static Hair?
If it’s winter or you are in a place with low humidity, rub your hair with a plastic comb or maybe just with the hat you’ve worn on your head. What do you see? Some of the hair strands are becoming unruly, minding their own business, trying to keep a distance from each other, standing upright or away from the scalp, and obviously, creating a messy look. That’s exactly what static hair is.
What Causes Static Hair?
Now, you may wonder why my hair is so staticky. The main reason for this is the electrical imbalance in your hair.
Let’s bring back memories from chemistry class. We all know every molecule is made of three particles: electron, proton and neutron. Where electrons are negatively charged, protons are positively charged, and neutrons are neutral. Normally every molecule consists of the same amount of electrons and protons, which makes them electrically neutral.
We know that the same charges repel each other and different charges attract each other, just like a magnet. When hair strands rub together or against other materials, they can lose or gain electrons and build a static charge. In normal weather, if there’s enough moisture in the surroundings, this charge becomes neutralized easily. But in dry weather, especially in winter, without enough moisture your hair strands become more positively charged and this charge makes your hair repel each other, causing flyaways and static hair.
The same theory applies when you wear a hat or scarf, or comb your hair. Positive electrical charges build up in your hair strands and then as per the chemistry rules, they repel each other.
Difference Between Static Hair and Frizz
Many of us have a misconception that frizz and hair static are the same ( I am sorry, I also used to think that once) but they are not. In fact, we can consider them opposites.
Static hair usually occurs in winter or dry weather when there are low moisture levels and an imbalance of electric charge, whereas frizz usually occurs in summer as a result of humidity and damage, when the outer layer of the hair called the cuticle, becomes raised. These raised cuticles allow moisture to enter and make them swell and frizzy.
But the good news is, if you take proper care of your hair, you can get rid of both at the same time.
How to Get Rid of Static Hair?
Now the question is, how do I get rid of static hair? Relax, it’s not that difficult actually. You just need to follow some tips and tricks to tame those pesky hair strands. Let’s have a look at 9 quick fixes for how to get static out of your hair.
Use Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner
As we know dry hair is more prone to static electricity, so it is important to keep your hair hydrated. Use a good moisturizing shampoo and a conditioner that can help to maintain moisture levels in your hair. Look for hydrating shampoos and conditioners that contain ingredients like oils, glycerin and butter.
Leave-in Conditioner
When your hair becomes unruly, a leave-in conditioner can come to the rescue. Apply a small amount of it to damp hair. The best part of using a leave-in conditioner is that it will not only remove hair static but can fix your frizzy hair problems easily.
Apply a Few Drops of Hair Serum to Your Comb or Brush
Wait a minute before combing your hair. Take a few drops of your hair serum and apply it to your comb or brush, and now you’re good to go. It will keep your hair static-free and provide a polished, shiny appearance.
Hand Cream
A really quick solution to fix your static hair can be your hand cream! Though it is formulated to provide moisture in your hand, what harm is there in using a little bit of it to tame your hair?
Take a small amount, maybe a pea-sized dollop, rub it between your palms to warm it up, and then gently smooth it over the flyaways or areas of static. Your hair will be static-free within just a minute!
A Few Drops of Oil
When your hair is dry and static, what’s better than applying a few drops of oil? First, take a lightweight oil like argan, jojoba or almond oil, pour a small amount, maybe one or two drops into your hands and rub them together. Now gently run your hands through your hair, especially where static tends to be more pronounced.
This small amount will not give you an oily look, but will definitely help to fix your static hair instantly and give your hair a sleek appearance.
Dryer sheets
Okay, this one may be the most common tip you’ve heard. Carry a dryer sheet in your bag. You never know when you’ll need it to fix your static instantly.
Dryer sheets are infused with chemicals that reduce static cling in fabrics and they do the same for your hair. When you rub a dryer sheet over your hair, it transfers those anti-static agents and nutralizes the static electricity in your hair.
When your hair goes staticky, grab a clean dryer sheet, lightly rub it over your hair and see the magic! Your hair will look smoother and more manageable.
But just be cautious not to use it too often. As it contains chemicals, some people may have sensitivity toward it. If you are someone with sensitivities, you should avoid this one.
Ionic Blow-Dryer
Though I always discourage the use of heat styling tools, did you know that an iconic blow dryer can be a solution or one of the quick fixes to get rid of static hair?
An ionic blow dryer emits negative ions that help neutralize the static electricity in your hair. Set your ionic blow dryer on a medium heat setting and hold it at least six inches away from your hair. Once you are done drying, use an anti-static serum or a few drops of hair oil in your dry hair. This will provide protection against static for the whole day.
Don’t forget to use a heat protectant before blow-drying.
Change Hair Parting
When your hair tries to stand on its own, just switch your hair parting. It will make your hair fall differently and tame your static hair instantly. Yes, it’s that easy to hide your flyaways!
Try Different Hairstyles
If your open hair causes static, try different hairstyles like braids, buns or ponytails to fix static hair easily.
Long-term Solution to Get Rid of Static Hair
Let’s discuss some long-term solutions to fix your static hair problem for now and the times to come.
Drink enough Water
We all know static electricity in hair is a result of dry and dehydrated hair. So one of the most effective solutions may be simpler than you think: drinking enough water! You can’t have healthy hair without taking care of it from the inside. So drink and drink enough water ( at least 8 glasses a day) to keep your body, as well as your hair hydrated from within.
Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
Your hair needs proper pampering at least once a week. Use a hydrating and nourishing hair mask or oil in your hair. It will restore the moisture balance, make your hair softer, and make it less prone to static.
Avoid Products With Drying Ingredients
Usually, we use a lot of products on our hair to keep it healthy and shiny. But you must check the ingredients list before applying any products. Certain products can dry out your hair and contribute to static, especially if they contain alcohol or sulphates. These ingredients may clean your hair, but they can strip it of natural oils and make it brittle and dry.
Opt for products tagged as moisturizing or hydrating, and look for ingredients like glycerine, natural oils or aloe vera, which help restore moisture to your hair and prevent static.
Change Your Comb
If you use a plastic comb, you are more likely to experience hair static. When you run a plastic comb through your hair, it creates an electrical imbalance and makes your hair static. So swap your plastic comb for a wooden comb or a bristle brush. These materials don’t generate static like plastic does and keep your hair smoother and healthier.
Use a Humidifier
If you live in a dry environment and lack of moisture is torturing your hair and making it static, maybe you can consider using a humidifier in your home. It will add moisture to the air, neutralize static electricity and leave your hair hydrated and healthy.
Final Words
See how a little extra effort goes a long way! Just follow these tricks, and static hair won’t be your daily struggle anymore. Yeaaa!
FAQ
Yes, it does. Coconut oil has moisturizing properties. It provides hydration and reduces static by moisturizing and smoothing the hair shaft.
Yes, fine hair often experiences more static due to its lower moisture content and lighter texture.
When you straighten your hair without using any heat protectant, it strips off the hair's natural oils and makes it dry and dehydrated. Additionally, the friction from the straightener can create static electricity. So, using a heat protectant and straightening with a medium-low setting can be a solution here.
