Causes and Solutions for Frizzy, Flyaway Hair
Do you ever catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror, only to see your hair sticking straight up as if you’ve rubbed a balloon all over your head? Most of us have dealt with static hair at some point. It can leave your locks looking frizzy and flyaway, no matter how much time you spent styling them.
So why does this annoying issue happen in the first place? What causes that zap of electricity that turns sleek strands into a rat’s nest? And more importantly – how can you fix it? Read on to learn the science behind static hair and my top tips for taming the frizz.
What Causes Static Hair?
Static electricity is caused when materials rub against each other, creating opposite electrical charges. Since hair strands spend a lot of time rubbing together, they easily build up electrons.
Certain conditions make static hair even worse:
Dry Air: When the humidity drops, it’s easier for electrons to leap between materials. Heated indoor air during cold weather pulls moisture away from hair, increasing static.
Friction: Any type of friction can build up electric charge in your hair. Rubbing a balloon on your head is an extreme example, but things like brushing, combing, rubbing with a towel, or even just moving around creates micro-frictions that zap strands.
Synthetic Materials: Manmade fabrics like polyester cling to hair more than natural materials, causing extra friction as you move. Static charge builds up rapidly.
Dirty Hair: Product buildup and oils make hair attract and hold onto electrons. The dirtier your hair, the more prone to static.
So to sum up – dryness, rubbing, unnatural fabrics, and dirty hair are the main culprits of lackluster, staticky locks. Knowing what causes the issue is the first step towards fixing it !
7 Tips to Get Rid of Static Hair
Ready to declare war on your flyaways? Follow these tips and tricks to turn frizzy hair into sleek, static-free strands.
Add Moisture
One of the root causes of static is dryness, so adding moisture is key. Use an intensive hair mask once a week to inject hydration back into your locks. Look for ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, shea butter, or silicones to smooth the cuticle and retain moisture.
Go Natural With Fabrics
Stick to cotton, wool, silk and cashmere close to your hair. Synthetics like polyester create extra static, while natural fabrics do not. Cotton pillowcases are another easy switch with big benefits!
Watch the Heat
Heat tools like blow dryers, curling irons and straighteners strip moisture from hair, leading to static. Allow hair to air dry when possible by reducing direct heat. If using hot tools, prep hair with a thermal protectant product to minimize damage and dehydration.
Increase Humidity
Since dry air encourages static, add some extra moisture to your environment. Invest in a humidifier for your bedroom or purchase a shower cap to trap moisture after washing. Even placing a lightly damp towel nearby as your hair dries can help.
Rub it in
With Anti-Static Spray Anti-static sprays contain emollients that seal the cuticle down flat, along with antistatic agents to repel electrons. Lightly mist onto dry hair and do NOT rinse out. Some conditioners also contain anti-static properties – apply evenly from roots to ends after shampooing.
Brush With Care
Aggressive brushing builds up static charge, so be extra gentle with hair prone to flyaways. Use a boar bristle brush or wide tooth comb on damp hair – starting at the ends and slowly working up towards the scalp.
Fight Oil With Oil
It may sound counterintuitive, but natural oils help lubricate the hair shaft to prevent excess friction and static charge. Try working a few drops of argan, coconut or olive oil through mid-lengths and ends of damp hair before heat styling. Focus just on areas prone to frizz since too much oil at the roots could look greasy.
Say Goodbye to Bad Hair Days
While you’ll likely never fully eliminate static and frizzy hair with a magic wand, following these tips should help take back control. Pay close attention to adding moisture, watching heat usage, increasing humidity and incorporating natural oils and anti-static products into your routine. Stick with gentle brushing techniques and fabrics that won’t cling.
With some strategic, static-fighting adjustments, you can rock sleek strands no matter what weather comes your way. So next time your hair looks electrified – try these tips instead of reaching for the nearest balloon.
