How to Get Rid of Static in Your Hair
Static and dry hair are one of the most common winter hair problems. Understanding the cause, can help to fix the problem: static electricity is created when two unlike objects rub against each other. This causes electrons from one object to be transferred to the other. The object that loses the electrons gets a positive charge, while the object that gains electrons gets a negative charge.
When you are out in the colder weather keeping warm with all your winter woollies, hats and scarves around the neck are prime ingredients for a good bit of static. When the material of your hat rubs next to your hair, they swap electrons, causing an electric charge to build up on your hair. If there’s no humidity or moisture in your hair, especially on a dry winter’s morning, the charge causes your strands to repel from another like a magnet. Your hair becomes so full of electrons that it causes static electricity.
So, how to counteract hair static?
The cold crisp winter mornings and dry heat from heating indoors are not great for your hair, making it completely dehydrated. During the winter your hair tends to become drier anyway, so it’s a good idea to give it some moisture with oils and other moisturising products like shampoos, conditioners, etc. Let’s take a look at some possible options to prevent this from happening.
We recommend the following:
Biolage Hydra Source Shampoo/Conditioner/Treatment Pack
Biolage Exquisite Oil
Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer
Redken Frizz Dismiss Anti-Static Oil Mist
If your hair goes crazy static after wearing a hat, then it’s probably time to ditch your cotton lined, acrylic or wool hats in favour of a satin or silk lined one. Smoother fabrics on your hair keep your strands flatter and less disturbed. Your hair will happily glide across the material, preventing frizz and the dreaded hat hair. Another good idea is to invest in a silk pillowcase for yourself. Your hair and skin will love it, and it will prevent your hair getting damaged and so static too. If there is humidity in the air, the static charge can usually just go away. During winter we all turn the heating up to stay cosy, but unfortunately for hair this isn’t always the best. If you can, I recommend buying a humidifier for your home. Try one out, it’s also good for your hair in general.
Have you tried using an ionic or anti-static hair dryer? Ionic dryers work by emitting negative ions to help separate water molecules. This process not only helps to dry your hair faster, but it also reduces heat damage that could dry out your strands, which in turn helps with static. Here’s some dryer recommendations, which are all of professional quality. They maybe more expensive than what you’re used to but it’s worth paying the extra cash:
Dyson Supersonic
GHD Helios Hair Dryer
Cloud Nine The Airshot
These pieces of advice will definitely help, but meanwhile be kind to your hair, and give it the attention it needs and deserves!
Neil Moodie