Ways to Eliminate Static in Your Hair

I’ve received several e-mails over the last couple months asking for help on how to get rid of static in your hair.  And since my 10 year old “Bug” tends to have more issues with this than the other 2 girls, I figured it was time to share my findings.

First, you need to know that static cling results from lack of moisture.  And as you all probably find, it’s particularly common during the cold months when the air is drier than usual.  Basically, electrical resistance and conductivity are determined by the moisture content. Dry indoor air and cold outdoor air also lead to the accumulation of static electricity.

So how can you tackle that annoying hair that is standing straight up or sticking to everything in sight?  For starters, I’ve got several things that you should be aware of that might be causing all the static in the first place.

** What’s your water temp?

Probably the easiest way to help cut down on static is don’t wash your hair in hot water. As nice as a hot shower is in the cold winter, hot showers can strip moisture from your hair, contributing to static cling or flyaway hair.

** What types of combs or brushes are you using?

Staticky hair tends to worsen when you use a comb or brush made of plastic or synthetic material.  Brushing causes friction between your hair and the bristles, which generates static electricity.   If you prefer to use a brush, look for one with boar bristles and a wooden handle. These natural fibers are gentler on hair.  The Spornette 25 Wood Handle “Porcupine” Brush With Genuine Boar Bristle has great reviews and many people mention how they don’t have static when using this brush.  And obviously the more you brush, the more static you can generate, so keep brushing to a minimum if possible.

We don’t use much in the way of brushes at our house, and we’ve found using a wide-tooth comb to get most of the tangles out, etc., cuts down on the static because the teeth are spaced further apart – which cuts down on flyaway-causing friction.

What type of shoes or clothes do you wear?

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Most people wear shoes that have rubber soles. Rubber accumulates charges, as do certain synthetic fabrics.  Wearing caps, hats, and clothing made of wool or polyester also encourages static cling when hair rubs against these materials.  

Now that I’ve shared a few things that might be causing the static, here are several suggestions to help fight the static!  Keep in mind, depending on your hair type some may give better results than others.  Here they are in no particular order:

** Dryer Sheets

The most common way is gently run a dryer sheet down sections of hair to kill the static.  You can also rub them on your brushes and combs.  But – an even better option is to put a dryer sheet on your brush and brush through your hair.  It may look weird, but it works!  Just push the bristles through the dryer sheet so it sits against the very back of the brush and then brush away!

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** Shampoos & Conditioners

Since dry air & dry hair are the problem, be sure to use shampoos and conditioners that will help hydrate/moisturize your hair.  Ask your stylist for suggestions, since everyone’s hair type is different.  Also, if you can go a day in between, don’t wash your hair every day.  The natural oil our scalp creates are healthy and moisturizing for the hair and moisturized hair is less prone to static. Shampooing the hair strips the oil from the hair strand and scalp making it more dry and susceptible to static.

** Static Guard

While it may not smell like roses, spraying static guard on combs & brushes, or even a little on your hand and running your hand down your hair, it definitely does the trick.

 ** Argan Oil

You can use a hot oil treatment a few times a week, or  Organic Argan Oil helps lubricate your hair and prevent static, as well as making your hair softer and tamer.  Put a few drops of it on your hands and rub it through slightly damp hair.

** Other moisturizers

Rubbing your hands with hand or face moisturizer and once it’s almost absorbed in your hands, if you run your hands down your hair, this will also help get rid of static.

** Metal hanger

While I don’t own metal hangers, some people say that running a metal hanger down your hair (or even your clothes) does the trick.  The metal attracts electricity, thereby removing it from your hair.

* Use a humidifier

* Use styling products

Just by using styling products, they can help weigh your hair down a bit helping with the static.  Use ones that are water-based and avoid those that have alcohol in them.  Silicone hair serums also are great.

* Use an ionic ceramic hair dryer

Hopefully these tips will help you and you’ll be able to get rid of the static that is plaguing your hair!  Have other suggestions on how you get rid of static in your hair?  Please comment below and let us know!  We’d love to hear what helps you!

** Also — be sure to come back tomorrow — we’ve got a fun little giveaway planned that I know you’ll love! **