The winter months bring cozy and crisp weather that we all wait for so we can snuggle in our blankets and enjoy our delicious hot beverages. However, one challenge that also emerges in the wintertime is static electricity in hair.
This issue is faced by almost all women and can become a massive source of discomfort since the hair gets too frizzy, and unmanageable and tends to cling to everything.
If you too face this issue, we are here to guide you on what can cause static electricity in hair and how you can prevent it.
What is Static Electricity in Hair?
With the cold months comes dry weather that can take a toll on both our skin and hair. Unlike summertime, there isn’t much humidity in the air during the cold months and since this dry air cannot tackle static electricity, our hair accumulates charges, causing the hair to stick out.
What are the Reasons for Static Electricity in Hair?
So, what are the situations that contribute to the cause of static electricity in hair? We have listed a few below:
Damaged Hair
Damaged hair is way more prone to developing static electricity regardless of whether it has been damaged with heat or dyes.
Applying the Wrong Hair Products
Using products that do not address the needs of your hair and might not even be suitable for your hair could exacerbate the problem. Shampoos with harsh ingredients can strip your hair of all its essential oils and cause dryness which could lead to static electricity in the hair.
Age Might Be A Factor
One cause of static electricity in hair might be age as well. While aging is inevitable, it may diminish the production of sebum in our scalp, leading to less moisture in hair strands and increased chances of static electricity developing in the hair.
Product Accumulation on the Scalp
At times, layering hair products or using products with a very thick formula can create a coating on the hair that can also contribute to this issue.
How to Get Rid of Static Electricity in Hair?
Static electricity in hair might be a massive inconvenience but it isn’t untreatable. Here are some ways to stop static electricity in hair:
Bring Back the Moisture
One of the commonly used methods to reduce static electricity in hair is to restore the moisture in the hair. This can be done by using some products such as a shampoo with hydrating ingredients as well as hair oils to help nourish the hair.
To add to this, a light conditioner can also be beneficial to help lock in the moisture. In fact, a leave-in conditioner might do the trick. Focus the product on the length of the hair to prevent it from drying out and developing static electricity.
Avoid Over-shampooing
How often you shampoo your hair also plays a role in causing static electricity. Washing every day might not be ideal if you have this issue. Excessive shampooing only dries out the hair, leaving it prone to static electricity. Reduce the number of times you shampoo your hair to only 2-3 times a week and that too with water that is not too hot as hot water can also strip the hair’s hydration.
Ditch the Hot Tools
While using a blow dryer to dry your hair after every hair wash can take away the hassle of air-drying, the heat damage from the blow dryer may be the reason why your hair is becoming dehydrated and having static electricity. So cut down the use of hot tools and ensure you have heat-protectant on for maximum protection from damage.
Switch to a Wooden Comb
Swap your usual plastic comb and hair brush with a wooden comb, preferably a wide-tooth one. It will be a useful step to prevent static electricity in hair. As it won’t produce any friction when you comb out your hair and will contribute to improving the hair’s manageability.
Be Gentle With Your Hair
When your hair is wet after a fresh shower, now is the time to treat your hair with care. Don’t dry it by rubbing and tugging on it with a towel. Take your time to gently pat the towel on your hair.
Hydration & A Good Diet is Key
As they say, you are what you eat. If you drink enough water, hydrate your body, and follow a healthy diet, your hair will be in its best condition. Dehydration and a lack of vitamins and minerals in your diet can cause your hair to become dry and brittle and be at risk of becoming staticky.
Try Braids
The easiest way to get rid of static is to tie your hair in a braid or bun to prevent your hair from rubbing against your clothes or pillow and accumulating static. Use a few drops of oil on your hair before tying it and add some bobby pins to fasten any loose strands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is my pillowcase causing my hair to become staticky?
This might be the case if your pillowcase is made out of synthetic materials. Compared to a satin pillowcase, cotton and silk ones are much better to get rid of static electricity in hair as they are made out of natural materials.
Can static electricity cause any damage to my hair?
Static electricity in hair can become a source of damage for the hair in the long term as it can cause it to weaken and become lifeless. All this will eventually cause breakage.
What kind of styling products should I avoid to help with reducing static electricity in my hair?
Certain products such as hair sprays and other styling products have the ability to dry out our hair. In fact, it is all about the ingredients. Some products have drying ingredients like alcohol that can suck the moisture from the hair which may help temporarily with styling the hair but can lead to dry hair in the long run. Resultingly, the hair ends up becoming frizzy and even static.
