What causes Static hair and what can I do?

Static is a sign that your hair is lacking moisture and smoothness. Static electricity occurs when two unlike objects rub against each other causing the negative electrons of one object (e.g. brush) to transfer to the other (e.g. hair).  A negative charge remains on the hair.  But dry, damaged hair does not conduct electricity very well, thus the electrons stay there and are not transferred again causing the hair to repel each other. Static hair occurs more frequent in winter.

What causes static hair?

  • Dryness – Hair that lacks moisture can’t conduct electricity well. Electrons build up and strands repel each other, causing “flyaways”
  • Low humidity – This is common in winter or air-conditioned environments. Dry air pulls moisture out of the hair.
  • Friction – Caused through brushing (especially plastic brushes), hats, scarves, pillow, towels. Synthetic fabrics worsen static.
  • Harsh products – Some shampoos, especially harsh shampoos containing sulphates, strip oils from the hair. Furthermore, product build-up on the hair my increase friction between strands.
  • Over-processing – Bleaching, coloring and heat styling damage the hair cuticle and causes it to raise. A raised cuticle means more friction and thus more static.

Easy steps to avoid static hair

Instantly reduce the friction

  • Cut back on combing and brushing and use a metal comb or brush with natural fibers if you have to brush. 
  • Mist your brush with hairspray before brushing rather than spraying the hairspray over your hair, as most hairsprays contains alcohol, which is a dehydrating substance. 
  • Pat your dry hair softly with a wet-wipe or mist your hair with water.
  • Apply a leave-in conditioner or serum over the hair lengths and ends.

Hydration is key

When the air around us becomes dry, particularly during the winter months or in low-humidity environments, the hair tends to lose its natural moisture as well. Dry hair is more prone to static. It is important to keep you hair hydrated and to seal the cuticle properly. Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner and try not to wash you hair every day. Allow at least 48 hours in between washes.

Apply a deep conditioning mask or treatment once per week. You can also switch to a leave-in conditioner like the Ice Cream Argan bi-phase, or you can add the leave-in after rinsing out your conditioning mask. This will lower the pH even more, ensuring that the cuticle is tightly sealed, to prevent further de-hydration and friction.

Add a repair or gloss treatment every 1-2 weeks

Porous and damaged hair lacks moisture and is more likely to be static. The cuticle of damaged hair tends to stay open, which increases friction and moisture loss. Add an intensive treatment to your haircare routine to repair damage and improve hydration. We recommend the Shecare Repair at-home or at-salon treatments. A gloss service like the Shecare Glazed will instantly seal the cuticle and prevent static.

Invest in alcohol free styling aids

If you can, allow hair to air dry as heat will further dry out the hair. Alternatively use a good quality thermal protector and avoid styling aids that contain alcohol, as alcohol is a de-hydrating substance. Use styling aids that forms a protective layer around the hair and that add weight to the hair such as a mousse, styling cream or frizz free spray. The STYLE-IN range offers a wide variety of styling aids that are alcohol free and will not leave residue on the hair.

Don’t over-dry your hair

Let you hair air-dry, or if you must, reduce drying time as well as the temperature at which you are drying or straightening. Use ionic hairdryers if possible. Finish your drying session with a shot of cool air to close the cuticle.

Use a humidifier

If the air in your environment is dry, especially during the winter, using a humidifier can add moisture to the air and reduce static electricity.

Wear clothes made from natural fibers

Wearing clothes made from natural fibers like cotton or silk reduces friction and decreases static buildup. Avoid synthetic materials as much as possible. Also, switch to wooden or boar bristle brushes and avoid plastic combs. Use microfiber towels or old cotton T-shirts to dry after washing. Sleep on silk or satin pillowcases.

Static electricity is pretty much unavoidable in winter and the only solution is to keep hair healthy and moisturized. 

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