Do you suffer from static hair, and find yourself battling flyaways that refuse to lay flat? Static hair is a common and frustrating bugbear, so we've asked the pros for their insider tricks and product recommendations to combat staticky hair. From beauty hacks to moisturising shampoos, we have easy ways that can help combat static hair, whatever the weather.
But first...
What is hair static exactly?
Static electricity occurs when electrons are transferred between two materials that rub against each other – like a jumper and hair. One becomes positively charged, while the one that becomes negatively charged and the two repel each other. The result: hair that looks like a mad science experiment!
Why does hair become more static in the winter?
Static happens more in dry environments, and during the winter when it's cold outside and we are blasting central heating inside. “This sucks moisture from our hair, leaving it dehydrated and prone to static. When hair rubs against certain materials like wool or synthetic fabrics, electrons transfer, creating that flyaway effect," explains Jason Collier, celebrity hairstylist and key opinion leader for Jerome Russell Bblonde.
Which type of hair is more prone to static?
"Fine, thin hair is the most prone to static,” says Jason. “Because it's lightweight, it lifts more easily when charged with static electricity.” Fine hair often lacks the natural oils that help weigh strands down and keep them moisturised, making it harder to resist the static charge.
“Dry and chemically treated hair is also more susceptible,” says Nicholas Fletcher-Holmes, education and creative ambassador, Kao Salon Division UK, “while curly and coarse hair, which holds more natural oils, tends to be less affected. But it’s not immune.”
Easy ways to stop static
Swap plastic combs for metal
Plastic is not your friend when it comes to flyaway hair. Metal combs are better for combing away static hair. Why? Because metal is more conductive and will cause the electric charges building up in your hair to discharge, reducing the amount of static present. But they aren't the most gentle on your hair so shouldn't replace your regular brushes and combs.
Apply hairspray to your brush before using it
Smooth flyaways and set your style in place by spraying hairspray liberally on to your brush and run it over your hair from root to tip before leaving the house. This technique is also great for touch-ups throughout the day.
Celebrity stylist and Color Wow ambassador Chris Appleton Chris’s favourite flyaway hack is to spray an old toothbrush with Color Wow Cult Favorite Firm + Flexible Hairspray and brush niggling baby-fine hairs into place. Or mist hair with the same hairspray and very carefully use a curling iron to push the flyaways down and set them into place.
Use hair oil to fix static
Adding hair oil into your routine before stylising can lock in moisture and reduce frizz and flyaways. A handy hack to stop static hair is to take a drop of oil, rub it between your palms and then smooth down your hair with your lightly oiled hands, avoiding the roots. This one by Percy & Reed had an 88/100 score when tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute.
Regulate the atmosphere
If you are wrestling with chronic hair static inside your house, then the air quality in your home could be super dry. Your hair, skin, and sinuses will all benefit from using a humidifier from time to time. A humidifier like Beurer Compact Air Humidifier LB37 helps to reduce static hair by increasing the moisture levels in the air. This added humidity allows the static charge to dissipate more easily, resulting in smoother, less flyaway hair.
Use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner
Make sure your shampoo and conditioner are as hydrating as possible, as dry hair equals static. Try to look for products that are not only nourishing, but also free from sulphates parabens, silicones and dyes for shiny, smooth, healthy hair.
The GHI's top rated sulphate-free shampoos
Kérastase Discipline Gentle Shampoo
Pureology Hydrate Shampoo
Redken Frizz Dismiss Shampoo
Be aware that towels can cause static hair or flyaways
When hair is wet it absorbs a large amount of water and this swelling causes the outer layer, known as the cuticle, to lift up. This makes your hair particularly vulnerable. Standard towels are harsh on your delicate locks, this damage leads to breakage and dry damaged hair prone to frizz and fly aways. But there are other options. Try a microfibre or jersey towel to dry your hair, they absorb the excess without drying out the hair. Even a jersey T-shirt does the job.
Or for a protective way to dry that works while you're carrying on with the rest of your routine, try a microfibre version of a classic towel turban.
Try a silk to help flyaways and stop static hair
Not only do silk pillow cases add a touch of Hollywood glamour to your bedroom, they also protect the cuticle while you sleep. They're gentle on your hair as you roll and turn, meaning you'll wake up with better-behaved hair.
For a more affordable option you can get pillows with silk just on one side, cutting the cost. And lots of pretty colours are available, too.
If you don't want to have mismatched bedding, you can also sleep in a luxe silk hair wrap.
These are particularly good for ready-to-go hair in the morning as your locks won't be at all tousled from tossing and turning. Simply twist your hair and loosely tuck into the turban before bed, and in the morning you'll be good to go. They also help distribute your hair's natural oils along the lengths of the hair for glossy locks and minimal flyaways.
Style smarter
If static is ruining your hair confidence, the right finishing products can make all the difference. “A small amount of Kerasilk Finishing Cream, £23 helps smooth flyaways and adds a polished, frizz-free finish,” says Nicholas. If you style with heat, opt for ionic technology to help counteract static while minimising heat damage. The BaByliss 3Q Hair Dryer was one of the star performers in GHI's best hairdryer testing.
Watch out for synthetic fabrics
Your wardrobe could be contributing to static without you realising it. Synthetic materials like polyester and acrylic can rub against your hair, leading to an increase in flyaways. Choose natural fabrics like wool or cotton instead.
Water can tame flyaways in an emergency
If all fails... It's the simplest trick going, but if you’re without hairspray or a moisturising hair styler, just use water to get your hair under control temporarily.
