How to Avoid Static Hair

Overview

Static electricity occurs when friction causes atoms to gain or lose electrons, thereby changing their charge. Atoms are all made up of protons, electrons and neutrons. Protons have a positive charge, electrons are negative and neutrons have no charge. Atoms usually have an equal number of protons and electrons and maintain a neutral charge. When the proton/electron balance is off, this causes the atoms to have a positive or negative charge. In the world of chemistry, opposites attract--so when the atoms become charged, the positive atoms are attracted to the negative atoms. This is why brushing your hair, on a cold dry day causes hair static. The friction of brushing charges the atoms--in your hair and the brush--and the hair becomes attracted to the brush. The same thing can occur with hats, hair accessories and even your hands.

Step 1

Let your hair air dry. Moisture is the best defense against static electricity. High heat, from hair dryers, can vaporize the water in the hair strand, leaving hair dry, brittle and prone to static. If you need to use a dryer, use low heat and stop before your hair is bone dry.

Step 2

Use a leave-in conditioner. Conditioners help seal moisture into the hair cuticle. The more moisture present, the less likely static will occur. In addition to a leave-in conditioner, use a deep conditioner every third time you wash your hair. The deep conditioner will help repair the hair cuticle, keeping moisture inside the strand.

Step 3

Cleanse the scalp with a clarifying shampoo. Excess product, on the scalp, can keep the natural oils from reaching the ends of your hair. Regular deep cleaning strips away pore-clogging residue, allowing the natural oils to lubricate the hair strand.

Step 4

Comb the hair with anti-static spray. The friction from combing and brushing can cause static in the hair. An anti-static spray will have the same affect on hair as it does on fabric fibers.

Step 5

Rub the hair with dryer sheets. Dryer sheets have an anti-static component and have an added benefit of making the hair smell nice. If you would rather not smell like fresh laundry, Use unscented dryer sheets. Dampen the sheet and run it over your hair, once or twice, to keep static under control.

Step 6

Wear a silk scarf. Silk is very smooth and generates very little friction. The less friction against your hair, the less likely static will develop. During the winter months, tie a silk scarf around your head before putting on heavy woolen caps.