How to Get Rid of Static Cling in Hair

Dealing with static cling in hair is so very frustrating! And it seems to pop up at all the wrong times, like just before you go to an important meeting at work or when you’ve got the entire family gathered for a professional photo sitting.

Static cling results from lack of moisture. 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.

Hot showers also can strip moisture from your hair, contributing to static cling or flyaway hair. The problem tends to worsen when you use a comb or brush made of plastic or synthetic material. Dry hair strands collect a positive electrical charge when rubbed with these materials.

In addition, washing your hair too often with harsh shampoos that strip natural oils from your hair makes your lustrous locks more prone to flyaways.

Wearing caps, hats, and clothing made of wool or polyester also encourages static cling when hair rubs against these materials.

This problem is more common among individuals with straight, fine hair than those who have thick, curly, or oily hair. Moreover, bleaching your hair is likely to encourage pesky flyaways by increasing the friction between hair fibers.

How to Get Rid of Static Cling in Hair

Here are 6 tips and tricks for getting rid of hair static.

1. Dryer Sheet
2. The Metal Hanger Trick
3. Aloe Vera
4. Argan Oil
5. Silicone Hair Serum
6. Hand or Face Moisturizer

 

1. Dryer Sheet

   • Gently rub a used dryer sheet over your hair, from the roots to the ends.

   Rub dryer sheets on your combs and brushes, too. This will prevent static buildup in your hair just like it does in your clothes.

2. The Metal Hanger Trick

   • Just touch a metal hanger to your head and slowly move it down your hair.

   Use the metal hanger trick for static cling in hair as well as clothes. The metal attracts electricity, thereby removing it from your hair.

3. Aloe Vera

   • Comb aloe vera gel through your hair (preferably when damp).

   This nourishes and moisturizes your hair. In addition to the anti-static effect, it leaves your hair silky and promotes hair growth.

   Alternately, you may use a combination of two parts aloe vera and three parts coconut oil.

4. Argan Oil

   • Rub 5 or 6 drops of the oil in your hands.
   • Run them thoroughly through slightly damp hair.
     It lubricates your hair and reduces flyaways.

5. Silicone Hair Serum

   • Apply a silicon-based conditioner, gel or serum to your hair.

   It neutralizes electrical charges. You can also spray your hair brush with one or two squirts of hair spray before running it through your hair.

6. Hand or Face Moisturizer

   • Rub a bit of hand or facial moisturizer (even lip balm!) on your hands .
   • Work thoroughly through your hair.

Tips to Prevent Static Cling in Hair

• Oiling your hair is perhaps the best way to prevent static.
• Use an ionic ceramic hair dryer. This can neutralize the electrical charge that causes static electricity. Unlike regular hair dryers that diffuse positive ions, ionic hair dryers diffuse negatively charged ions and prevent frizz.
• Use styling products that are water-based and avoid those that contain alcohol.
• Avoid wearing rubber-soled shoes as they accumulate electrical charge that can contribute to hair static.

Dos and Don’ts

Dos	Don’ts
Do use a hydrating shampoo.	Do not over dry your hair with a blow dryer.
Do use a hot oil or deep conditioning treatment at least one a week.	Do not use plastic combs. Instead, opt for metal or hard rubber combs that are static resistant. You can also look for brushes made with natural fibers.
Do humidify the air indoors either by using a humidifier or placing a bowl of water on top of a radiator. You can also boil water on the stove for a while to add moisture to the air.
Do use a good-quality conditioner to moisturize your hair after shampooing.