How to Fix Static Hair, According to Celebrity Hairstylists

Bye-bye, flyaways.

If you’ve ever taken your hat off on a cold winter day and had a “hair-raising” experience, then you’ve experienced static hair. As it turns out, there’s a scientific explanation for why our hairs can sometimes stand up on their own: The rubbing of certain materials against one another can transfer charges, or electrons, which in turn causes an electrical charge. While the science behind static hair may seem cool to some, we prefer to keep our hair static-free. To find out how to prevent and fix static, we tapped two celebrity hairstylists for their tips—but first, here’s what you need to know about static hair.

What’s the difference between static hair and frizz?

While both frizz and static are the result of a change in moisture, frizz is caused by an increase in humidity, while static is caused by a lack of moisture. Because of this, frizz is frequently experienced in the summer while static hair is more prominent in the winter.

What causes static hair?

Static electricity affects our hair when unlike materials, like a plastic comb or hat, build up an electric charge thanks to friction, like taking your hat on and off. The charge then transfers onto your strands, causing them to repel each other and leaving your hair looking like a science project gone wrong.

How can you prevent static hair?

While static hair seems to happen all of a sudden, there are several ways you can prep your hair to be static-free.

  1. Keep hair hydrated. Studies show that a good shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizing cream can dramatically improve the overall appearance of your hair while making it more manageable, glossy, and strong. Look for products with coconut oil, vitamin E, shea butter, and castor oil.
  2. Use the right hairbrush. “Synthetic brushes can create the same drying effect that causes static, while boar bristle brushes spread and store your body’s own sebum, thus eliminating static naturally,” explains celebrity hairstylist Paul Labrecque. Not only will this type of brush distribute your scalp’s natural oils, but it will also exfoliate and stimulate hair follicles on your scalp to help with hair growth.
  3. Use a microfiber towel to dry hair. Your hair is most fragile when it’s wet, and aggressive rubbing can lead to damage, frizz, and static. That’s why it’s important to use a microfiber towel since it can absorb moisture much faster than your regular towel, making the drying process quicker and easier.
  4. Sleep on a silk pillowcase. Because of its super-smooth texture, silk helps reduce friction and damaged hair. Try the Slip pillowcases in one of eight colors and you’ll see the difference immediately.

How can you fix static hair?

Even with the right preventative products and tools, static hair can still happen. On days when you can’t just throw your hair in a top knot, celebrity hairstylist Patrick Kyle says you can use static-fighting products as a quick fix to smooth unruly static hair. Here’s what he recommends:

  1. Use a de-frizzing oil. Rub a bit of product between your palms and smooth down unruly strands from mid-length to tips. Avoid your roots to prevent weighing down your hair.
  2. Swipe an anti-frizz sheet over your hair. The Nunzio Saviano Anti-Frizz Sheets will tame frizz, hydrate, and add shine.
  3. Brush hairspray through your hair. Kyle suggests spraying a bit of hairspray onto your hairbrush and running it from root to tip to smooth out any static hairs. Using a workable hairspray is key, as you want a spray that has a strong hold without feeling stiff or crunchy.
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