As winter and cold air arrive, a plethora of health and beauty issues come up including, but not limited to, dry skin, chapped lips, and static hair. While there are many options for lotions and chapsticks on the market, there is still no go-to method to reduce that staticky nature of dry hair. In fact, the lack of moisture in the air paired up with heated indoor environments all play a part in static hair. Since winter air typically has low or no humidity, static electricity is often worse during this season. Water acts a great conductor of electricity, so the higher the humidity the less static. With all this in mind, I gathered the best tips out there for keeping hair smooth and static free.
1. Stay away from products that contain drying ingredients.
Watch out for alcohol which is often found in gels, dry shampoos, and styling foams as it removes moisture and oils from your scalp and hair.
2. Try a different part.
When wearing a hat, change your part to the opposite side than what you’re used to so when you take off your hat and flip your hair over to your usual part, you’ll not only have static-free locks but also more volume.
3. Shampoo less often.
As long as greasy hair isn’t a problem for you, shampoo less. The more you shampoo, the more you’re stripping the natural oils from your hair.
4. Use a heat protectant spray before straightening or blow drying.
Hot tools drain your hair of its moisture, which is why it’s imperative to use a heat protectant spray.
5. Use “natural” brushes and combs.
Instead of plastic, one might find it useful to invest in natural boar bristles and wooden combs to avoid static hair.
6. Wrap hair in a microfiber towel or shirt.
Hair is the most fragile when wet, so it may help to be extra gentle and wrap your hair with a hair-specific towel or use a cotton t-shirt.
7. Try anti-frizz sheets – but not the ones you put in the laundry.
Laundry sheets may not work as well and may cause irritation, which is why there are anti-static sheets for hair like Nunzio Saviano Anti-Frizz Sheets.
8. Apply a leave-in product on the go.
Rub a small amount in the palms of your hands and run your fingers through your hair, and the moisture in the product will eliminate the electric charge that causes static. The moisture and oil will allow your hair to become manageable again.
9. Use moisturizing hair care products.
Keeping your hair moisturized is probably the easiest way to ensure it’s armed with the hydration necessary to fight frizz and static.