There must be something in the air (quite literally) because searches around “why is my hair so static?” have suddenly surged on Google, so what’s up?
It’s a bit of a head-scratcher because static hair tends to affect us most commonly in the autumn and winter, but there are a few reasons it may strike as spring hits, too. We spoke to the hair pros to understand what causes static hair and what we can do to prevent it from ruining a good hair day.
Why is my hair so static?
It’s back to school for this one. Scientifically speaking, static happens when two objects rub against each other causing an imbalance in electrons that creates an electrical charge. Those two objects then repel each other, like magnets, pushing one away from the other, which is why your hair can end up levitating when it becomes static. “Usually this happens if a material [like your coat or cardi] is rubbing against your hair,” explains Larry King, pro hair stylist and Redken ambassador.
The weather can exacerbate things, too. “If you live somewhere humid, static isn’t usually an issue but if the air is dry and there’s a lack of moisture in your hair, static is much more common,” explains Larry. “During the colder months, the combination of cold winds with warm indoor heat are not doing your hair any favours with moisture loss. So if your hair is damaged or dehydrated, you’re probably more prone to hair static,” he says.
But, static can hit at any time, since air conditioning can also sap hair of moisture and contribute to that electric charge. As the temperature has gotten hotter this week and the air-con has gone on in our offices, it may be the reason you’ve noticed more static in your hair.
Are some hair types more prone to static hair?
Some hair types suffer more from static than others. Fine hair in particular can start to float easily since it’s more lightweight than thicker or coarser types. Likewise, dinky baby hairs tend to be the first to fly away.
And, since static hair is effected by the moisture balance in your strands, dry, damaged and dehydrated hair is also more likely to become static as it lacks the moisture that can smooth it back down and neutralise those electrical charges.
What can I do to prevent static?
Moisture is like a magic shield against static. “To prevent static hair you’ll need to add moisture,” confirms Mathilde Heather, founder of The Suite and Kérastase ambassador. “Deep conditioning treatments, hair oils and leave in conditioners will all support adding moisture to your hair,” she says.
Mathilde recommends using the Kérastase Premiere Anti Breakage Filler Hair Mask and Elixir Ultime to stopping static hair from happening whilst adding moisture and repairing your hair. Meanwhile, Larry says Redken’s ABC 24/7Night & Day Serum is something you can use on the go. “It’s a thin serum that can be applied to dry hair for bonding, strength, repair and instant hydration, and can be applied a few times through the day without build up,” he says. Or, “if you need to smooth down stubborn static, use my Flyaway Kit and use the dual-ended brush and comb to smooth flyaways,” he says.
Product layering can also help. “My top tip is to apply oil to damp hair, dry the hair and then reapply the oil for extra health,” says Mathilde.
For more from GLAMOUR’s Senior Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk
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