7 Easy Tips for Fixing Static Hair

Static hair, not to be confused with frizz and flyaways, are a direct threat to great hair days. Unruly strands that stand right up are tough to deal with plus, they can happen when you’re doing the most random things. Though you may find that you deal with them mostly in the winter, static hair can ruin your look any time of the year. 

When it comes to static hair, there are a few different ways to avoid them, as well as ways to get rid of them once they literally pop up. Keep reading to learn all about static hair including our best tips and tricks for how to get static out of hair, along with product recommendations and hairstyles that can hide static.

What Causes Static Hair?

You've likely heard the phrase, static electricity in the past and that’s essentially what’s behind your static hair. Simply put, when your hair rubs against another object, electrons are transferred from one to the other, resulting in an electric charge that causes your strands to stand up. 

Rubbing your hair against something that creates friction, like wearing a hat or putting on a sweater, is one of the main causes of static strands. Something as mundane as brushing your hair can cause static because it creates friction and electrons can be transferred from the brush to your hair, causing static.

Change in humidity is another cause and explains why static hair is more common during the winter when there is less moisture in the air. This is also the same reason why dry and damaged strands are more prone to static. 

Can Static Damage My Hair?

No, static alone cannot damage your hair but since static targets dry hair, it can lead to breakage and stiff strands. Luckily, the fix is easy and involves switching to a hydrating hair care routine to give your strands some much-needed moisture. 

7 Tips and Tricks for Dealing With Static Hair

Managing static hair is equal parts how to avoid it and how to fix it once it’s popped up. Here are some tips and tricks for how to deal with static hair, plus, ways to get rid of static hair and how to prevent static in your hair in the first place.

1. Use a Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner

When it comes to dealing with static, it’s important to remember that dry strands will only exacerbate it. If your hair is dry to begin with or the weather is dry, reach for a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to help nourish strands. We love L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump Hydrating Shampoo, Paraben-Free and the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump Hydrating Conditioner, Paraben-Free as they work to replenish dry, dehydrated strands, add body and enhance shine.

Editor’s tip: When you’re in the shower, turn down the dial and wash your hair in lukewarm water. Scalding temps can strip your strands of essential moisture, leaving them dry and dull-looking.

2. Try a Hair Serum to Tame Flyaways

Beyond shampoo and conditioner, an anti-frizz serum is a great, quick fix that can help to tame static hair. We love the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In because this hair serum instantly polishes and smooths frizz while locking in shine and offering heat protection. 

After shampooing and conditioning, apply one to two pumps to damp hair to distribute evenly and heat style as usual. You can also use a small amount on dry hair to smooth flyaways and add shine.

3. Switch to an Ionic Blow Dryer

Using an ionic blow dryer can neutralize static-causing ions, leading to smoother strands with fewer flyaways and static. An ionic blow dryer will also help to reduce heat damage that can dry out your strands and cause more static. Prepping your strands with a heat protectant is vital so before blow drying, reach for the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer, Heat Protectant or the Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In.

4. Try a Dryer Sheet

Dryer sheets function to neutralize static-inducing electrons on clothes so it's no wonder they can do the same for your hair. While it may feel unconventional, running one over your hair a few times is all it takes to banish static. Plus, the fresh, clean smell serves as an added bonus for day four strands.

5. Rethink Your Hairbrush

Daily hairbrushing could be the sneaky cause for your frequent static strands because brushing hair, especially if you have thin hair, causes friction which creates static. If you need to use a brush, try giving your brush a few spritzes of water with a spray bottle before running it through your hair. It doesn’t have to be super wet, just enough to counteract the dry conditions that static loves. Opting for a wide tooth comb is another option that can help to minimize friction and static.

6. Use a Static-Reducing Product

Sometimes the best tips are the most obvious ones and if you want a straightforward way to remove static, use a product that has that very purpose in mind. We adore the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free 21-in-1 Color Caring Spray, Leave In because two of its 21 different benefits include hydrating the hair and reducing static. Use it on damp hair before heat styling to detangle, moisturize, smooth and more.

7. Wear a Braided Updo

When all else fails, rocking a braided updo is a great way to hide static hair. Start with a tinted dry shampoo to refresh your roots, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Blonde Hair or the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Brown Hair. 

Dutch braids are a great option, so part your hair down the middle and create a braid on each side. When you’re finished, secure your hair in a bun and lock everything in place with a spritz of the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold, Light Hairspray Unscented. Hair spray will help to lock out humidity and banish static, keeping your hair smooth and perfectly in place.

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Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn