Is it just us, or does winter mark the start of unending beauty mishaps? From chapped lips, dry skin, and static hair, we don’t seem to get a break.
Speaking of static hair – what is this dramatic, hair-raising look all about?
Well, it turns out that when two, unlike materials, rub against each other, that triggers electrons to bounce from one surface to another. However, the charge builds up on surfaces that don’t conduct electricity (like dry hair), and electrons remain there.
As a result, your once tame strands start looking like they’re ready to fly away. Add the low humidity levels and your starts get a funky, staticky look.
So, what’s a girl gotta do when this happens? Do you start making plans to cut off your mane or make burnt offerings to the hair goddess?
Fear not, sis.
From moisturizing shampoos to silk pillowcases, here are nine ways to help manage static hair, no matter the weather.
Hydrate That Ish
Dry hair is notoriously prone to static. Therefore, keeping your hair moisturized is the best way to ensure it’s armed with the necessary ingredients to fight frizz, reduce static and manage other pesky effects.
Moisturizing shampoos, serums, and hair masks are a great place to start. These products contain emollients like avocado oil and shea butter, which work tirelessly to hydrate and soften brittle hair, especially during the colder months.
Avoid using products that have alcohol since they cause dryness.
Don’t Skip Conditioner
After treating your hair to a hydrating mask, it’s time to lather it up with your favorite conditioner. A nourishing conditioner will help counteract fuzziness, manage frizz, seal in moisture, and improve overall shine.
Some shampoos also contain surfactant ingredients that contribute a charge to your hair, and a conditioner helps counteract that. So please, don’t skip it.
Creams For the Win
Most texturizing products contain alcohol, which dries hair out. So, instead, go for cream-based formulas when styling your hair. Slathering a nickel-sized amount to your ends can quickly eliminate static, giving you a bouncy, lustrous mane.
Give Up Plastic
Plastic isn’t your BFF when it comes to staticky hair. Wooden and metallic combs are the way to go. Why? Because wood and metal are more conducive and will ensure the charge building up in your strands to discharge, giving you static-free strands.
Anti-Static Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets are packed with ingredients that help counteract fuzziness. They also help add some sexy scent to second-day strands, so be sure to keep them close – they’re a girl’s best-kept secret to static-free hair.
Top Tip: If you have sensitive skin, be sure to examine the ingredients first before using dryer sheets.
Hair Oil is Your Hero
Is there anything hair oil can’t fix? Nope.
Adding a good hair oil to your routine will help lock in moisture, reduce frizz and flyaways, and handle static gracefully.
To use it, squirt a drop into your palms, rub it on your hand, and then smooth it down your hair, avoiding the roots.
Silk Pillowcases Are A Girl’s BFF
Silk/satin pillowcases not only give you a Hollywood vibe but also help protect your strands when you’re asleep. They also help maintain salon-fresh curls and keep frizz and static in check.
Bun or Braid It Up
Sometimes, when you’re tired of dealing with frizzy and fussy hair, a vanilla-infused candle, a glass of merlot, and a messy bun is the way to go. Pulling your hair into a bun or low pony keeps flyaways and frizz away from your face.
Another option? Braiding. From knotless to box, braids hide static hair, which allows you to enjoy the snow dates stress-free.
When In Doubt, Trust A Hairspray
If you have a static attack and need a quick fix, a quick hairspray spritz is the answer. The fuss-free antidote helps set your style in place and smoothens flyaways, giving you shiny, static-free hair.
Hairsprays are also perfect for regular touch-ups, so keep one in your purse at all times.