Learning how to get rid of static hair can make your daily hair routine a LOT easier. Here are your simple steps to get smooth hair this winter.
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We’ve all been there – you’re getting ready to head out, and suddenly your hair is sticking up in all directions.
It’s not a great look, right?
Static hair is pretty common, especially when it’s cold and dry outside. It can make your hair look messy and feel uncomfortable.
But here’s the good news: there are plenty of simple ways to tame that static and keep your hair looking smooth and sleek.
In this post, I’ll share 20 easy remedies that you can try at home.
Whether you’re dealing with winter static or after straightening, these tips will help you get your hair back under control.
We’ll also look at why static happens, which hair types are most likely to get static, and how to tell if static is your problem.
So let’s get started on making your hair more manageable and static-free.
What Is Static?
Let’s start off with what causes it. Static is a result of an imbalance of electrical charges in your hair. This can happen when:
1. Your hair loses moisture
2. There’s friction between your hair and other surfaces (like hats or scarves)
3. The air is very dry (common in winter)
4. You use heat styling tools frequently
Hair Types Most Prone to Static
While any hair type can experience static, some are more susceptible:
- Fine hair: Lighter strands are more easily lifted by electrical charges
- Straight hair: Less textured hair tends to show static more visibly
- Dry or damaged hair: Lacks natural oils that help prevent static
- Color-treated hair: Often more porous and prone to dryness
How to Know If You Have Static Hair
Signs you’ve got some static going on include:
- Hair stands on end or floats away from your head
- Strands cling to your face, clothes, or each other
- You feel a slight shock when touching metal objects
- Your hair is difficult to style and doesn’t stay in place
20 Static Hair Remedies
1. Use a humidifier
A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can significantly reduce static in your hair. Place one in your bedroom or living area where you spend the most time.
Aim for a humidity level between 30-50% for best results. Remember to clean your humidifier regularly to prevent mold growth.
2. Apply leave-in conditioner
Leave-in conditioner provides lasting moisture to your hair, reducing the likelihood of static. Apply a small amount to damp hair, focusing on the ends.
Look for products with ingredients like glycerin or aloe vera for extra hydration. In a pinch, you can also DIY by diluting your regular conditioner with water.
3. Try dryer sheets
Dryer sheets can neutralize the electrical charges that cause static in your hair. Gently run a dryer sheet (new or used) over your hair to tame flyaways.
This method works best on dry hair and is a quick fix when you’re on the go. Be sure to use unscented sheets if you’re sensitive to fragrances.
4. Wear headwear with natural fibers
Natural fibers in your hats and headbands can be a game-changer for taming hair static.
They’re great at holding onto moisture and creating less friction. Plus, materials like cotton, wool, and silk are breathable and can help balance out the oils in your hair.
5. Apply hair oil/serum
A few drops of hair serum (or a hair oil) can add moisture and tame flyaways caused by static. Focus on applying the product to the ends of your hair, where static is often most noticeable.
Some awesome all-natural options include argan oil, jojoba oil, or a DIY rosemary oil. Start with a small amount and add more if needed to avoid greasy-looking hair.
6. Avoid plastic combs and brushes
Plastic tools can increase static electricity in your hair. Instead, go for combs and brushes made from materials like wood, or boar bristles.
Consider investing in a high-quality brush with natural bristles for daily use, and you’ll see a big difference in your hair.
7. Use a silk pillowcase
Silk pillowcases reduce friction while you sleep, preventing static and frizz. They also help retain your hair’s natural moisture.
Swap out your regular pillowcase for a silk one, especially during dry winter months. As an added bonus, silk pillowcases can also help prevent acne and wrinkles.
8. Apply aloe vera gel
Aloe vera is a natural moisturizer that helps control static and adds shine to your hair. Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to damp hair before styling.
You can use store-bought gel or extract it right from an aloe plant. For extra nourishment, mix the aloe vera with a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
For a more intensive treatment, you can make a DIY aloe vera hair mask.
9. Use an apple cider vinegar rinse
An apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse can balance your hair’s pH and reduce static. You simply apply it to your hair, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse.
Check out this post for the full recipe and instructions. This treatment can also help remove product buildup, add shine, and make your hair feel softer. I like using it to soothe an itchy scalp!
10. Use a wooden brush
Wooden brushes don’t create static electricity like plastic ones do. They also help distribute your hair’s natural oils from root to tip, which helps your hair stay soft.
Look for a brush with wooden bristles (some of them can look like wood but are actually plastic). Brush your hair gently, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots.
11. Use ionic hair tools
Ionic hair tools (like hair dryers and flat irons) help neutralize electric charges in your hair. They work by emitting negative ions that counteract the positive ions causing static.
When buying these, look for tools specifically labeled as “ionic.” Use these tools on the lowest heat setting possible to minimize damage. And always use a heat protectant!
12. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner
Switching to a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner can reduce static by keeping your hair hydrated. Look for products containing ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, or natural oils.
Try a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo, because harsh sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils.
13. Apply static guard spray
Static guard sprays are designed specifically to combat static in hair and clothing. Look for a spray formulated for hair use, or dilute a fabric static guard spray with water.
Apply lightly to your hair, focusing on areas prone to static. These sprays can be super helpful during dry winter months!
14. Use a green tea hair rinse
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has natural conditioning properties that can help reduce static in your hair.
Brew 2-3 bags of green tea in 2 cups of hot water and let it cool. After shampooing, use this as a final rinse, leaving it in your hair without rinsing out.
The tannins in green tea help to smooth the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and static.
Also, green tea can stimulate hair growth and add shine to your locks. Use this rinse once a week for best results.
Black tea hair rinses are also very effective at treating static!
15. Use a boar bristle brush
Boar bristle brushes help distribute your hair’s natural oils from root to tip. This natural oil distribution helps reduce static and adds shine to your hair.
Use the brush daily, starting at the scalp and brushing through to the ends. For thick hair, you can try a brush that combines boar bristles with nylon bristles to make it easier to brush through your hair.
Mason Pearson brushes are amazing at distributing the hair’s oils, and well-known for being very high quality.
16. Apply coconut oil
Coconut oil is an excellent deep conditioning treatment that combats dryness and static. Apply a small amount to your hair, focusing on the ends, and leave it on for 30-60 minutes before washing.
For an intensive treatment, leave it on overnight and wash it out in the morning. Use this treatment once a week or as needed.
I like using fractionated coconut oil for this, because it stays liquid at room temperature.
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17. Use DIY honey hair masks
Honey is a natural humectant that attracts and retains moisture in your hair. Mix two tablespoons of honey with one tablespoon of water to create a mask (increase the amounts if you have long hair).
Apply to damp hair, leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse and shampoo as usual. Use this treatment once a week.
18. Use avocado hair masks
Avocados are rich in fatty acids that nourish and moisturize your hair, helping to prevent static. Mash a ripe avocado and mix it with a tablespoon of a carrier oil.
Apply the mask to your hair, focusing on the ends, and leave it on for 30 minutes before washing out.
19. Use a microfiber towel
Microfiber towels reduce friction when drying your hair, which helps prevent static and frizz.
Gently squeeze excess water from your hair instead of rubbing vigorously, and wrap your hair securely in the towel.
Using a hair towel wrap is especially helpful for those with curly or frizz-prone hair.
20. Apply jojoba oil
Jojoba oil closely mimics your hair’s natural oils, making it an excellent choice for preventing static. Apply a few drops to damp hair, focusing on the ends.
For very dry or damaged hair, you can also use it as a pre-shampoo hot oil treatment. Jojoba oil is light and non-greasy, making it suitable for most hair types, and it’s amazing to use on your skin too!
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Tips to Get Rid of Static Hair in Winter
Here are a few extra tips to add to your winter hair care routine, to reduce static (and frizz) in the colder months.
- Wear a silk-lined hat to reduce friction
- Sleep in a protective hairstyle and if you have curly hair, wear a bonnet/scarf
- Avoid going outside with wet hair
- Avoid overheating your home, which can dry out the air
- Deep condition your hair weekly
- Apply a heat protectant before styling
FAQ’s
Focus on keeping your hair moisturized, using the right tools (like brushes with natural bristles), and reducing friction.
Apply leave-in conditioner or hair oil, and use a humidifier in dry environments.
Static occurs when your hair lacks moisture and there’s an imbalance of electrical charges. Dry air, friction from certain fabrics, and heat styling can all lead to static hair.
For quick fixes, try running a dryer sheet over your hair, applying a small amount of hair oil or leave-in conditioner, or using a boar bristle brush to distribute your hair’s natural oils.
Washing your hair can help if you use moisturizing products in the process. However, overwashing can strip natural oils and make static worse.
Focus on using hydrating shampoos and conditioners, and don’t wash too frequently.
Use a heat protectant before straightening, use an ionic flat iron, and finish with a light anti-static spray or hair oil.
Avoid over-straightening, which can dry out your hair and increase static.
By adding some of these tips to your hair care routine, you can get rid of static hair quick! Experiment with different methods to find what works best for your hair type.
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