Tips to Remove Annoying Static Electricity in Your Hair

Static in your hair is incredibly annoying. Getting rid of static electricity can be just as annoying. Preventing static from building up in your hair is the first step, but sometimes (especially in winter), it just can't be helped. Here are a few static-busting strategies and products to try.

1) More Moisture
Preventing static in the first place is the best way to banish static problems. The big rule with static is that more moisture equals less static. If you're not using conditioner, it's time to start. Don't make the mistake of using a two-in-one shampoo/conditioner; they're not bad in summer, but in the dryness of winter, they're not up to the job.

This is especially important for kids. They don't produce much sebum (hair's natural oil) until puberty hits and they turn into greasy monsters. For now, any moisture in the hair has to come from a conditioner.

Apply conditioning products (conditioners, oils, leave-in moisturizers) mainly on the ends of the hair (the ponytail section) if you're concerned about greasiness or conditioner weighing your hair down.


2) Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets are made to zap static, which builds up in blankets, hats, and clothes—and can charge your hair on contact. Don't relegate them only to the laundry room.

• Keep a package of dryer sheets in your bathroom. Wipe down combs, brushes, and hair clips.
• Line your brush drawer with a couple of dryer sheets.
• Smooth your hair down with a dryer sheet when flyaways get out of control.
• Safety -pin a dryer sheet inside your winter hat to keep it from charging your hair with electricity.
• Likewise, slip a dryer sheet inside your pillowcase to prevent it from making your hair crazy.

3) Hairspray
Hairspray—even a light-hold formula—not only helps reduce static charge but also can keep your hair from floating in the sky. Spray a little on your brushes before you use them.

A word to the wise about hairspray and static control: Easy does it. Too much hairspray actually can make the static problem worse. Most hairsprays are full of alcohol, which can dry your hair out. For a kinder, gentler spray, try Aveda's Witch Hazel Light Hold Hairspray.

4) Hair Oil
Hair oil is used for so many different hair- and skin-related issues, and static control is at the top of the list. Use it on your ends before you blow-dry to keep them moisturized. Rub a few drops through your fingers and finger-comb your hair after it's dried.

A little goes a long way here; make sure you keep the oil concentrated on your ends to prevent a greasy scalp.

Want to try something from the pantry? Try natural coconut oil. It's solid at room temperature, so just put a bit in a cup or bowl and set that into hot water for a few minutes. 

5)  All-Day Static Control: CHI Pliable Polish
When you need something that will help all day but you don't want your hair to feel like it's full of product, Pliable Polish from CHI does the trick. A very small amount rubbed on your hands and smoothed over your hair (particularly the ends) provides all-day static control. The product isn't sticky and adds a lovely shine to your hair.

6) Moisture Protection: Sexy Hair 450 Style Protect
Many products geared to protect your hair from heat also excel at preventing static buildup. If you're going to apply hundreds of degrees of scorching heat to your hair, try Sexy Hair's 450 Style Protect to help it retain its moisture.

7) A Better Blow Dryer
People tend to keep blow dryers far past their prime. If it's been a while since you've replaced yours, consider upgrading to an ionic model. This type not only helps reduce static but also reduces your blow-dry time significantly. That, in turn, prevents the lack of moisture that aggravates static.

8) All-Natural Static Zapper: Static Schmatic Anti-Static Spray
A good static-eliminating spray can bust through static in an instant, but many smell terrible and are full of chemicals. Static Schmatic, on the other hand, is all natural, with only five ingredients.

9) A Shampoo Vacation
Daily shampooing dries your hair, which in turn promotes static—so skip a day or two (or more). When you do need to shampoo, choose a moisturizing formula to add that all-important moisture.

10) Comb and Brush Swapout
If you're using plastic combs or picks, you're asking for static to rule your world. Switch out your plastic combs for metal or ceramic—or purchase a comb or brush that's specifically created to prevent static buildup.

If you're sticking to the regular type, bear in mind that combs with wider-spaced teeth produce less static than their closely spaced counterparts. As for brushes, choose natural bristles instead of plastic. They cost more, but you'll notice a significant change in the amount of static you're fighting.

11) A Humidifier
Especially if you live in a dry climate, a humidifier in your home battles the effects of dry air, including static. From your hair and skin to your clothes and blankets, increasing the moisture in your house will be an investment you won't regret. A humidifier will make your dry indoor environment so much more comfortable that you'll wonder why you didn't buy one sooner.

12) Leather Soles
Believe it or not, one of the best ways to remove static from your hair is to make a change on your feet. Rubber-soled shoes are comfy, but they accumulate electronic charge and send it through your body. You know that sudden, jarring zap you sometimes get when you touch metal? That's static, and it can make your hair (and you) crazy. Opt instead for leather-soled shoes and don't live in fear of the zap.
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This article appeared on LiveAbout