Why Does My Hair Get Static When I Brush It?

Most of the time when you get a static hair condition, frizz and fly-away hair, its during the Winter time. In Winter, the conditions are just right to cause your hair to build up static when you brush. And during this time it seems almost impossible to to anything about it. But don’t panic yet, there is hope. By understating how your hair gets static buildup when brushing you can tame your static hair or possibly even eliminate the condition. So let’s discover why and what you can do about static electricity.

When I Brush My Hair, Why Does It Become Static?

Static hair is caused by rubbing objects together with your hair. Dry hair is perfect for creating static electricity when there is not much moisture in the air. Static hair and lack of air moisture will cause electrons to jump from one object (your hair) to the other object (the hairbrush) while brushing. Static hair is charged when electrons are gained and lost. Static hair is now charged.

The object that lost the electron becomes positively charged while the other object that gains an electron becomes negatively charged.You hair is now charged and this causes each strand of hair to repel itself.

Anti Static Prevention Products

Anti Static And Conditioning SpritzRecommendation
1. John Frieda Frizz EaseWorks very well and add a little gloss to your hair. The anti-frizz formula is great and lasts a long time.
2. Snip-its Tangle Tamer Hair Detangler Spray for KidsSays it’s for kids but don’t let that stop you from purchasing because it works good. I like it because it contains no harsh chemicals, made in the USA and is cruelty-free.
3. Joico Blonde Life Brilliant GlowSmells nice and makes hair look shiny. Overall a very good product, not oily, nice and lightweight.
4. xStatyk – Anti Static Hypoallergenic SprayI like it because it has no heavy odor and is not tested on animals. It works by calming statically charged hair by evenly distributing ionic charges.
5. Coconut Heat Protection Spray and Anti-FrizzI can’t resist the coconut scent, but it’s a little on the heavy side so go lightly.
6. Biolage All-in-one Coconut InfusionI recommend because it does a lot for the price. It enhances shine, fights frizz, detangles, protects hair from heat, prevents split ends.
7. Loma Hair Care Nourishing OilHonestly the vanilla bean and orange scent is great. You get thermal protection and humidity resistance in a nourishing oil based spray.
8. Paul Mitchell Super Skinny SerumI recommend because it give your hair a smooth, frizz,free finish that resists humidity. Plus it’s vegan, paraben and gluten free. Excellent!!!
9. Paul Mitchell Foaming PommadeOne of my all time favorites. Works excellent but the down side you have to work it in using your hands so it’s not as easy as a spray on to apply. It is very good at providing light control for your hair.
10. PURA D’OR Professional Moroccan Argan OilI like the Moroccan oil plus protects against UV rays and adds a bit of shine to your hair.
11. Redken One United All-In-OneI love this product because it’s a leave in conditioner and heat protectant detangles, hydrates, fights frizz all with one easy to use spray.
12. Leave-In ConditionerI love it. An excellent product!!!! It has a lavender scent but honestly it’s so light you can’t really smell anything. If you have thin hair this product t will help improve texture. Does a great job at reducing static. I highly recommend.
13. Redken Frizz Dismiss Anti-static Oil MistIt’s an oil but it’s lightweight. Works good at anti frizz for taming flyaways. Contains Babassu Oil which come form the seeds of the babassu palm which mainly grows in the Amazon region of South America. It’s very similar to coconut oil.
14. Color Wow Dream CoatI like it because it encapsulates and transforms the texture of strands so they fall in smooth, silky alignment. It’s like water proof for your hair. Works better for some than others. Might be too light for some, but my preference is I would rather it be lighter than really heavy and oily.
15. Moroccanoil All In One Leave in ConditionerAn excellent lightweight leave-in conditioner that hydrates, detangles, and provides long-lasting softness. Plus it has my personal favorite, argan oil.
16. R+Co Foil Frizz Plus Static Control SprayGood for getting rid of static, taming flyaway hair, eliminating frizz plus it’s a vegan and cruelty-free product. However, it works better for some folks than others. It might be too light for some with heavy static conditions.
17. Redken Oil for AllIt’s a lightweight oil that adds shine and smoothness to you hair.
18. Redken Oil for AllI like because its a weightless, anti frizz formula works. Has a nice mandarin orange scent. Great at taming flyaways.
19. Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair OilI recommend because it gets rid of frizzy hair and also give you a nice healthy shine. Use on damp hair before you blow-dry or you can spritz on to control frizz on dry hair. Has a really good sandalwood scent.
20. Oribe Gold Lust All Over OilI like because it’s color and keratin treatment safe. Plus it’s vegan and gluten-free. The down side is it’s not as easy to apply as a spray. You will need work it in with your hands and fingers. A few drops goes a long way. Very good at hydrating.

10 Tips On How To Get Rid Of Static

Why does my hair get static when I brush it
Static hair when brushing

Tip: It’s possible that your brush is a primary source of static cling. When you brush your hair, friction occurs between your hair and the bristles, resulting in the generation of static electricity.

Plastic brushes have a greater tendency to generate static electricity, which means they are more likely to cause your hair to stand on end. If at all possible, replace your plastic brush with a wood or natural bristled one to decrease static electricity. Alternatively, you can spray your boar bristles brushes with a light mist of static guard. All you need to know is that a thick layer will make your hair oily so be careful.

The use of a wide-toothed comb is an excellent alternative in this situation. Its evenly spaced teeth help to prevent static electricity caused by friction.

How To Get Rid Of Static AdviseHow To Get Rid Of Static ProsHow To Get Rid Of Static Cons
1. Over shampooing – detergents in most shampoos strip your hair of natural oils and causes staticSounds too easy but actually works for most hair typesHard to scan ingredients – who knows what ingredient is really causing your dry hair – may take takes many trials
2. Ionic hair dryers eliminates static electricityNegative ions from the dryer will neutralize the positive ions which is how to get rid of static hairSometimes you do not want flat looking hair
3. Let your hair dry naturallyCuts down on fly-a-waysIf you have a lot of hair it could take a long time before your hair dries – besides who wants to walk around with a wet head
4. Synthetic materials promotes staticMan made materials can hold a positive charge and can be a major contributor to static hair conditionsSometimes it’s just not feasible not to wear you favorite scarf, jacket, sweater or hat
5. Humidity and dry hair promotes staticDry air especially indoors can make your hair dry out and cause static – turn on a humidifierIt may not be possible to control the humidity in certain locations – you can’t just go out and buy a humidifier
6. Water or ice eliminates static electricity instantlyTo control dry hair especially in spots where you have fly-a-ways you can use a tiny amount of waterToo much water can ruin your hair style and sometimes water is just not readily available
7. Oil or lotion avoids static electricityTo control fly-a-ways you can use a tiny amount of hand lotion – run through your hairCan leave you hair really oily and really is not made to put in your hair
8. Anti-static dryer sheetsTo control fly-a-ways you can rub on your brush or hairWho carries around drier sheets? If you do please leave a comment I would like to know why
9. Hairspray can get rid of staticCan carry a travel size hairspray and spray on your boar bristle brushes to reduce staticNone really depending on your hair style
10. Use a Leave-in conditioner to prevent static electricityCan carry a travel size leave-in conditionerNone really depending on your hair style
How to remove static Pros and Cons table


It’s common in the winter time due to the lack of moisture indoors. According to Stacey, Hair Research Analyst, “With the heaters working to pump in hot air that has little or no moisture the conditions are perfect for the creation of fly-a-away hair.

Static Hair Prevention Tips

Tip: The more you shampoo, the more you’re robbing your hair of its natural oils, according to the experts. As an alternative to washing your hair every day, try shampooing your hair every other day. If you have greasy hair or if you work out frequently, this tip may not be the best choice for your needs. However, if you are concerned about frizziness or static electricity, it is worthwhile to try to reduce your washing in whatever way makes the most sense for you.

One United Treatment

Redken Unisex One United Multi Benefit Hair Treatment Pros & Cons

Redken Unisex One United Multi Benefit Hair Treatment ProsRedken Unisex One United Multi Benefit Hair Treatment Cons
Smells good to most folksSome might find it kind of sticky
Sulfate freeShine questionable
Paraben freeNot as much moisturizing as I would have liked
LightweightNot a leave in product
Redken Unisex One United Multi Benefit Hair Treatment Pros And Cons Table


According to Meesh, Hair Product Analyst, “Try using a moisturizing conditioner on your hair. Make sure to apply it starting at the mid-length down to the ends.”  A good one is “One UnitedAll-In-One Multi-Benefit Treatment” or “All Soft Mega HydraMeltLeave-In Moisturizing Hair Lotion For Severely Dry Hair”, which adds moisture without weighting down your hair.

Tip: When drying your hair strands, try using an ionic hair dryer to assist restore the equilibrium of the natural charge in your hair strands. Ionic dryers work by releasing negative ions into the air to assist in the separation of water molecules. While this procedure helps to dry your hair faster, it also helps to avoid heat damage, which can cause your strands to become dry and frizzy over time.

All Soft Mega Hydra Melt

Tip: try not to over dry your hair. Leaving a little moisture in your hair will reduce static.

Redken All Soft Mega Hydramelt Leave-in Treatment Pros & Cons

Redken All Soft Mega Hydramelt Leave-in Treatment ProsRedken All Soft Mega Hydramelt Leave-in Treatment Cons
No residueStrong smell
Lightweight Not as much moisturizing as I would like
Leave in
Redken All Soft Mega Hydramelt Leave-in Treatment Pros And Cons Table

What To Do When Static Returns?

Tip: A hair mask is a deep conditioning treatment that can be used to recondition dry or frizzy hair and make it more manageable. You often leave a mask on for longer periods of time than you would with a regular conditioner, anything from three minutes to overnight in most cases. Masques also differ from leave-in conditioners, which are often lightweight enough to be left in the hair and serve as a style agent while the hair is still wet. Masks for the hair are thick and hydrating, and they are intended to be left on for longer lengths of time before being rinsed away.

REDKEN Oil Dry Style Enhancing Oil Pros & Cons

REDKEN Oil Dry Style Enhancing Oil ProsREDKEN Oil Dry Style Enhancing Oil Cons
Smell goodPrice
Lightweight
Leave in
Shine
REDKEN Oil Dry Style Enhancing Oil Pros And Cons Table

If static returns later in the day try a spritz of water on your hair. By using a fine misting of water you are adding moisture back into your hair thus eliminating static.

You may have to do this a few times depending on how dry the air is. It’s also a good idea to use a leave in conditioner. This is a great way to control static as changes in weather conditions are changing. When the hair accumulates static electricity, this is referred to as static hair. The simplest explanation is that owing to friction or changes in the weather pattern, static hair acquires an extra few electrons and becomes static. While static hair is not dangerous in and of itself, it can cause hair to become brittle and frizzy.

Tip: Hair spray should be sprayed onto your comb before combing through your hair to remove static. this is especially effective during the colder months. This will disperse hairspray all throughout the place, keeping the statistic parts under control. It’s also possible to spray a little hairspray onto your palms and then rub your hands over the sections that are sticking up.

Hydration in the winter is key and by using hair oil on your strands will contribute to fighting flying-hair all day long. One great product is Redken’s Glow Dry.

How To Replenish Your Hair’s Moisture

OGX Organix Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo and Conditioner

OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo & Conditioner Set Pros & Cons

OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo & Conditioner Set ProsOGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo & Conditioner Set Cons
Smells greatNone
Infused with Argan oil
Shine
Color treated
OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo & Conditioner Set Pros And Cons Table

Winters and dry air can take out all the moisture from your hair leaving it feeling dry and brittle. To fight dryness try using a shampoo containing argan oil. Argan oil will soften dry hair leaving it more manageable. Argan oil infused shampoos helps to replenishes and maintains essential moisture balance thus it helps keep hair moist and soft through out the day. One favorite is “OGX Organix Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo & Conditioner“, the set runs about $19.00 but you can find it cheaper if purchased separately and in a smaller amounts than 19.5 oz. These are large bottles. The price is quoted as of the time of this writing and may have changed.

Includes 19.5 oz Shampoo and 19.5 oz Conditioner. Includes Shampoo 19.5 oz and Conditioner 19.5oz. A unique precious blend of Moroccan Argan Oil that instantly penetrates the hair shaft restoring shine and softness while strengthening and creating soft, seductive, silky perfection.

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua) , Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate , Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate , Cocamidopropyl Betaine , Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine , Dimethicone Copolyol , Cocamide DEA , Glycol Distearate , Argania Spinoza Oil (Argan) , Cacao Extract (Cocoa Butter) , Parfum , Theobroma Cocos Nucifera Oil (Coconut) , Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado) , Aloe Barbadensis Extract (Aloe Leaf) , Panthenol , Polyquaternium-11 , DMDM Hydantoin , Cetyl Alcohol , Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride , PEG-23M , Red 40 , Yellow 5

Honeydew Products Aloe Vera Shampoo with Sunflower and Keratin

Aloe Vera Shampoo with Sunflower & Keratin Pros & Cons

Aloe Vera Shampoo with Sunflower & Keratin ProsAloe Vera Shampoo with Sunflower & Keratin Cons
Aloe VeraSome say it has a sweet scent but I totally disagree!!!
NaturalWorks VERY Fast!!! Be careful not to leave on your hair for too long – will strip it clean.
VitaminsMay leave your scalp too dry if you leave in on too long.
Keratin
Made in USA
Aloe Vera Shampoo with Sunflower & Keratin Pros And Cons Table

I like the shampoo and usually have a bottle or two in the bathroom. I like it because I know just how long to leave it on my hair. If I have really oily hair I can leave the shampoo on for  a little longer and I know my hair will be clean.

Another great ingredient to look for in shampoo to help add back moisture is Aloe Vera. One that comes to mind is “Honeydew Products Aloe Vera Shampoo with Sunflower & Keratin” – $9.95. It contains an advanced formula of high levels of pure Aloe Vera Extract sourced straight from the plant which can be helpful for bringing hair back to life and minimizing static. If you have very fine hair this is going to be a great product for you.

It’s a 100% natural shampoo which contains a nourishing, vitamin-rich formula with pure aloe vera + sunflower oil and plant-derived keratin to clean and replenish all hair types. Rich in vitamins and organic compounds including vitamins A, B, C, D, E, beta carotene, lecithin, insulin, unsaturated fatty acids.

The advanced formula contains high levels of pure aloe vera extract from the plant that is rich in nutrients that help treat the skin’s epithelial cells for deeply nourishing scalp therapy

It also is enhanced with cold pressed Sunflower Oil which contains essential fatty acids to repair dry and broken hair & prevent brittle and thinning hair. Plant-derived Keratin offers voluminous properties by replenishing keratin to deficient hair follicles.

Works well with any conditioner and is great for all types of hair, including fine and damaged hair. To men and women of all ages. Sulfate-free shampoo is both safe for color-treated hair and safe for everyday use. Hypoallergenic without the use of harsh ingredients, artificial colors and free of parabens and sodium chloride (harsh salt). Vegan, free of cruelty (meaning not tested on animals at any point) and bottled in environmentally friendly packaging materials

Manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility in the United States which is a big plus.

Ingredients:
Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauryl Glucoside Carboxylate, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Acrylates Copolymer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glycerin, Sodium PCA, D-Panthenol, Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Oil, Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) Oil, Phytokeratin, Fragrance.

All ingredients and pricing is quoted is at the time of this writing and is subject to change. Please see manufactures listings for current information.

Conclusion

Static electricity is a problem during dry periods. Static electricity is caused when there is no moisture in your hair. If you have a problem with static electricity in your hair, I hope the aforementioned tips will help you tame your hair.

Whenever possible, avoid products that include drying agents. Read nutrition labels on food to learn about the contents in it, and do the same when it comes to your hair products to learn about the ingredients in them. It is possible that some people, particularly those with curly hair, will be concerned about sulfates, which are compounds included in shampoo and conditioner that help clean your hair and scalp.

Those with naturally dry hair, on the other hand, may find them to be excessively drying, resulting in frizz. Also keep an eye out for alcohol, which can be present in products such as gels, styling foams, and dry shampoos. Some types of alcohol, such as rubbing alcohol, can have a “drying effect” on hair and scalp which will dry strands of hair.

It’s likely that you’ve heard of the hair hack that involves using dryer sheets on your hair to eliminate static electricity, prevent frizz or reduce frizz, but most hairstylists do not encourage this because laundry sheets are not intended for use on hair and skin. As a result, using them on sensitive or dry scalps could cause irritation.

However, anti-static sheets designed exclusively for hair are available from firms such as Nunzio Saviano Anti-Frizz Sheets, which can be applied directly to flyaways and right along the hairline. Their formula contains nonsticky polymers and coconut oil, which give them a slight hold and a hint of gloss while also providing a touch of hold.

Tip: These tips ans tricks can serve as a hair loss solution since they give effective hair care and help to make hair stronger and longer-lasting, in addition to preventing hair loss.


References

Image courtesy of pin.it/b2p5hbfipqi7um

https://www.ogxbeauty.com

redken.com

Dias, M. F. R. G. (2015). Hair cosmetics: an overview. International journal of trichology, 7(1), 2.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/