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Redken Blog: What causes hair static and how to fight it

WHAT CAUSES STATIC & HOW TO FIGHT IT

Hair static, frizz and flyaways happen to the best of us, especially during the winter months. On top of dry skin and chapped lips, the cold winter air makes escaping the static electricity seem impossible. To better understand how to get rid of hair static and tame your flyaways, you need to know a bit more about what causes it. Read on for our best tips and tricks to retain moisture, minimize frizz, and get rid of hair static once and for all.

SO, WHY IS MY HAIR SO STATICKY?

Staticky hair happens when your hair builds up an electrical charge. If you need a refresher on the science, we've got you covered! Static electricity is created when two unlike objects rub against each other, causing electrons from one object to be transferred to the other. The object that loses the electrons gets a positive charge, while the object that gains electrons get a negative charge.

An easy example is hat hair. When the material of your hat rubs against the strands of your hair, they swap electrons. This swap causes a kind of electric charge to build up on your hair. If there is humidity in the air, the charge can usually just go away. However, if there isn’t any humidity or moisture in your hair, like on a dry winter morning, the charge causes your strands to repel from another like a magnet. Electric charges don't flow through water, so the lack of humidity typically found in winter months makes hair static more prominent. This also explains why dry and damaged hair is more prone to hair static.

In short, your hair static happens because your hair is literally so full of electrons that it can’t stand itself. Now, that you know what causes static electricity let’s talk about the ways to fight it.



HOW TO GET RID OF STATIC ELECTRICITY IN YOUR HAIR



1) TURN TO HYDRATING HAIR PRODUCTS


Redken Hair Oil to Beat Hair Static

One of the main reasons your hair is conducting an electric charge is likely because it's dehydrated so you should focus on hydration to avoid dry hair. During the winter months, our strands can become dry and brittle due to lack of moisture in the air and harsh winter temperatures. The combination of cold winds with warm indoor heat are not doing your hair any favors. To remedy this, give your hair some TLC by nourishing your strands with a multi-benefit hair oil that tames frizz and seals in moisture. Keep hair hydrated with hydrating hair products such as All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner and pair with nourishing hair oil like the All Soft Argan Oil. To achieve even shinier hair, use Redken's Naked Gloss Lightweight Shine Oil. This lightweight hair oil smooths, hydrates, and protects hair with zero residue or greasy feel for a soft hair touch.

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2) UPGRADE TO AN IONIC HAIR DRYER


Redken Why Is My Hair So Staticky
Photo Credit: @hairbycodyalexander

In order to help balance your hair’s natural charge, try using an ionic hair dryer when drying your strands. Unlike traditional blow dryers, ionic dryers work by emitting negative ions. Since water ions are positively charged, the negative ions effectively help separate water molecules from hair strands. This process not only helps to dry your hair faster, but ionic dryers also use less heat, reducing heat damage and creating a frizz-free finish.



3) FIGHT FRIZZ


Redken Frizz Dismiss Anti-Static Rebel Tame Leave-In Cream

Don’t let fly-aways get the best of your hair. Our favorite remedy for fighting hair static is our Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame Leave-In Cream, a multi-benefit, anti-frizz, heat-protectant leave-in conditioner. Like the rest of our Frizz Dismiss line, the formula features sustainably-sourced Babassu Oil for enhanced smoothness, manageability and shine.

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4) SWAP OUT YOUR HAT


Redken Anti Static Tip: Swap Out Your Hat
Photo Credit: @spencerhenry

Say goodbye to hat hair without ditching your hat. Instead of cotton lined or acrylic hats, opt for headwear with silk or satin lining. These gentler materials allow your hair to lie flat while avoiding any unnecessary friction or damage from your hat. Instead your hair will glide across the material, preventing frizz, static and dreaded hat hair.



5) COMB WITH HAIRSPRAY


Redken Acidic Color Gloss to smooth staticky hair
Photo Credit : @beeblondor

Your must-have travel companions this winter: hairspray and a metal comb. To tame frizz, spray the metal comb with hairspray and comb hair from root to tip. While the hairspray tames fly-aways without leaving your hair crunchy, the metal comb works magic on static. As you comb, any static in your hair will attach the metal instead of your strands. How cool?



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6) ADD LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER TO YOUR ROUTINE


Redken Hair Styling One United Leave-In Conditioner 25 Benefits in One for staticky hair

Another great way to feed your hair the moisture it needs is by using a leave-in conditioner throughout the winter. The product will help to hydrate the strands and defend against the varying temperatures and weather conditions. Simply spray the product throughout your strands and comb through to evenly distribute. If you have hair that’s on the coarse side and is in need of some intense nourishment, you can also try using a leave-in moisturizing lotion which can hydrate parched strands without weighing them down. For deep hydration you should also incorporate a hair mask into your weekly routine.



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SHOP ALL SOFT HEAVY CREAM SUPER TREATMENT HAIR MASK

SHOP ACIDIC COLOR GLOSS GLOSS-IN-MASK





FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HAIR STATIC


Q1: Why is my hair so staticky?

Your hair becomes staticky when it builds up an electrical charge, often due to friction. This commonly happens when your hair rubs against dry objects like hats or scarves. In dry environments, especially during winter when there's a lack of humidity, this charge can't dissipate easily. As a result, your hair strands literally repel each other, leading to those frustrating flyaways. Dry and dehydrated hair is particularly prone to holding this charge, making moisture essential for preventing static.


Q2: How can I get rid of static in my hair and how do I get static out of hair?

Combating hair static involves a multi-pronged approach focused on hydration and reducing friction. Here are our top Redken tips:

  • Boost Moisture: Hydrate your hair with nourishing hair oils like Redken Naked Gloss Lightweight Shine Oil or All Soft Argan-6 Hair Oil.
  • Choose Smart Tools: Opt for an ionic hair dryer, which helps balance your hair's natural charge and reduces frizz.
  • Target Static with dedicated products: Our Frizz Dismiss Anti-Static Oil Mist is specifically designed to smooth flyaways and static without weighing hair down.
  • Opt for Gentle Fabrics: When wearing hats, choose silk or satin-lined options to minimize friction and prevent static build-up.
  • The Hairspray Comb Trick: Lightly mist a metal comb with a flexible hold hairspray like Redken Brushable Hairspray and comb through your hair. The metal helps dissipate the static charge, while the hairspray tames flyaways.
  • Incorporate Leave-In Conditioners: A hydrating leave-in like Redken One United Leave-In Conditioner provides continuous moisture and protection against environmental factors that cause static.
  • Moisture-Rich Routines: Ensure your shampoo and conditioner are deeply moisturizing, such as the Redken All Soft line, to keep your hair supple and less prone to static.

Q3: What are the best anti-static hair products?

To effectively fight static, you need products that provide moisture, smooth the hair cuticle, and reduce friction. Redken offers a range of anti-static hair products designed to help:

  • Hair Oils: Redken Naked Gloss Lightweight Shine Oil, All Soft Argan-6 Hair Oil, and Frizz Dismiss Instant Deflate Oil-In-Serum provide essential hydration and smoothness.
  • Targeted Static Control: The Frizz Dismiss Anti-Static Oil Mist is a standout for quickly smoothing flyaways and neutralizing static.
  • Hairsprays: A flexible hairspray like Redken Brushable Hairspray can be used with a metal comb to tame static without stiffness.
  • Leave-In Treatments: Redken One United Leave-In Conditioner delivers multiple benefits, including hydration and static control.
  • Moisturizing Haircare: The complete Redken All Soft and Frizz Dismiss lines (including shampoos, conditioners, and masks) are formulated to provide deep moisture and frizz control, which are key to preventing static in the first place.

On the same topic

The Redken blog is your ultimate resource for all things hair, offering expert advice, inspiration, and product recommendations to help you achieve your best hair yet. From the latest trends and techniques to personalized hair care routines and styling tips, discover everything you need to know to create and maintain healthy, beautiful hair. Explore articles covering a wide range of topics, including color care, styling tutorials, product spotlights, and expert interviews, all designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to achieve your hair goals. Whether you're a seasoned stylist or a hair enthusiast, the Redken blog is your go-to destination for staying ahead of the curve and unlocking your hair's full potential.

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