How to REALLY fight static hair
Winter is here and so is the non-fashionable static hair! So many tricks and tips abound as to why static hair happens or how to relieve the problem. From static guard, to dryer sheets. As a professional hairstylist and nationally recognized educator for a major hair care company, I'll give you the real skinny on the causes of static hair and ways to combat it so you have fashionable hair all winter long. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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To understand how to get rid of static electricity in hair, we must first understand a bit about our hair. Hair is positively charged and in it's more normal state is acidic in the pH range of 4.5- 5.5pH. When hair becomes more damaged it crosses over the 7pH range it becomes more alkali and negatively charged. This damage can come from chemical services such as coloring, or perms, as well as mechanical damage from heat implements like blow dryers and flat irons.
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Dry winter air is less humid, where as in the summer the air is more humid, so the water in the air allows for the electricity to flow off of the hair shaft rather than building up and causing hair static. The simplest solution is to walk around with wet hair. But that is not always the best look nor really comfortable in cold weather.
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Here are very simple things to look for and do at home. The first thing is to condition your hair. Hot oil treatments, don't work and are a waste of money. During winter months you will need more of the conditioners that contain moisture and are more on the lower end of the pH scale. Products claiming to be "pH balanced" are just, that which is actually a 7 or neutral on the pH scale, hair is 3.5 - 5.5pH so make sure your shampoo and conditioner are within that range...not "pH balanced".
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For styling products look for those products that are WATER BASED. most waxes, gels and pomades are petroleum based and over time can build up on your scalp and hair. Remember electricity will flow through water and off your hair so those styling products that are WATER BASED are the best to use.
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Most people use a blow dryer and some will use a curling iron or flat iron. In those cases look for products to apply in damp hair and that contain thermal protection, or are heat activated products. Most of these types of products contain coconut oil, or vitamin E which helps protect the hair while moisturizing as well.
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Finishing sprays are great to use especially on a comb or brush before styling the hair. This helps break up the abundance of positively charged electrons. Then simply spray the hair when done styling. Don't be afraid of the "alcohol" found in most aerosols. Alcohol is used as a "transport" system to get the resins out of the can an evaporates upon hitting the air. Several hairsprays have gone to using a butane transport system. Neither Alcohol or Butane in today's products are found in significant amounts to actually "dry" hair out as in the past.
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Know your hair type. Fine hair is lacking in protein, you need products that contain protein although your getting your best volume of the year during the winter months because the air is dry. But you still need to moisturize to help prevent the static. If your hair is medium then you have a pretty good balance of protein and moisture and can use just about any type of products. Course hair, you usually have a lot of protein but are lacking in moisture. This time of year is crucial for you and you will experience the worst in static. Look for heavy creme conditioners especially those with coconut or avocado oil. These will be your best choices.
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Tips & Warnings
dryer sheets contain chemicals that aren't healthy for your hair and skin and could cause you to break out.
static guard is for clothes and should not be used on your hair.
