Why Is My Hair So Staticky? Main Causes And Tips To Avoid It
Have you ever visited our barbershop at Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon during the coldest days of winter? Then perhaps you saw it for yourself - the regular customer takes off his warm beanie hat and gets a shock. Hair standing on end like a mad scientist is the most common problem for many guys, especially when it starts to get cold outside.
Of course, such issues ruin a good hairstyle and spoil the whole look. In order to resolve this problem and understand how to fix static hair, it is important to understand the mechanism behind it. In this article, we will tell you more about the main reasons for this problem, as well as share some useful tips that will definitely help you tame your hair, no matter how bad the weather outside.
The Reasons for Static Hair
Dry Air
When winter comes, it is quite difficult to maintain sufficient moisture in the air since the temperature goes drastically lower. As a result, the air becomes quite dry which contributes to the buildup of extra electrons inside your hair shafts. Being deprived of the natural moisture barrier, hair becomes negatively charged and starts repelling the accumulated electrons. As a result, your hair strands start moving away from each other causing hair electrostaticity, which makes it harder to prevent static hair.
Physical Friction
Pulling off a warm jacket, a woolen scarf, or a knit beanie may also cause electrostatic shocks. The reason is pretty simple - when rubbing against your hair, all mentioned garments take some electrons off it making hair positively charged. As we already know, like charges repel one another, which is why hair strands start repelling each other.
Product Buildup
One of the main problems of guys who want to stay stylish in a cold season is frequent usage of styling clay, pomade, wax and other similar products to create volume and style. Regular application of such products and their failure to remove it from your scalp and hair shafts completely lead to a buildup which blocks moisture from penetrating deep into it.
As a result, hair strands start drying out and become quite sensitive to the external factors contributing to electrostatic charges, which makes hair static control even more difficult.
Damaged Hair
Hair is very sensitive to external factors, and sometimes they cannot withstand it and become damaged or broken. This means that hair cuticles are exposed and open, and the hair shaft becomes dried out. Such hair strands start attracting friction much faster, becoming a perfect base for electrostatic charge.
Tips on How to Avoid Static
Upgrade to Moisturizing Shampoos and Conditioners
To avoid electrostatic reactions, you should always keep hair hydrated and moisturized. Thus, in the cold seasons, we advise our male customers to purchase some good-quality shampoos and conditioners designed specifically for moisture retention. Premium ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, and aloe are recommended for this purpose.
Use Anti-Static Products
Your regular washing products may not be enough sometimes and require additional protection. In this case, we suggest purchasing leave-in conditioners which provide additional moisture and protection to your strands. For those with facial hair, applying some small amounts of beard oil to your finished style will help get static out and protect it from becoming charged.
Air Dry Your Hair
Using a blow-dryer is never beneficial for hair as it only dries hair strands further out. This is why, whenever possible, you should try to air-dry your hair. When you need to style it, it is better to keep the blow-dryer on a cool mode and keep it at some distance from your scalp.
Learn How to Brush Hair Properly
Many people believe that it is important to brush hair regularly to avoid tangles. But using the wrong technique, as well as cheap brushes and combs made of plastic materials, will only add to the static problem. Instead, we advise purchasing wooden brushes to brush your hair gently.
FAQs About Static Hair Problems
Does The Length Of The Hair Strands Matter?
As a rule, guys with long hair tend to suffer from static problems as they have more strands rubbing against clothes. However, this problem may occur with shorter hairstyles as well due to dryness and lack of natural moisture, making it harder to avoid static hair.
Does Shower Water Impact My Electrostatic Problems?
Yes, as taking hot showers removes natural oils from the hair, making it dry. It’s recommended to use lukewarm water to keep hair healthy.
What Kind Of Pillowcase Should I Choose To Avoid Static?
Regular pillows stimulate hair static, so we recommend using silk pillowcases to solve this problem.
Stay Away from Hair Shock!
Of course, it’s frustrating to deal with constant static hair problems, but it is possible to overcome it. With the right hydration, good grooming techniques, and professional products, you will be able to avoid electrostatic problems. Our experts always strive to improve our customers' hair and make it easier to style at Frank’s. If you’re searching for a nearby men's hair salon in Denver, visit our friendly team. We guarantee that after a consultation and some treatment, you will be amazed with how easy it is to keep your hair neat and stylish!
