Static Hair - How to Stop and Get Rid of Static Electricity

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Static, flyaway hair is a condition that is much easier to get rid of than most people think. To stop it, you only need to do two things: reduce friction and increase moisture. This may sound like an over simplification but it really isn't. This article explains how static electricity occurs in hair and what you can do to get rid of it.

Static electricity has been studied for so long and so thoroughly that there is no doubt as to why it occurs. More recently, scientists have applied this knowledge to understanding how it builds up in hair. Their investigations originally began as scientific studies into fabric and wool and later, their focus turned to human hair. (For examples of scientific studies on the build-up of static electricity in human hair see "Chemical and Physical Behavior of Human Hair", Fourth Edition, by Clarence R. Robbins.)

Below are a few points based on documented observations.

Static Electricity from Hair-on-Comb verses Hair-on-Hair Friction

When a comb makes contact with hair, electrical charges are generated on the comb and on the surface of the hair because each has its own affinity (attraction) for electrons. Since hair does not conduct electricity very well, every time you comb or brush you are increasing the static charge. This results in what is known as "fly-away hair".
The main producer of static charge is not the occasional combing or brushing but instead the constant rubbing that occurs between the individual strands of hair. If each strand of hair is properly lubricated, they will slide against each other and you will effectively reduce the overall friction.

Bleaching and Hair Fiber Friction

Bleached hair interacts with shampoo and conditioner very differently than "natural" hair. Studies show that bleaching hair increases the friction between hair fibers.

Hair type is Critical to "fly-away hair".

Studies have compared different hair types to see if there is any correlation between the shape of the hair fiber and its ability to hold static electricity. They have shown that straight hair has a greater tendency than very curly hair to maintain a static charge.

Adding a "Positive" Charge with Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate

It is possible to add a positive electrical charge to hair. Scientists have demonstrated that ammonium has a positive charge, that it helps to decrease static on the hair and also decreases hair fiber friction. However sulfates can be irritating to both the skin and hair because they strip natural protective oils.

Moisture Content and Static

The moisture content of your hair determines more than anything else, its electrical resistance and conductivity. By increasing moisture on the surface of the hair shaft, it will be less prone to develop a static charge. But more importantly, when you reduce the resistance, the electrical charge spreads over the entire hair and dissipates naturally into the air.

Temperature and Static

Colder temperatures increase static charge and warmer temperatures decrease it. For every 10 degree change, hair becomes 5 times more or less resistant to static electricity. This means that winter months require extra care.

What can you do to get rid of static hair?

To reduce static build-up, you must only brush or comb your hair when absolutely necessary. How fast or slow you comb your hair does not make much of a difference. At best, you can experiment with different combs or brushes to see which material produces less static when used with your hair.
Moisturize your hair. A moisturizer is any ingredient that either helps your hair retain its natural moisture, proteins and oils (sebum) or supplies them from the outside in. Aloe Vera juice is an excellent example of a truly moisturizing ingredient.
Use a humectant to keep your hair moisturized throughout the day, especially when the air is cold or dry. Humectants are compounds that draw moisture from the atmosphere and pull it into the hairs' cortex. Vegetable glycerin is a good example of an organic compound that acts as a humectant.
Protect your hair. There are natural oils, such as Argan oil, that encourages your hair cuticles to lie flat. The shine that it gives your hair is a positive sign that it is properly lubricated.