What causes static, and how to solve it

Once sweater season is in full swing, fine-haired ladies deal with more than just the chill. Without the slightest provocation, every strand of hair propels skyward like that of a Troll Doll. Sound familiar?
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Well, there’s a reason for all that static. The minute the temp drops, the air dries up and our hair loses negatively-charged electrons, leaving us with a head of positively-charged strands, each trying to put as much distance between itself and its fellow hairs as possible. The result? Unmanageable, unwanted winter flyaways. Here’s how to trounce cold weather static:
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON
If your hair could benefit from a little lovin’, now would be a good time to stock up on replenishing hair masks and serums. Treat your tresses to these protective solutions and keep the static at bay.
bh recommends: Oribe Supershine Light Moisturising Cream, muk Spa Argan Oil Repair Mask, bhave™ Riot Control Serum, Moroccanoil Frizz Control
CONDITION, CONDITION, CONDITION
We know you had to be out the door ten minutes ago, but please don’t skip this vital step after washing. Dry air equals dry hair, so unless you’re keen on the whole crazy scientist look, take the extra five to condition your strands. In addition to hydrating hair, conditioners neutralise those static-causing negative charges.
bh recommends: Dove Damage Therapy Daily Moisture Conditioner, De Lorenzo Rejuven8 Conditioner, TIGI S-Factor True Lasting Colour Conditioner, Fudge Big Bold OOMF Conditioner, Paul Mitchell Lemon Sage Thickening Conditioner
STRATEGIC COMBING
When your hair is wet, it’s best to use your fingers or a plastic comb to reduce the risk of tugging, tearing pulling or ripping. But for dry hair, different rules apply. Here’s a fun fact: did you know that using a metal comb on dry hair will help to regulate static by acting as a conductor for the electricity surge? Science, hey.
bh recommends: Lady Jayne Tail Comb, ghd Detangling Comb, Scunci Printed Detangling Comb
COUNTERACT THE DRY
Unless you really, really have to, hold off on shampooing daily. Washing your hair on the reg strips away sebum, causing tresses to become dry and brittle - and prone to static and flyaways. By leaving a 24-or-more hour window between washing, you’ll allow the oil to build up again, and in turn, control those static-y strands. Opt for a shampoo with nourishing ingredients such as keratin and argan oil, Also, try to avoid really hot showers (in winter… we know, sorry) as they can dry out your scalp.
bh recommends: Wella System Professional LuxeOil Keratin Protect Shampoo, Indola INNOVA Keratin Straight Shampoo, Natural World Brazilian Keratin Smoothing Therapy Shampoo, Lush Jason And The Argan Oil
What other tips do you have for combating static in the cooler months?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
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91 Member Comments
I notice during winter I do get a bit of static after blow drying which is funny because my hair is oily. Maybe the ends are drier hence the slight static.
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Some very effective products here, and great ideas
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I've noticed a bit of static this winter so I've used so Argan Oil to tame the runaways.
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I'm glad I don't have this problem!
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I like Schwarzkopf BB cream, it is nice and very affordable
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Strangely I found Lush's solid shampoo to be really drying!
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This article is showing product hyperlinks that go nowhere. I was keen to look at the Wella Luxe Keratin products!
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I like Schwarzkopf leave-in treatments, I've tried a few, their BB is great. A finishing spritz of hair spray is good if it's blowing a gale outside.
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I love, love, love Bhave! That stuff is so awesome, it's what I've been using for a while.
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I am a hair moisturising freak because I'm not a fan of static, it does nothing for my badly damaged hair.
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My baby hairs stick up like crazy and I find myself constantly tucking them under longer strands.
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I don't seem to get too much static
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Interesting tips....
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Sometimes I have a lot of static. Great to now know how to better solve it.
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I always just use a wide toothed comb, I never brush my hair. A tiny amount of Moroccan oil tames any static flyaways for me.
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I never knew about using a metal comb on dry hair to reduce static......good tip.
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I love nourishing shampoos & conditioners, wide toothed combs, protective serums and oils, and mask treatments.
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I use a pre shampoo oil in my hair and I do use a wide comb while I still have conditioner in my hair.I then put my hair in a clip, finish showering then comb through the conditioner and rinse then get out. And this does help my hair.
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It's usually an issue for me in winter.
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Thankfully my fly away days seem to have passed with the products I now use.
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don't keep us in suspense, spill the beans!
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I used to have static issues but I don't really have it anymore as I use thoroughly moisturising conditioners and a good hair oil. If I get a few flyways then I spray a little hairspray into my hands and smooth it over the top.
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After trying that heat activating treatment from Schwarzkopf in this month's Discovery Bag I am sold! SO affordable and no frizz, plus repairs hair! Thanks so much BH for letting me try it, love it
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it's pretty awesome right, never expected it for the price!
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