While you have just taken care of your hair damaged by the summer , here comes a new season with its share of hair problems. And this time, the latter reach – literally – unprecedented heights. Here’s how to tame electric hair.
WHERE DOES ELECTRIC HAIR COME FROM?
Your hair is made up of atoms, which in turn are made up of electrons, protons, and neutrons. When atoms have the same amount of protons and neutrons, they are neutral. However, when electrons move between atoms, the atoms become positively charged. Result: electric hair appears. So where do these deviant electrons come from? They are caused by friction between two materials, such as a hat and your hair for example.
WHY DOES IT GET WORSE IN THE WINTER?
The main culprit is the temperature difference: the dry climate outside and the high temperatures inside. Winter air has low humidity, which makes static electricity even more of a problem. If there is no moisture in your hair or in the air, the electrical charge causes your hair to repel against other materials. And that is exactly why the winter period is the worst for your hairstyle. Wool sweaters, thick scarves and hats that you can put on and take off several times a day create friction. And those with thin hair will be even more likely to experience it.
HOW TO PERMANENTLY BAN ELECTRIC HAIR?
Now that we have seen in detail the cause of this indomitable hairstyle, discover all our tips for finding smooth and shiny hair.
1. Hydrating hair oil
As a new chemist, you now know that electric hair is caused by a lack of moisture. The solution is therefore simple: Hydrate! Adopt a hair oil or serum to keep your hair smooth and nourished at the same time. A tip: carry a small bottle of hair oil in your purse to get rid of acute static electricity problems at any time of the day
2. The right brush
Plastic hairbrushes plastic are to be banned, because as plastic is a bad conductor, all the electrical voltage is found on your hair. On the contrary, a brush with metal rods or natural bristles will absorb all the electricity and keep your hair smooth.
3. Fewer washes
Try to reduce your washing to 2-3 times a week. Use good quality shampoo and conditioner, and also avoid alcohol-based drying products, as well as hairspray and dry shampoo.
4. Clever hairstyles
A simple solution – if your hair is long enough – is to tie it in a ponytail or a braid. It doesn’t have to be a fancy hairstyle. Think Meghan Markle’s messy bun for example.
5. Anti-frizz products
For last-minute solutions or when on the go, there are ultra-convenient anti-frizz wipes. These look like eyeglass cleaning cloths and are meant to remove static charges from your hair. There is also a kind of blotting paper for your locks, which, like dry shampoo, removes excess moisture (read: sebum).
6. Thermal protection
For best results, let your hair air dry. Can’t do without a hair dryer? Be sure to protect your hair from the heat with a heat protector to lock in moisture.
7. The right hair dryer
Some hair dryers can tend to make the hair more electric, which is absolutely not the intended purpose! Choose a model that distributes air completely evenly, such as the Dyson Supersonic. Result? You get a smoother hairstyle.
8. Styling appliances
Did you know that there are styling tools that neutralize static electricity? These devices emit positively charged ions to neutralize negative electrons, thereby suppressing electricity. This clever technology does not only apply to hair dryers, but also to brushes. This way, you can comb your hair and dry your hair without static electricity messing up your mane afterwards. Win-win!
More Stories
How to Keep Your Hair Looking Fabulous During the Winter Months
Your Ultimate Guide to Hair Vitamins: What Works and What Doesn’t
5 Signs You’re Not Washing Your Hair Enough