Static Hair Sucks!

I don't know what time of year is worse for my hair: summer (freaky frizz season) or winter (static monstrosity). Personally, I'd say winter. It's like I'm rubbing my hands on a balloon 24/7!

Lack of moisture in the air + artificial heat + static electricity all play factors in how dry our hair (and also our skin) feels this time of year. What a pain.

Here are a few tips to combat static, and a few things to avoid.

Photo by Blake Cheek

DEFINITELY...

...MOISTURIZE YOUR ENDS. Conditioner and leave-in conditioner will be your wintertime best friend. If you don't like conditioner, or if you think it weighs your hair down, substitute for a leave-in. A little goes a long way.

...SHAMPOO LESS. The more you shampoo, the more dry your hair (and scalp!) will feel. I realize this is difficult for some women, especially those who have fine hair like me, or have oily roots. If this is the case, feel free to ask your stylist for styling tips that will give you a few extra days before your next shampoo.

Also, your hair has different needs for different seasons. Consider switching shampoos a few times a year.

...USE A HUMIDIFIER. Keeping your house warm is cozy, of course, but have you noticed a difference in your skin? If your skin is dry, most likely your hair will be. To combat this, I highly recommend running a humidifier in your bedroom at night.

My husband fought me on this for the longest time because he claims that our humidifier is too loud for him to fall asleep. (I called his bluff when I reminded him that we go to bed with the TV on). I asked him to try it for a week, and I SWEAR that his scalp AND skin weren't nearly as dry. He reluctantly, admitted I was right.

Photo by Johannes Zottele

AVOID...

...TOO MUCH HAIR SPRAY. I'll be the first to admit that I need hair spray to keep my style in place. But spraying too much and then brushing your hair out/adjusting your style will bring you back to square one. Hair spray contains alcohol - and alcohol is dehydrating. Use gently.

...DRYER SHEETS. I've seen this all over the internet as a way to tame frizz and static. Not only is this just weird, but dryer sheets are loaded with chemicals. If they can potentially do damage to your dryer, I don't think I'm going out on a limb by saying they're probably not good for your hair either.

...HATS AND SCARVES. If you're about to leave your house or the salon with a perfect blow out, most winter gear will produce static like no other. I know, I know, they're means of keeping warm, but I just had to put that out there.